Alumni FAQ: what can you do with a Bachelor of Communications? 

Communication is a desired skill that pops up again and again in job advertisements. It’s widely considered one of the most important transferrable skills that transcends industries, businesses and roles.  

It’s highly likely that if you’re well-versed in communications, you’re going to be a sought-after candidate for a whole range of positions.    

To learn how it’s done from someone who has successfully navigated the job market (and lived to tell the tale), we sat down with Deakin Bachelor of Communication graduate Emily.  

Emily hit the career-ground running in 2020, despite stage four lockdowns (IYKYK).  

Here, Emily answers one of your most-asked questions: what can you do with a Bachelor of Communications? 

What is a Bachelor of Communication? 

A Bachelor of Communication is an undergraduate degree that can turn your passion for content into a career.   

You’ll gain the skills you need to connect with audiences in an ever-changing media landscape.  

If you choose to study a Bachelor of Communications, you could go on to major in a range of topics, including:   

• advertising 

• digital and social media 

• journalism  

• public relations.   

Meet Deakin University Bachelor of Communication graduate, Emily  

Emily attended Deakin University from 2017 to 2019, completing a Bachelor of Communication and majoring in Public Relations.  

Emily shares what her current role as Partnerships Manager at AFL Victoria is like: ‘No two days are the same.’ 

‘I could be writing media releases, working on million-dollar contract renewals or travelling regional Victoria with Tom Boyd (ex-Western Bulldogs player) to remind everyone staying safe at work allows you do the things you love, in partnership with WorkSafe.’

Despite the stresses of the job, the culture and people at AFL Victoria help fuel Emily’s passion to give her best at work.  

What is studying a Bachelor of Communication like? 

‘Studying a Bachelor of Communication was a breath of fresh air,’ says Emily. ‘Even if we did consume an unholy amount of chai lattes!’ 

‘We did two major internships which gave us a taste of the roles that we might pursue after graduation.’ 

 Another highlight for Emily of her Bachelor of Communication degree was studying abroad. She completed two units in Paris during a trimester break, enjoying her own real-life Emily in Paris moment. 

What can you do with a Bachelor of Communication? What jobs can you get?

‘There’s so much you can do with a Bachelor of Communication!’ Emily says. ‘If I had to sum it up in one word, ‘versatility’ is the best way to describe what the degree offers. The skills I acquired during my degree complement my current role perfectly.’ 

So, what jobs are available to Bachelor of Communication grads?  

With a Bachelor of Communication, you can take on many different roles across advertising, social media, public relations or journalism.  

Bachelor of Communication graduates have gone on to excel in roles such as: 

• advertising art director 

• copywriter 

• digital marketer or media specialist and 

• editor. 

This is just a snapshot of what you can do with a Bachelor of Communication. You could also consider taking the skills you acquired during your degree to a completely different industry.

Is a Bachelor of Communication degree useful for other careers? 

A Bachelor of Communication degree can open doors to a wide range of career paths in all sectors including healthcare, financial services and not-for-profit organisations.  

In fact, according to a January 2024 study by CSIRO, demand for interpersonal skills such as communication and networking has continued to climb since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

While it’s essential to do your research to find roles that you think you’ll enjoy in the long-term, the Bachelor of Communications can help you upskill for a variety of roles, even some that may not exist yet!   

As Emily notes, ‘My career journey wasn’t linear, but it allowed me to learn different parts of the business and make myself valuable. Building relationships within the organisation has been crucial, and my ability to manage stakeholders both internally and externally has been a significant asset.’   

What advice would Emily give to people considering a Bachelor of Communication?  

‘The Bachelor of Communication degree is often overlooked but communication is key in any job,’ says Emily.  

She continues, ‘You’ll always be writing, building relationships, and working to put the business’ best foot forward. I wouldn’t have the success that I do without the skills I learnt from my Bachelor of Communication degree.’ 

What ATAR do you need for a Bachelor of Communication?

60.35 ATAR is the lowest selection rank needed for entry into the Bachelor of Communication at Deakin’s Burwood Campus. 

A quick note on ATARs: If you’re passionate about studying a Bachelor of Communication, you may still be able to study at Deakin with a Lower ATAR. Our Deakin Guaranteed ATAR scheme aims to level the playing field and provide access to more students to study the course of their dreams. 

What you can do with a Bachelor of Communication: key takeaways 

When it comes to what you can do with a Bachelor of Communication, there’s no shortage of opportunities. Here are some ideas to get the wheels turning:  

• Journalism: Report on breaking news stories like that Vanity Fair journo from Inventing Anna.  

• Social Media Management: Create meme-able content for iconic Aussie brands like @Qantas and @Jetstar  

• Public Relations: Craft and maintain a positive public image for your clients. 

• Event Management: Plan and coordinate events from start to finish. Deakin graduate Emily has been lucky enough to help orchestrate memorable experiences like the prestigious 2023 AFL Grand Final and Gather Round 2024 

• Marketing and Advertising: Develop and execute powerful campaigns that that inspire action and change. 

Alternatively, you can break the mould and channel your creative skills in writing, public speaking and event management into any direction you desire.  

No matter what you decide, there’s so much you can do and achieve with your Bachelor of Communications.