Career Opportunities for Mass Communication Graduates in Nigeria

Communication as we used to know it, has changed phenomenally and continues to evolve. Communication technology and media now transcends physical limits and boundaries and graduates of mass communication have it all to do in using their imagination and exploiting the ever expanding career opportunities now made possible.

Mass communication is the study of how people exchange information through mass media to large segments of the population at the same time. In other words, mass communication refers to the imparting and exchanging of information on a large scale to a wide range of people. It is usually understood to relate newspaper, magazine, and book publishing, as well as radio, television and film, even via internet as these mediums are used for disseminating information, news and advertising.

Mass communication differs from the studies of other forms of communication, such as interpersonal communication or organizational communication, in that it focuses on a single source transmitting information to a large number of receivers. The study of mass communication is chiefly concerned with how the content of mass communication persuades or otherwise affects the behavior, attitude, opinion, or emotion of the person or people receiving the information.

Scope of Mass Communication

Mass Communication is not limited to journalism alone as many would erroneously think. To a great extent mass media is a modern reality which covers all aspects of human life. Moreover, a great change can be observed in the concept of people working in mass media. Careers in Mass Communication can be high paying but also bring in a great deal of job satisfaction and expression of creativity.

The one major challenge that graduates of Mass Communication have to contend with is that unlike what was previously obtainable, people no longer require a degree in journalism, mass communication or any other mass media field to compete as the democratisation of media technology and online platforms have totally changed the game.

Skills and Competencies that You Might Need

As a mass communicator here are a few of the skills you will need to acquire as a foundation to rising as far as you can in any chosen job or career related to the use of mass media both old and new.

• Verbal/written communication ability
• Persuasive/Negotiation skills
• Idea Evaluation
• Accuracy and Attention to details (these days a little mistake can be amplified by the viral effect of mass media)
• Research skills
• Analytical skills
• Creativity

Career Opportunities for Mass Communication Graduates

Mass media (which is what mass communication works with) has little boundaries. It is used to describe media platforms and channels that can be used for widespread communication and audience engagement. No longer are the radio and TV the major mass media used by mass communicators. The internet and mobile platforms along with all other new media have changed the definition and scope of mass media forever.

For you a graduate of mass communication desperate to know what possible options of lucrative careers you can pursue your imagination is the only limitation you may have. See below a snippet of careers and jobs you can do as a Mass Communication under various Industries;

Business/Industry
Research analyst
Media Consultant (for business organisations)
Information Analyst
Information specialist
Customer service representative
Content Marketing Specialist

Education
Educational writer
Teacher
Media specialist
Media librarian
Author/Writer

Media/Journalism
Journalism
Reporter
Technical writer
Newspaper editor
Rewrite editor
Critic
News director
Sports director
Proofreader
Columnist
News analyst
Copyright specialist
Historian
Assignment editor
Radio/TV reporter
Videographer
Editor
Biographer
Print coordinator
Video journalist

Government
Lobbyist
Mediator
Copyright specialist
Administrative assistant
Press secretary
Media specialist/analyst

Publishing
Booking agent
Literary agent
Editor
Writer/Contributor

Advertising/Marketing
Media buyer
Designer
Publicity director
Information specialist
Marketing communications trainee
Account management
Graphics & production specialist
Promotion representative

The above are not exhaustive and some of the careers listed above may also require additional professional education or training beyond that received for the Mass Communication degree.

Admission Requirements for Studying Mass Communication in Nigeria

For most high institutions in Nigeria, to study mass communication as a course, you need to meet specific academic requirements. Candidates seeking admission through the Jamb are required to have five credit level passes in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (S.S.C.E.) or its equivalent. These should include English Language, Literature in English and an approved science subject. A pass in Mathematics is also required for some schools while it’s not for some.

For Jamb UTME, English Language, and Any three Arts and Social Science subjects are required. For most universities Literature in English is required. Please check Jamb brochure for requirements for each school.

SOME INSTITUTIONS WHERE YOU CAN STUDY MASS COMMUNICATION

• • Abia State University  • Adekunle Ajasin University  • Ahmadu Bello University  • Ajayi Crowther University  • Akwa Ibom State University  • Al-Hikmah University  • American University of Nigeria  • Anambra State University  • Babcock University  • Bayero University Kano  • Benson Idahosa University  • Benue State University  • Bingham University  • Bowen University  • Caleb University  • Caritas University  • Covenant University  • Cross River State University of Technology  • Delta State University  • Ebonyi State University  • Elizade University  • Enugu State University of Science and Technology  • Fountain University  • Godfrey Okoye University  • Gregory University, Uturu  • Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University  • Igbinedion University  • Imo State University  • Institute of Management Technology, Enugu  • Joseph Ayo Babalola University  • Kaduna State university  • kogi State University  • Kwara State University  • Lagos State University  • Madonna University  • Nasarawa State University  • National Open University of Nigeria  • Nnamdi Azikiwe University  • Oduduwa University  • Olabisi Onabanjo University  • Pan-Atlantic University  • Plateau State University  • Redeemer’s University  • Rhema University  • Rivers State University of Science and Technology  • Samuel Adegboyega University  • SouthWestern University  • Tansian University  • Taraba State University  • University of Benin  • University of Ilorin  • University of Jos  • University of Lagos  • University of Maiduguri  • University of Mkar • University of Nigeria  • University of Uyo  • Wellspring University  • Wesley University of Science and Technology  • Western Delta University