Abstract
This article examines the changing labor market facing communication graduates and argues that programs must avoid preparing students for jobs that are rapidly disappearing. Drawing on national reports from the early nineteen eighties, the discussion outlines a structural shift in the American workforce marked by technological change, global competition, and the contraction of mid level occupations that once provided opportunities for college graduates. The analysis predicts a widening divide between a small number of highly skilled professional positions and a large number of low wage service jobs, with significantly fewer transitional positions that support upward mobility. In this context, communication programs are urged to adopt proactive entrepreneurship by identifying emerging job functions, analyzing the communicative demands associated with them, and designing curricula that prepare students for viable roles. Examples include telelecture specialist, public involvement specialist, electronic text to voice systems analyst, and other positions grounded in communication theory and adaptable skill development. The article concludes that curricular innovation, informed by systematic forecasting and interdisciplinary collaboration, is essential for aligning communication education with the realities of the future work structure.
Recommended Citation
Baker, Eldon E.
(1985)
"Placement and the Real World,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 53, Article 20.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol53/iss1/20
