Abstract
This article analyzes how technological competence influences employment outcomes for communication graduates and synthesizes conclusions from multiple case studies. The discussion argues that employers increasingly value supplemental technology skills even when a position is not explicitly technical, since such skills signal adaptability and support advancement within firms. Communication curricula are presented as well positioned to integrate both general communication training and exposure to media production, computer assisted writing, and research applications. Interviews with students and advisors suggest that technological familiarity raises the probability and scope of employment by enabling contributions in survey research, telemarketing, training and development, media production, security operations, and technical communication. A three part classification is proposed. Employees who operate or use technology in everyday roles, employees who teach or interpret technology for others, and employees who create or adapt technological systems for instructional and organizational purposes. The authors emphasize that departments need not train technicians to achieve these outcomes. Rather, foundational communication courses enriched with practical technology experiences can improve placement while serving core disciplinary aims. The article concludes that technological knowledge enhances marketability for communication majors across public and private sectors.
Recommended Citation
Behnke, Ralph R. and Sawyer, Chris R.
(1986)
"Technology and Communication Careers: Analysis and Conclusions From Case Studies,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 55, Article 17.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol55/iss1/17
