Abstract
This article traces the rise of career education in communication and its growing recognition within higher education. It describes how demographic changes, labor market shifts, and student demand for applied training spurred interest in linking academic study with professional opportunities outside the academy. The discussion highlights the development of ACA-sponsored career publications, the work of the Task Force on Alternative Careers in Communication, and the expansion of nonacademic career pathways across liberal arts disciplines. Case studies illustrate communication graduates working in corporate, entrepreneurial, and organizational leadership roles, demonstrating the adaptability of communication skills in diverse contexts. The article argues that nonacademic careers enrich the field by extending communication knowledge beyond campus settings and subjecting it to broader societal tests. It concludes that expanding awareness of communication careers strengthens the discipline’s appeal and ensures its responsiveness to evolving professional and social needs.
Recommended Citation
McBath, James H.
(1988)
"Communication Careers: Research and Rationale,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 66, Article 2.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol66/iss1/2
