College of Communication

  • Academics
  • Admissions
  • Research
Full Menu
Close
Menu
Search
  • Academics
    • Degree Programs
    • What We Do
    • Internships & Opportunities
    • Pre-College & Professional Education
    • Undergraduate Advising
  • Admissions
    • Undergraduate
    • Graduate
    • Find Your Path
  • Research
    • Featured Research
    • Faculty Researchers
    • Center for Mobile Communication Studies
    • Communication Research Center
    • Zimmerman Family Social Activation Center
  • Resources
    • Current Students
    • Faculty
    • Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
    • Marketing Resources
  • Alumni
    • Giving
    • Distinguished Alumni
    • COMTalk
    • Hugo Shong Reporting on Asia Award
  • About COM
    • Dean’s Letter
    • Faculty Directory
    • Staff Directory
    • Contact Us
    • News & Features
    • Calendar
  • Career Services
    • About Us
    • Handshake
    • Services & Appointments
    • Online Resources & Guides
    • Special Opportunities
    • First Destination Report
    • For Employers

Navigation Address

640 Commonwealth Ave, Boston MA 02215

Navigation Social Menu

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Career ServicesOnline Resources & GuidesFAQs

FAQs

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions by students. If your question is not on here, please feel free to contact us.

When should I start using Career Services?

You should begin working with Career Servoces your first semester at COM, by updating your resume, exploring majors and careers, and starting to network. Consult our Career Path Timetable for information about how you can make use of our office during each year of your time at COM.

Most of the internship opportunities require that the student be receiving credit for the internship. Can I do an internship before junior or senior year and still get credit for it?

Yes, if you complete the One Credit Internship Form. This is also helpful for students who have already done an internship for credit or students who do not meet the minimum 3.0 GPA required to get full credit.

Who is my Academic Internship Director?

PR: Stephen Quigley
Advertising: Chris Cakebread
Communication Studies: Chris Cakebread
Film and TV: Cathy Perron
Journalism: Bill McKeen
Cinema and Media Studies: Roy Grundmann

Is it OK for me to study abroad first semester senior year? Shouldn’t I be starting my job search?

Yes, assuming you have been building your network for the previous three years. Most communication jobs have a fast turnover and the hiring process goes quickly so you won’t need to begin your job search until your second semester and often not until later in the semester.

When do I need to start looking for a communications job?

The best way to find a job is build and maintain a professional network of contacts. Start building your network early in your career so when you need to find a job, you have contacts to draw from. Most communication jobs need to be filled immediately. If you apply too early, you may have to turn down a position in order to finish your degree. We suggest you start applying two to three months before your desired start date.

I have a job offer, how do I know the salary is fair?

Use our Evaluating The Offer career guide or online salary calculators, such as salary.com or payscale.com to research salaries for similar positions in that area.
COM alumni are working all across the United States and around the world in a variety of communications positions, from reporters to executives, producers to market researchers. See where our recent grads are working.

Where should I be looking for a job?

There are communications positions in almost every company so COM graduates have several career paths available to them. Start by researching some companies you may be interested in, and then meet with a career coach to figure out the best direction for your search. Use our Internship and Job Search Guide for a more detailed outline of how to go about your job search.

I want to live and work 1,200 miles away from Boston. How can I get a job that far away?

The best way to get a job in a city is to live there. You can start looking and networking before moving to your desired home city, but eventually you’ll need to move there. If there is not a job waiting, you may need to get a temporary, flexible job so you are available for interviews during the day. For more advice on networking use our Networking Guide for a more detailed outline of how to go about your job search.

 

 

85%

of COM graduate students found employment within the first 6 months of graduation.*

*Based on the results of survey data for graduates of master’s programs Class of 2018.

Let us help you

All COM Events

  • 10.21Crafting your elevator pitch, preparing for the alumni student mixer
  • 10.22COM Alumni Student Networking Mixer
  • 10.24Prospective Student Information Session: COM Graduate Programs
  • 10.24COMtalks: True Crime Stories
  • 10.28Workshop - LinkedIn: Build Your Profile
Career ServicesOnline Resources & Guides
  • About Us
  • Handshake
  • Services & Appointments
  • Online Resources & Guides
    • FAQs
  • Special Opportunities
  • First Destination Report
  • For Employers

Coming up at COM

21

Oct

Crafting your elevator pitch, preparing for the alumni student mixer

22

Oct

COM Alumni Student Networking Mixer

24

Oct

COMtalks: True Crime Stories
View All Events
Boston University College of Communication
  • Plan Your Visit
  • Contact Us
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
  • YouTube