Career Services Center

Rockwell Hall
Commons Level
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Email: careerservices@duq.edu
Phone: 412-396-6644
Fax: 412-396-6646

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    Corporate Communication

    Corporate Communication addresses organizational communication strategies in preparation for ethical decision-making and leadership in business contexts.

    Corporate Communication at Duquesne considers

    •  theories of conflict and crisis management
    • strategies for corporate and community relations
    • small group and team management
    • sensitivity to gender and cultural issues in the marketplace

    Career Fields

    Corporate Communications

    • Communications departments in large companies
    • Media Relations in corporation or utility
    • Marketing and consulting companies
    • Web site marketing and writing (e.g., online news and blogs)
    • Internal print media for corporations (e.g., employee newsletters, policies)
    • Research and writing for government publications (Federal and state agencies)
    • Trade, technical and professional journals and newsletters

    Strategies: Develop excellent communication and negotiation skills; build confidence and assertiveness; cultivate high energy and motivation; seek multiple internships in a variety of settings/functions to explore field; join and take leadership roles in student organizations; pursue a minor in Graphic Design; consider a Certificate in Business; develop your portfolio; join and take leadership in student professional organizations such as Duquesne Advertising Club and PRSSA; get experience as a volunteer or intern writing for internet blogs ; take a course in Technical Writing; learn to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

    Non-Profit Development and Communications

    • Development director for charity or foundation
    • Alumni fund-raising for a university
    • Event planning for non-profit fundraising
    • Internet and social media marketing
    • Writer or editor of newsletter and/or magazine (e.g., Pitt magazine for alumni)
    • Graphic and web design
    • Social media development (e.g., Facebook, Twitter) for outreach and fundraising
    • Grant-writing and foundation relations

    Strategies: Do multiple internships to explore various settings and functions; attend the annual spring Duquesne-sponsored .Org: Non-profit Career Fair; gain experience marketing and fundraising for campus organizations and as a volunteer fundraiser; intern with a marketing and/or event planning firm; develop a strong portfolio of writing, graphics and ideas; take courses and gain experience in writing for the Internet; volunteer to develop materials for community and non-profit organizations; work with college magazines, radio and TV; learn to sell your ideas and take feedback and criticism; take a technical writing course.

    Public and Community Relations

    • Copywriter of press releases and statements in public relations firm
    • Risk and crisis communication for a company or organization
    • Media director for legislative representative or political campaign
    • Consumer affairs departments of government agencies
    • Charitable event planning and promotions for large corporation
    • Press agent for sports and celebrity clients

    Strategies: Intern in PR firms and ad agencies; attend the Duquesne Job and Internship Fair every semester; write copy for promotions and PR of student organizations; get involved in event planning for student groups and as a community volunteer; develop excellent communication and diplomatic skills; be willing to work under  pressure and at unscheduled times; perfect your public speaking and writing skills; be prepared to speak to “unfriendly” audiences and the press with poise and confidence; cultivate high energy and motivation; join and take leadership roles in student organizations; attend the annual fall .gov Job Fair co-sponsored by Duquesne.

    Public and Consumer Affairs

    • Government agencies (federal, state, local)
    • Corporate government relations departments
    • Tourism councils and chambers of commerce
    • Community affairs for professional, sports, and charitable organizations
    • World affairs, political and non-governmental organizations such as lobbyist groups
    • Researcher for legislators or community action committees

    Strategies: Intern with government agencies; participate in community action groups; volunteer in political campaigns in publicity areas; consider a minor or take coursework in Political Science or International Relations; work for election campaigns or legislators; develop strong presentation and persuasion skills; build excellent writing and communication skills in a variety of media.

    Training and Development Professional

    • Director of training and development in a corporation
    • Trainer in specialty such as sales training
    • Trainer and coordinator of volunteers for non-profit or hospital
    • Liaison with vendors of training programs for corporation
    • Train-the- trainer professional
    • Train executives going overseas in culture and business in foreign countries
    • Management development and teambuilding specialist

    Strategies: Intern in an HR department that has a T&D unit and/or employs trainers for their staff; polish public speaking and presentations; job shadow a training professional in a corporate environment; research training positions in government agencies; take leadership roles in student organizations; develop excellent verbal and written communications skills; seek a student membership in a professional training organization such as the American Society of Training and Development  (ASTD) local chapter.