8 Guaranteed Ways to Work in Communications Without a Degree

If there’s one thing you should know about building a successful career in communications, it’s this: 

No successful person in communications got there solely from their university degree. 

This means that there is no “one best way” to make it into communications.

So, if you don’t have a degree in communications, here are some ideas on how you can tread your own path toward a successful career in comms!

8 Guaranteed Ways to Work in Communications Without a Degree

1. Certifications & Online Courses

There are so many useful and free online courses that you can take to learn the basics of communication. And many of them offer certifications to prove your studies to employers.

Online courses are a great starting point to learn more about the industry and gain tangible educational experience without a university degree.

I highly recommend starting your communications journey by signing up for one or two online courses. This will also help you learn if communications is truly the right path for you!

If you want to know what online courses I recommend taking, you can check out my list of 12 FREE Online Courses to Boost Your Career in Communications.

2. Internships

Wanna know a secret? Internships are the true key to building a career in communications.

Internships are usually the easiest way to gain access and experience in the communications industry with little previous work experience. And it’s an even better way to start networking with other comms professionals.

You’ll gain hands-on experience like how to craft messages, managing social media, writing web content, and engaging with audiences.

Apply for as many internships as you can and prepare for them by creating/updating your CV and brushing up on your interview skills.

3. Volunteering

If for whatever reason you’re not quite ready to start and apply for internships, volunteering is another great way to build your skill set in communications

Research to see if any communications agencies, non-profits or political campaigns are looking for volunteers to help with their communications.

Comms&Me Storytime: 
Did you know that current social media star Margot Lee, while studying Advertising at Syracuse University in 2016, reached out to her favourite local coffee shop and offered to help build their social media presence? And they said yes! She became their social media manager for the next four years.

My tip with that story is to do as Margot did. Reach out to your favourite local small business that you think could use some help with their social media channels and offer to help them out for free. 

There’s no harm in asking and you could gain some valuable experience!

4. Networking

Networking is another great way to build your reputation in the communications industry.

Networking can be achieved in so many ways, here are some networking ideas:

• Create a LinkedIn account and follow or message industry professionals
• Join professional organizations, like the Public Relations Society of your country/province/state/city.
• Ask for industry advice and connect with others on online forums

5. LinkedIn

LinkedIn is not only a great way to network with other professionals, but it’s a great way to establish yourself in the industry.

By being active on LinkedIn and regularly posting and engaging with others, you could quickly attract the attention of potential employers.

Use LinkedIn to:

• Publish your own articles on various communications topics
• Contribute to others’ discussions
• Join communications groups
• Follow industry leaders in communications

To learn more about the communications pros that I suggest following on LinkedIn, check out the Best Communications Experts to Follow on LinkedIn in 2024.

6. Create a Portfolio

Did you know that the impression you make and the way you sell yourself is usually far more important than your degree?

Having a portfolio is a great way to show off your skills and sell yourself as a trustworthy communicator even without an academic background in communications.

Consider creating an online portfolio and include the following sections:

• Introduce yourself
• Qualifications and skills
• Examples of your work
• Recommendations from clients or employers you’ve worked with

7. D.I.Y. Experience

When I say “Do-it-yourself experience”, I mean don’t wait to have someone hire you or choose you in order to build your skills. 

It’s now easier than ever to build your communications experience all on your own with the help of technology and social media.

Here are some ways to make your own DIY experience:

• Start a blog or Instagram account on your favourite topic or hobby
• Build a fake communications campaign for a company you’d like to work for
• Create posts about communications and encourage discussions on LinkedIn
• Join a public speaking/debate club like Toastmasters to build your public speaking skills
• Start a TikTok account to discuss the best and latest communications campaigns and branding strategies
• Write and self-publish your own book (even an e-book)

8. Use Your Existing Skills

If you don’t have a communications degree or previous industry experience, you may think that you have nothing to offer. I’d encourage you to think again.

Communications is such a broad industry that your existing knowledge and experience could be very useful, whether or not it’s in communications.

Make a list of ALL the experiences and education you have and brainstorm how you could apply it to a career in communications.

Here are some examples:

• A political science graduate would be a great fit for media relations and journalism
• A previous health practitioner would be a great fit to work in health communication
• A stay-at-home parent would be suited to work in communications for a parent and lifestyle magazine

Never dismiss your existing skills and use them to angle yourself as a unique professional in the communications industry!

Go ahead and make your mark in communications!

I hope these ideas helped inspire you to start your communications career whether or not you have a degree. Comment below and tell me how your communications career path is going so far and if you have any questions!