In today's digital world the market is constantly increasing and there is a rise in the demand for highly skilled professionals who could grow an organization and take the organization to new heights. That's why there is an increasing demand for highly skilled and experienced Communications Managers who can establish a strong relationship between the company and the public.
According to the World PR Report of 2015, there was a growth of 7% in the year 2014 in the demand of Communications Managers and according to Global Communication Report, the Compound Annual Growth Rate in the demand will reach 11.2% from 2023 - 2026.
Various institutions offer courses to become a Communications Manager. A degree in Journalism, English, or Management with an experience of 3 years or more is required for a career as a Communications Manager.
Career as a Communications Manager provides job opportunities in large corporations, govt agencies, small agencies, startups, and businesses across all industries. Some of the top companies that hire Communications Manager are Microsoft, Alliance Data, Philips, JP Morgan, Google, etc. The average salary of a Communications Manager ranges from INR 5 lacs to 9 lacs, according to the skills and the experience of the working professional.
- How To Become Communication Manager: Quick Facts
- What Does a Communication Manager Do?
- Steps to Follow
3.1 Decision Making
3.2 Subject Choice
3.4 Selecting The Correct College
3.5 After Qualifying Examination
4.1 Corporate Communication Manager
4.2 Marketing Communication Manager
4.3 Senior Marketing And Communication Manager
4.5 Brand Communication Manager
4.6 Strategic Communication Manager
5.1 How To Become A Communication Manager After 12th?
5.1.1 UG Preparation
5.1.2 PG Preparation
6.1 BJMC
6.3 BBA Communications Management
6.5 PG Diploma In Media & Mass Communications
How to Become a Communication Manager: Quick Facts
| Industry | Marketing |
| Eligibility | Passed Graduation or have experience of approximately 3 years in the relevant field |
| Average Starting Salary | INR 5 to 9 Lac |
| Job Opportunity | Big and small corporations, government organizations, digital and media agencies, non-profit organizations, hospitals, universities, and colleges |
What Does Communications Manager Do?
The works of the Communications Manager is to convey the internal and external messages of an organization by drafting written materials, preparing presentations, and communicating with employees. The day-to-day work of a communications manager include:
- Creating, implementing, and overseeing communication programs to promote and describe the products of their organization and the organization itself.
- They work to enhance the image of their company's brand.
- They overlook the marketing strategies of the company and its brands.
- Their main duty is to prepare, publish and manage media reports, press releases, and marketing materials.
- Communications managers do these things by writing and managing articles, emails, advertisements, and also via social media marketing.
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They have to act as a link between their organization, the public, and the media to ensure that their brand and organization remains at the top and maintains that position.
In short, the role & responsibility of a communications manager is mainly focused on communication tasks such as writing and promotion. A communications manager must have excellent speaking & writing ability and he must be proficient at working with others for a successful career as a communications manager.
Steps to Follow to Become a Communication Manager
Below given are some steps which will be helpful for aspirants to become Communications Manager:
Decision Making
The first and the most important step before choosing any career is decision-making. You have to research a lot about the profession, job opportunities, career growth, and most importantly whether he is interested in the job role offered in that career option. Being satisfied with your work is very important. So, think and research as much as you can and thereafter make the decision.
Subject Choices
There are no specific subject criteria in school that should be taken to become a communications manager. Aspirants from any stream can become successful communications managers. However, aspirants should ensure proficiency in English to enhance their communications skills.
Entrance Exam Preparation
There are several entrance exams conducted on the national level for admissions to various courses to become a communications manager. The entrance exams for courses like Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication, BBA Communication, MBA Communication Management, etc in different colleges and universities are IIMC Entrance Test, SET, DU CATE, IPMATE, CAT, XAT, SNAT, CMAT, etc.
Selecting Correct Colleges
The selection of the correct college is very important to ensure the safety of your career as a communications manager. One should very carefully research the college before taking admission. The things which should be kept in mind before taking admission to a college are course fee, scholarships, placements, rankings, etc.
After Qualifying Exam
Various colleges and universities offer direct admissions to UG courses based on the merit of marks obtained in 12th, aspirants must ensure to score at least 50% marks in their 12th exams. For admissions to PG courses like MBA colleges conduct entrance exams and also shortlist students based on marks scored in CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc. and conduct group discussions and personal interviews for selection of the candidates.
Types of Communications Manager
There are six types of Communications Managers based on the kind of work they perform. They are differentiated as Corporate Communications Manager, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, Public Relations Manager, Brand Communications Manager, and Strategic Communications Manager. The work they have to do is nearly the same with little differences.
Corporate Communications Manager
A Corporate Communications Manager acts as a link between his organization and the outside world. He is responsible for day-to-day external communications. He leads the communication team, develops and implements internal & external communications strategies.
Marketing Communications Manager
The work of the Marketing Communications Manager is to create and manage all the marketing materials and collateral as per the brand direction. They implement online marketing activities: social media, SEO/SEM, demand generation, etc. They have to track the effectiveness of various marketing campaigns. Sometimes they have to spend time and work with vendors and agencies to create communications and marketing activities, to target the appropriate audience strategically.
Senior Marketing and Communications Manager
A Senior Marketing and Communications Manager oversees the marketing staff of his organization to ensure that the team is working effectively to promote the company and its products by targeting the appropriate audience. He motivates and encourages creativity & innovation in his team members.
Public Relations Manager
A Public Relations Manager plans and directs the creation of materials that enhance the image of their organization in public. They have to develop the image and identity of their organization, identify and reach the audience in the best way possible; they help their organization to communicate effectively with the audience.
Brand Communications Manager
Brand Communications Manager is responsible for leading the brand communication team to enhance the image of their organization's brand, increase brand awareness in public and provide after-sales support through various sources such as media, point of sale, partnerships, advertisements, and relationship marketing, they create and implement long term communications strategies. They also develop a strong brand name and image for a starting company. They must ensure high-quality customer service. And are in charge of giving strategic inputs and directions for the brand, the style guidelines, and other materials.
Strategic Communications Manager
The role of the Strategic Communications Manager is to oversee communications including client reports, presentation requirements, public relations, brand communications, internal communication, and corporate communications. He uses message development with high planning level and research of audience behavior. The Strategic Communications Manager must keep the organization's mission statement as a blueprint for his works, identifying key themes, maintain consistent messages for organizational strategies and business objectives clearly and simply.
How to Become a Communication Manager in India?
There are several degree courses that aspirants can pursue after 12th or graduation to become Communications Manager in India. The preparation consists of many different steps like subject choice, preparing for entrance exams, doing graduation or post-graduation, internships, and gaining experience in the relevant area.
School Level Preparation
There is no specific subject choice in school to become a Communications Manager, students from any stream or subject background are eligible. But students can start preparing for some entrance tests in the school itself and focus on making themselves proficient in English.
How to Become Communications Manager After 12th?
The strategy and steps to become a communication manager after 12th are mentioned below:
UG Preparation
- Courses available to become Communications Manager at graduation level are BAJMC, BBA, and BA.
- Students should have a minimum of 50% marks in 12th.
- Students can do internships to gain some prior experience in the relevant field.
PG Preparation
- Courses available to become Communications Manager at postgraduate level are PG Diploma in Media and Mass Communication, MBA, and MAJMC.
- A graduation degree in the relevant field is necessary to take admission into the PG courses.
- Entrance exams like CAT, XAT, SNAP, CMAT are conducted for the admissions.
Courses to become Communications Manager
There are various courses in commerce and management stream that make aspirants eligible to pursue a career as a communication manager.
Bachelor of Journalism & Mass Communication (BJMC)
- The admission process varies for different colleges and universities. Some colleges give admission based on 12th marks, some institutes conduct entrance exams and some institutes consider the scores of some standard examinations.
- There are several entrance exams for admission to BJMC course, IIMC entrance test is the most popular among them. IIMC entrance exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication every year for admissions to mass communication courses in its affiliated colleges or universities. The exam consists of different phases: a written exam, group discussion, and personal interview.
- Candidates must have passed 12th in any discipline with 50% marks to be eligible for appearing in the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Date | June 2012 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 4th week of July 2011 |
| Date of exam | July 2011 |
| Date of Result | 4th week of August 2011 |
BA English (Hons)
- BA English (Hons) admission process is different for different colleges and universities. Some colleges give admission based on 12th marks, some institutes conduct entrance exams.
- Delhi University Common Admission Test Exam is the most popular entrance exam for BA English Hons in India.
- This entrance exam is conducted by Delhi University every year for admissions to BA English Hons course in its campuses or affiliated colleges.
- Students should have passed 12th with 60% marks.
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The combined score of the DU entrance exam (50%) and 12th marks (50%) are considered for admission.
| Particulars | Details (Tentitive) |
|---|---|
| Application Date | June 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | July 2023 |
| Date of exam | 1st and 2nd week of July 2023 |
| Date of Result | July 2023 |
BBA Communications Management
- The admission process is different for different colleges and universities. Some colleges give admission based on 12th marks, some institutes conduct entrance exams.
- DU JAT (Delhi University Joint Admission Test) is a popular entrance exam for BBA.
- DU JAT entrance exam is conducted by Delhi University every year for admissions to BBA courses in its campuses or affiliated colleges.
- The duration of DU JAT is 2 hours and it is conducted in online mode. The exam consists of Quantitative Aptitude, Analytical and Logical Reasoning, General English, and Business and General Awareness papers.
- Students should have passed 12th with 60% marks.
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The combined score of DU JAT (65%) and 12th marks (35%) are considered for admission.
| Particulars | Details (Tentitive) |
|---|---|
| Application Date | 3rd week of June 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 4th week of August 2023 |
| Date of exam | 2nd week of September 2023 |
| Date of Result | 3rd week of October |
BBA Media Management
- The admission process is different for different colleges and universities. Some colleges give admission based on 12th marks while some institutes conduct entrance exams and some also consider the scores of some standard national level exams.
- Many aspirants apply for the SET exam which is a national level exam conducted by Symbiosis International every year. The mode of examination is online.
- The applicant must have passed 12th with 50% in any stream.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Date | December 16, 2023 – April 12, 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | April 22, 2023 – April 28, 2023 |
| Date of exam | May 6, 2023 – May 14, 2023 |
| Date of Result | May 24, 2023 |
PG Diploma in Media & Mass Communication
- The admissions to PG courses consist of three stages written exam, group discussion, and personal interview. Candidates who have qualified for the written examination are called for group discussion and personal interviews.
- There are several entrance exams for admission to the courses, the IIMC entrance test is the most popular among them.
- IIMC entrance exam is conducted by the Indian Institute of Mass Communication every year for admissions to mass communication courses in its affiliated colleges or universities.
- The exam consists of different phases: written exam, group discussion, and personal interview.
- Candidates must have passed graduation in the relevant discipline with 50% marks to be eligible for appearing in the exam.
| Particulars | Details (Tentitive) |
|---|---|
| Application Date | June 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 4th week of July 2023 |
| Date of exam | July 2023 |
| Date of Result | 4th week of August 2023 |
MBA Communications Management
- The admissions to MBA programs in various colleges and universities are done based on scores of CAT, XAT, CMAT, etc exams, and some institutions also conduct an entrance exam of their own.
- CAT is conducted for admissions to IIMs and other institutions offering MBA programs.
- CAT is a one-day exam conducted every year, the questions asked in the exam are from Verbal Ability and Reasoning Comprehension, Data Interpretation, and Logical Reasoning and Quantity Ability sections.
- After qualifying for the written exam candidates are called for group discussion and personal interview.
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Candidates must have passed graduation or appearing in the final year of graduation in the relevant discipline with 50% marks to be eligible for appearing in the exam.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Application Date | August 2023 (Expected) |
| Admit Card Release Date | October – November 2023 (Expected) |
| Date of exam | November 26, 2023 |
| Date of Result | January 2024 (Expected) |
Benefits of Career as Communications Manager
If you want to achieve more in your career, challenging work, critical role your choice to become Communications Manager is right. The position requires a highly motivated, self-sufficient individual having the ability to effectively interact with a wide range of stakeholders. As a Communications Manager, you can gain ample experience and knowledge. The job is well paid. And there is a requirement of Communications Manager in every industry. The benefits of a career as a Communications Manager are:
Salary
Communications Manager is a well-paid job profile. The average salary of a Communications Manager in India is 8 LPA and it also depends on the knowledge, experience, and skills of the individual. The salary may reach up to 20 LPA.
Job Security
With rising competition, there is a great demand for Communications Managers in the market. They are required in every industry, whether government or private, small, medium or big, startups, hospitals, colleges, and universities.
Positive Impact of the Career
A Communications Manager learns a lot in his career. He gets various opportunities to grow. He can work in several government and private organizations.
Higher Studies
Communications Manager can work in all level of educational qualification whether 12th passed, graduate or postgraduate. If he is having no degree, he must have experience of approximately 3 years. He can pursue the degree or diploma course whenever he wants.
Unique Experience
A career as a Communications Manager provides an individual with various roles. The career as a Communications Manager is challenging, one has to play a critical role, the position requires a highly motivated individual. If you want to achieve more in your career Communications Manager is the right option for you.
Skills Required to Become a Communication Manager
The various skills required to become a successful Communications Manager are:
| Confidence | Trend analyzing ability |
| Ability to present concepts visually and verbally | Strong written and oral communication skills |
| Creativity | Self-motivated with a positive approach |
| Proofreading | Knowledge of web |
| Planning and organizing ability | - |
Salary of Communications Manager in India
The Communications Manager job is highly paid in the market nowadays. The average salary of a Communications Manager in India depends on several, factors such as experience, specialization, gender, etc.
Average Annual Salary
| Name of Organisation | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Govt | INR 6.3 LPA |
| Private | INR 8.6 LPA |
Specialization Wise
| Specializations | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Corporate Communications Manager | 9.7 lac |
| Marketing Communications Manager | 7.89 lac |
| Senior Marketing and Communications Manager | 8.65 lac |
| Public Relations Manager | 7.19 lac |
| Strategic Communications Manager | 10 lac |
| Brand Communications Manager | 7.6 lac |
Experience Wise
| Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Fresher | 4.29 lac |
| Median | 7.09 lac |
| Experienced | 9.9 lac |
After the Communications Manager
Higher Education
After starting your career as a Communications Manager, you can easily go for a higher degree course, whether the certificate, diploma, UG, PG, or doctorate. You can also pursue courses from abroad.
Start Job
After getting the Degree and some experience you can work for a big company or start your own business depending on your goals. You can achieve a lot in your career as a Communications Manager.
How to Become a Communication Manager: FAQs
Ques. Is it necessary to have a PG degree to become a Communications Manager?
Ans. Not at all! It is not necessary to have a PG degree to become A Communications Manager, in fact you can become a Communications Manager with a certificate or diploma. But if you want to grow faster in your career as a Communications Manager you will need a PG degree. After gaining some experience in the industry you can pursue higher degree courses.
Ques. What is the work of a Communications Manager?
Ans. In simple words, the work of a Communications Manager is to enhance the image of the company or the organization for which he is working. His day-to-day includes promotion of the company and its brand, providing customer support, etc.
Ques. What are the skills needed to become a successful Communications Manager?
Ans. The skills needed to become a successful Communications Manager are communication skills, proficiency in the English language, knowledge of web and social media, search engine optimization, and most important 'confidence'.
Ques. What are the subjects required in high school to become a Communications Manager?
Ans. There is no specific subject combination that is available to become a Communications Manager. Aspirants from different streams and educational backgrounds can make Communications Manager a career option.
Ques. What are the top job roles of a Communications Manager and which job role is the highest paid?
Ans. The top job roles of Communications Manager are Corporate Communications Manager, Marketing Communications Manager, Senior Marketing and Communications Manager, Public Relations Manager, Strategic Communications Manager, and Brand Manager. All the job roles have nearly equal pay, but out of these job roles job as a Strategic Communications Manager is the highest-paid.
Ques. Is proficiency in the English language necessary to become a Communications Manager?
Ans. Yes, you must have a good command of the a English language to become a Communications Manager. From your preparations to the mid of your career, it will be required everywhere. English is asked in nearly every management-related entrance exam, which is required to get admission to a good institution. You'll need English even after becoming a Communications Manager English will be required.
Ques. What are the tips that school students should follow to become Communications Manager?
Ans. While studying at school there is no need for you to take so much stress. You should focus on your studies and try to develop your communication skills and personality as these are lifelong processes and the more you invest the more, you'll receive.
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