How to Navigate The Digital Landscape with a Communication Degree

Due to the continuous digital enhancements in the corporate world, it has become essential for companies to have qualified communication professionals. These professionals can help businesses with not only internal communication but external communication, too. 

This helps companies maintain a competitive advantage in their industries as these professionals can help them be seen as thought leaders through several digital platforms. 

MANCOSA offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Corporate Communication Degree that equips individuals with a comprehensive understanding of theory, methodology, applications and processes in the critical fields of corporate communication. 

In this article, we’ll explore the evolution of communication in the digital age, key skills for communication professionals, and how a Communication Degree helps these professionals master the digital landscape and online platforms to help your company grow. 

The evolution of communication in the digital era

The evolution of communication has been transformative, impacting how individuals, businesses, and societies connect and exchange information. 

Communication has evolved from traditional communication, such as face-to-face and landline conversations, to digital communication, such as cellphone conversations and emails. 

Physical barriers and time constraints often limit traditional communication since written letters take a long time to reach the intended recipient. 

On the other hand, digital communication makes it possible to communicate instantaneously, and people are no longer limited by geographical location. This makes it easier for employees to receive feedback immediately and, as a result, get work done much faster. 

Emails, instant messaging, video calls, and social platforms enable people to connect in real-time, fostering global communication networks.

Examples of traditional vs. digital applications: 

• Letters vs. emails
• Face-to-face meetings vs. video conferencing
• Landline phones vs. cellphones
• Printed media vs. social media

Adapting to the digital evolution of communication is crucial for several reasons:

• Speed and efficiency: Digital communication allows people to communicate immediately and get information transmitted a lot faster. 
• Global connectivity: Digital communication allows people in different countries to communicate via applications such as email, Voice Over Protocol software, and video conferencing. 
• Cost-effectiveness: Digital communication methods often reduce costs associated with traditional methods, such as printing.
• Innovation and collaboration between employees: Digital platforms encourage innovation and collaboration by providing tools for virtual teamwork, idea sharing, and problem-solving.

Digital skills for communication professionals 

In the digital era, communication professionals must complement their communication skills with digital tools. Below is a list of some of the most important digital skills these professionals need to help your company achieve maximum efficiency and visibility. 

• Content creation: The ability to create engaging online content that promotes the company’s products and services, and establishes it as an authority in its industry. This includes basic graphic design skills to create visually appealing images and infographics. 
• Data analytics: The ability to analyse website traffic and user behaviour data to measure communication strategies’ effectiveness. This includes using analysis tools like Google Analytics to track engagement, reach, and audience demographics. Learn more about MANCOSA’s Data Analytics for Leaders and Managers short course. 
• Digital communication tools: The ability to use tools for email marketing and internal collaboration to enhance communication. These include tools such as ConvertKit and Zoom for video conferencing. 
• Search engine optimisation: Understanding how to identify relevant keywords to optimise content for search engines. Also, the ability to implement strategies to improve the visibility of digital content in search engine results.

Building a robust online presence

Communication professionals must optimise their company’s online presence to represent them effectively.

Here are some ways they can do this with training acquired from a Communication Degree: 

• Craft a strong personal brand: Since these professionals represent the companies they work for, they must ensure that their brands align with the brand or company they represent. 
• Optimise their LinkedIn profiles: They need to use a visually appealing professional photo and craft a compelling headline and summary that succinctly highlights their expertise, experience, and value proposition. 
• Engage actively on social media: They need to share industry insights, thought leadership and relevant content to position themselves and your company as an expert in your field. They should also engage with industry peers, clients, and followers, which can lead to valuable connections and opportunities.

Leveraging social media and other online platforms

Communication professionals can use different online platforms to establish a brand’s authority. Below are some examples of these platforms. 

• Twitter to share timely updates, industry news, and unique insights to establish your company as a thought leader. They can also participate in Twitter chats, respond to industry trends, and engage with followers to build a robust online presence.
• Instagram and Pinterest to share visually appealing content that tells a story about the company, projects, or corporate communication success stories.
• Video content on platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn to share behind-the-scenes glimpses, industry insights, or quick tips. 
• Create a blog where they share in-depth insights, case studies, and commentary on corporate communication trends in their respective industry to build authority in the market. This also includes contributing to articles on other industry blogs or publications to broaden your company’s reach and establish expert credibility.

Digital communication is closely linked to digital marketing, and having professionals skilled in both industries is vital to succeed in an increasingly competitive digital landscape. 

Data-driven decision-making in communication

Communication professionals can leverage analytics tools to measure the success of their efforts and help them make informed decisions aligned with company objectives. 

This allows them to understand consumer behaviour and create more targeted messaging aimed at their ideal customers. It also allows them to optimise their content strategy and measure their return on investment (ROI). 

Exploring career paths in corporate communication

Due to the wide range of communication skills these professionals attain while studying for a Communication Degree, they can fill different roles within your organisation. These include, but aren’t limited to: 

• Digital marketing: Digital Marketing Specialist, Content Marketer, SEO Specialist, Paid Media Manager. 

• Content strategy: Content Strategist, Content Marketing Manager, Editorial Manager.

• Social media management: Social Media Manager, Social Media Strategist, Community Manager.

• Digital public relations: Digital PR Specialist, Online Reputation Manager.

• Data analytics: Digital Analyst, Data Analyst, Marketing Analytics Specialist.

Register for a Communication Degree with MANCOSA

MANCOSA offers a Bachelor of Commerce in Corporate Communication Degree that equips employees with the critical digital communication skills they need to help your company enhance internal and external communications. 

You can also consider enrolling your employees or teams in the BCom of Commerce in Digital Marketing degree or our other corporate training solutions.