DIGITAL COMMUNICATIONS LEADERSHIP

What can you do with a Master’s Degree in Digital Communication Leadership?

A Master’s degree in Digital Communication Leadership can lead to diverse career opportunities. Graduates can advance their careers into higher management and leadership roles such as Digital Marketing Manager/Director, Communication Director, Social Media Strategist, or Brand Manager/Director, overseeing digital strategies and communication efforts. Additionally, you may work as consultants, become UX designers, data analysts, or even start their own digital communication consultancy or agency. The program will enhance your skillset and prepare you for a more fruitful career. The evolving digital landscape offers a wide range of options for those with this specialized degree.

Technology Knowledge

To excel in a role related to digital communication leadership, you’ll need a solid understanding of various technologies and digital tools. Although this is an extensive list, the specific technologies you need to know can depend on your chosen career path, but some common ones include:

  • Social Media Platforms: A deep understanding of popular social media platforms, their features, analytics, and advertising capabilities is crucial for social media strategists and digital marketers.
  • Content Management Systems (CMS): Proficiency in CMS platforms like WordPress, Drupal, or Joomla can be important for those involved in content creation and management.
  • Analytics and Data Tools: Knowledge of analytics tools like Google Analytics and data visualization tools is essential for tracking and interpreting data to inform decision-making.
  • Email Marketing Platforms: Familiarity with email marketing software (e.g., MailChimp, HubSpot) is valuable for those involved in email campaigns and customer engagement.
  • Search Engine Optimization (SEO): Understanding SEO tools and techniques is vital for digital marketers and content strategists to optimize content for search engines.
  • Advertising Platforms: Proficiency in platforms like Google Ads and Facebook Ads Manager is essential for running and optimizing digital advertising campaigns.
  • Web Development and Design: Basic knowledge of web development languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) and design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) can be advantageous for understanding and managing digital properties.
  • Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Systems: Understanding CRM software like Salesforce is important for managing customer relationships and communication.
  • Mobile and App Technologies: As mobile usage grows, knowledge of mobile technologies and app development can be beneficial for those in digital leadership roles.
  • Cybersecurity and Privacy: Awareness of cybersecurity best practices and privacy regulations is essential to protect digital assets and user data.
  • Emerging Technologies: Staying updated on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and blockchain can give you a competitive edge in the digital communication landscape.
  • Data Analysis and Visualization Tools: Proficiency in Excel, Tableau, or Python for data analysis and visualization is valuable for data-driven decision-making.

The specific tech knowledge you need will depend on your job role and industry. Continuous learning and adaptability to evolving technologies are essential in the digital communication field, as the tech landscape is constantly changing.

Competencies and Skills

Success in a Master’s Degree in Digital Communication Leadership and careers in this field requires a combination of competencies and soft skills. Here are some key competencies and soft skills that can contribute to your success:

  • Digital Literacy: Proficiency in using digital tools, platforms, and technologies is fundamental in the digital communication field.
  • Content Creation: The ability to create high-quality written and visual content, such as articles, videos, and graphics, is crucial for engaging digital audiences.
  • Data Analysis: Competence in collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make data-driven decisions and optimize strategies.
  • Strategic Communication: Understanding how to craft and implement effective communication strategies that align with organizational goals.
  • Project Management: Skills in managing digital projects, including setting goals, timelines, and budgets and ensuring successful execution.
  • Marketing and Advertising: Knowledge of digital marketing techniques, including search engine optimization (SEO), pay-per-click advertising, and social media advertising.
  • UX and UI Design: Understanding user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) design principles for creating user-friendly digital experiences.
  • Crisis Communication: Expertise in handling communication during crises and managing reputation in challenging situations.

Soft skills essential for success in digital communication leadership include strong communication, creativity, adaptability, critical thinking, and emotional intelligence. To enhance your career and grow your leadership skills, effective collaboration, problem-solving, and time management are vital for managing in the dynamic digital landscape. Moreover, ethical and cultural awareness, a customer-centric mindset, and networking abilities are crucial for building positive relationships, understanding diverse audiences, and staying updated in this ever-evolving field.

Emerson Campus Orgs

  • American Marketing Association (AMA)
  • Emerson Communications (EmComm)
  • Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA)
  • Emerson Mane Events
  • The EVVY Awards

You can also consider other non-industry-oriented organizations and assist them with your areas of interest (for example: Marketing Team for em Mag).

Industry Job Boards

Boston-Specific Job Boards

Professional Associations and Conferences

Boston Area Conferences

You can apply for professional development funds through the Marketing Communication department and/or the Enhancement Fund to attend these types of conferences:

  • Hypergrowth
  • Inbound (keep an eye out for a code through Career Development)
  • Boston International Search Summit
  • Digital Summit
  • Massachusetts Marketing Summit
  • Content Marketing Conference

Blogs & Industry Professionals to Follow

Joining associations and networking groups in your field and/or city allow you to further develop your connections and industry knowledge through events, articles, educational workshops and membership contacts. Many of these organizations have student and young professional discounted rates, you can also consider joining their groups on LinkedIn as an additional way to learn and connect. These are just a select few, chat with the Career Development Center or someone in your field of choice for additional suggestions.

Other organizations to watch for webinars, events, scholarships, and/or conferences. Many of your future employers may be members and/or interact with these groups:

Sample Job Titles That Require a Master’s Degree

A Master’s Degree in Digital Communication Leadership can qualify you for a range of job titles that require advanced education and expertise in the field. Here are some sample job titles:

  • Digital Marketing Manager: Responsible for developing and executing digital marketing strategies, including SEO, content marketing, social media, and online advertising.
  • Communication Director: Overseeing an organization’s entire communication strategy, including public relations, internal communication, and crisis management.
  • Social Media Strategist: Focusing on creating and implementing social media strategies to maximize an organization’s online presence and engagement.
  • Content Strategist: Developing and managing content strategies, ensuring that content aligns with an organization’s goals and resonates with its target audience.
  • Brand Manager: Leading efforts to establish and maintain a strong brand identity and image across all digital channels.
  • Digital Project Manager: Managing and coordinating digital projects, from website redesigns to app development, to ensure you’re completed successfully.
  • Digital Communication Consultant: Offering expertise to businesses seeking to improve their digital communication strategies and adapt to the changing digital landscape.
  • User Experience (UX) Designer: Focusing on creating user-friendly and engaging digital experiences by understanding user behavior and applying user-centered design principles.
  • Data Analyst or Data Scientist: Analyzing digital communication data to gain insights into audience behavior and preferences, guiding organizations with data-driven decisions.
  • E-commerce Manager: Overseeing and optimizing online sales platforms to ensure a seamless customer experience and drive revenue for e-commerce businesses.
  • Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): A high-level executive responsible for an organization’s entire marketing strategy, including digital communication efforts.
  • Chief Communications Officer (CCO): A senior executive leading an organization’s communication efforts, both digital and traditional, to manage reputation and engagement.
  • Academic or Researcher: Pursuing a career in academia as a professor or researcher in the field of digital communication.
  • Nonprofit or Government Roles: Working in the public sector or for nonprofit organizations, focusing on digital communication to promote causes and engage the public.
  • Freelance or Entrepreneur: Using your skills to start your own digital communication consultancy or agency, offering your expertise to clients across various industries.

These are just a few examples, and the specific job titles and roles may vary depending on the industry, organization, and the focus of your Master’s program. Your prior experience and interests will also influence the roles you can pursue.