Jesse Schmitt '22
Some of my favorite memories come from my time running GrandPR, GVSU's student-run communications firm. It was both challenging and rewarding, and I met many of my closest friends because of it.
Communication & the Arts Career Community
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The Communication and the Arts Community is a space where you can gain information about various areas of creative, expressive, and communication focused professions. Are you a great active listener? Do you enjoy being artistic? Are you a strong writer? These interest areas and more will apply to various opportunities that you’ll learn about in this community. Examples of jobs you may learn about in this community include digital marketers, journalists, musicians, graphic designers, and many others. You’ll receive information of relevant campus information, event opportunities, internships, jobs, industry trends, and professional development resources.
Explore Communication and the Arts Majors and Careers
Many students are interested in pursuing areas within communication and the arts at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here you'll find tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various career pathways in communication and the arts.
How to Get Involved and Gain Experience
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look differently. The important thing is to get excited and try something!
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs and/or licensure. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
Explore Communication and the Arts Majors and Careers
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Many students are interested in pursuing areas within communication and the arts at GVSU, but aren’t sure how to get started. Here are some tools to help you learn more about GVSU majors and various pathways in communication and art careers.
Work Like a Laker Podcast Episodes
Common Pathways
Communication & Media
Areas of interest might include advertising, public relations, copywriting, editing, journalism, broadcasting, social media, event planning, or client relations.
Visual & Digital Arts
Areas of interest might include written and visual storytelling, advertising, creative design, directing, producing, interviewing, or photography/film.
Performing Arts
This area might include storytelling, film/video, music, dance, theater, photography or creative writing.
Career Guides by Major
Click on each career guide to obtain information about internship & volunteer sites, job titles, and skills relevant to these areas.
Academic Departments
Check out department websites for course offerings and curriculum guides, additional career resources, relevant events, and more!
Many students are also interested in adding a nonprofit or business minor. Check out these advising centers for more information.
Minors and Certificates
Minors and certificates can be a great way to demonstrate to employers that you have training in a specific area or skill set.
Alumni Profiles
Check out what alumni are doing in communication and the arts to inform your own career journey.
Communication & Arts Career Community
Tim O'Dea '19
Enjoying all the festivities of Welcome Week or being able to attend the final Toast with T. Haas!
Angela McCulley '13
My favorite GV memories are working as the Graduate Assistant for the School of Communications and working closely with Dr. Penning.
Find more Communication & the Arts Alumni on LinkedIn!
Don't have a LinkedIn profile? Read these tips to learn more!
How to Get Involved and Gain Experience
Getting involved and gaining experience is a great way to explore your interests, “test out” ideas, and learn more about the world of work. Getting involved can look differently. The important thing is to get excited and try something!
Work Like a Laker Podcast Episodes
- Talk with the faculty internship coordinator for your program. See list for contacts
- Look for part-time jobs in Handshake or Workday to work within an area of interest
- Complete a job shadow or informational interview with a professional within the industry
- Find ways to volunteer on or off-campus as a way to gain experience and build your network
- Consider studying abroad to enhance your studies and immerse yourself in a new experience
- Get involved in undergraduate research with a faculty member
Student Organizations and Professional Associations - Communication and the Arts
Student Organizations
On-campus student organizations with a professional goal are an excellent way to explore your future career and get involved in your field. For more information on the organizations below use the GVSU LakerLink.
- Ad Club
- American Advertising Federation
- American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA)
- American Marketing Association
- Anchored in Poetry
- Animators Guild
- Arab Culture Club
- Fish Ladder
- Grand PR
- Grand Valley Journal of History
- Grand Valley Television
- GV Out of the Blue
- GVSU Chinese Club
- GVSU French Club
- GVSU German Club
- GVSU Italian Club
- GVSU Japanese Club
- GVSU Russian Club
- GVSU Spanish Club
- GVSU Winter Guard
- In the Margins
- National Communication Association
- Organization for Professional Writers
- Professional Sales Association
- PRSSA
- Toastmasters
- WCKS The Whale Student Radio
- Writer’s Club
Career Community- Communication & the Arts
Employer of the Day: Northwestern Mutual of West Michigan
March 5, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman College of Business Second Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from Northwestern Mutual of West Michigan! Want to learn about exciting...
Employer of the Day: FWF
March 19, 2026 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Stop by the Seidman 2nd Floor Lobby anytime between 9:30am and 2pm to meet representatives from FWF! Want to learn about exciting career opportunities and meet potential employers? Each semester,...
Communication & Arts Career Community Handshake Postings
2/18/26
Digital Legacy Archive Intern - Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
for job 10764683
Studio In A School Association
Expires: 2/26/26
2/16/26
Technical Director
for job 10753622
College of Charleston: Human Resources
Expires: 2/27/26
2/12/26
Social Media Student Assistant
for job 10744443
Michigan State Police
Expires: 2/25/26
2/5/26
Interpretation Intern
for job 10684691
First Ladies National Historic Site
Expires: 2/27/26
2/5/26
Historical Archivist Internship
for job 10717367
Mayo Clinic
Expires: 2/27/26
Sample Resumes
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Micro-Internships and Short-Term Experiences
Check out opportunities for testing out the world of work via paid and unpaid experiences with a low time commitment.
Beyond the Bachelor's Degree
Some jobs and industries may require you to go beyond a bachelor’s degree to consider graduate level programs and/or licensure. For some students, they may choose to start a graduate program immediately after undergrad, while others may choose to take a gap year to gain experience before pursuing an advanced degree.
Work Like a Laker Podcast Episodes
CACC Beyond the Bachelors
Gap Year
- A gap year between undergrad and graduate school can be beneficial for many students to gain valuable work experience, clarify goals, strengthen your graduate application, and minimize burnout.
- Consider the goals and skills you would like to develop when considering options for a gap year. Some opportunities may even offer funds towards furthering your education upon completion of a service term.
- Some examples include:
- Connect with the Frederik Meijer Office of Fellowships to learn about opportunities both in the U.S. and abroad
- Check out resources through the Civic Engagement Office on post-graduate service opportunities
- AmeriCorps
- PeaceCorps
- City Year
- Michigan College Access Network (MCAN)
- Teach for America
Freelancing
- Explore the world of freelance work
- For those seeking creative roles, networking and getting involved on projects helps students get connected within the industry. Need help networking? Check out these resources:
- Learn more about the badges and certificates offered by Grand Valley to help expand your skill set and enhance your professional profile
Research Graduate Programs
-
Attend an Info Session. Questions about a graduate
program? Some programs will offer in-person or virtual info sessions
to learn more about a program you might be considering
- Consider attending a GVSU Graduate School info session for a program of interest
- Check out GVSU’s Graduate School Podcast Series for more information
- Gather information on whether to pursue graduate education and a timeline for preparing for graduate study.
Some common post-undergraduate pathways in Communication and the Arts may include:
-
Master of Communication Combined Programs
- GV Master of Science in Communication
- Combined Communication Studies B.A., B.S. and Masters Communications program: Communication Studies Combined Degree Information
- Combined Health Communication B.A., B.S. and Masters Communications program: Health Communication Combined Degree Information
- Combined Journalism, Broadcasting, Digital Media B.A., B.S. and Master of Communication program: Journalism, Broadcasting, Digital Media Combined Degree Information
Other common post-undergraduate pathways include:
- MPA, MPH, Public Policy, and MPNL
-
Higher Education
- For those interested in pursuing careers within higher ed administration or student affairs settings: College Student Affairs Leadership (CSAL)
-
Graduate Teaching Certificate
- For those interested in transitioning to teaching: Graduate Teaching Certificate Program (GTC)
Graduate Prep Resources
- Personal Statements: The personal statement is an opportunity to introduce yourself and share your story in a well-crafted narrative. Find a collection of tips and resources from the Fellowship Office and meet with the Writing Center, your Career Advisor, or faculty for additional feedback
-
Curriculum Vitae (CV): You may be asked to create a
CV as
part of your application. This is a more comprehensive resume
demonstrating your full academic credentials including research,
teaching, publications, and more!
- Check out our online Resume guide or stop by CareerLab for additional help
-
Ways to Finance Your Graduate Education:
https://www.gvsu.edu/gs/financial-support-28.htm
- Look into Graduate Assistantships and scholarships you may be eligible to apply for to help offset costs
- If you are working, see if your employer offers tuition reimbursement benefits
Meet Your Communication & the Arts Career Advisor
Lisa Knapp
Office Address: 200 Student Services
Phone: (616) 331-3311
Email: [email protected]
Lisa is a Career Advisor who works with students, faculty, and employers in the communications, humanities, and liberal studies programs. She also works closely with our first and second year students as they begin exploring the world of work.