If you ask almost any professional what the most important skills are, communication is almost always at the top of the list.
The ability to discuss strategy, goals and solutions with others is critical to any business; communication can truly be the defining factor for businesses large and small. Millions of dollars can be lost every year due to inadequate communication.
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For these reasons, communication skills remain highly desired. According to Wiley’s Closing the Skills Gap 2023 report, digital communication skills are the second most in-demand technical skill and communication more generally, including written, oral and presentation, remains among the top soft skills sought by companies.
And as the workplace looks very different than it did just five years ago – with more remote working and the integration of artificial intelligence, for example – the best ways to communicate are also changing.
“Skills today can typically become obsolete in about three to five years, and that means we need to improve them very often,” says Angie Kamath, dean of New York University’s School of Professional Studies.
Changing communication dynamics
One way to get ahead of the curve is to explore corporate communications courses. While previously they focused more on writing professional emails, completing research reports, and creating effective presentations, today the area has shifted to focus more deeply on data analysis, communicating with clients, about social impact and social media, Kamath notes.
Social media, in particular, has created new opportunities for companies to sell products. According to the Pew Research Center, 3 in 10 adult social media users have purchased a product after seeing it on social media, with the number increasing if it is mentioned by a content creator they follow.
Because this shift is so broad and impactful, Kamath says integrated marketing has become the most popular master’s program offered at New York University’s school of professional studies. For those who work deeply in the marketing and communications industry, upskilling through a graduate program could be a great opportunity.
For others, completing a certification program or even simply taking a one-time communication course could be a great way to learn the most up-to-date practices, especially in the wake of new technologies.
“So, we often try to help people understand how to use technology – the flavor of the month or the flavor of the year is artificial intelligence – but how to use technology to improve what you’re doing from a communication perspective” , says Kamath Fortune.
At the same time, there are also human dynamics that have changed in the workforce, including gender, diversity, aging, hybridity, and Gen Z. So, in part, stepping outside the algorithm is critically important to learning new ideas and having conversations, Kamath He says.
“Whether it’s our work life, work life or personal life like social media, it’s sucking us in,” he adds. “We find ourselves in our own echo chamber because the algorithm tells us what to consume.”
His advice is to find an offering that best meets your interests and learning desires within three broad skill groups: human, business enabling and technical. A course may be able to touch on all three or focus deeply on one topic.
The good news is that there are programs of different lengths, costs, requirements and focuses, and while certificates are offered, you can also choose to enroll only in individual courses. Ultimately, it is very important to choose one that best suits your modern career goals and personal circumstances.
Fortune presented some of the offers on the market to help you improve your skills in the world of corporate communication.
Requirements: 2 courses to obtain certification
Cost: $145 per course; $250 for the package
Format: On line
Timeline: 10–20 hours to complete the entire package
Course examples: Effective business writing; Effective presentations; Communicate collaboratively
Cost: $3,900
Format: On line
Timeline: 3 months
Course examples: Intercultural communication; Persuasive writing; High-impact unscripted communication
Requirements: Take 3 corporate communication courses to get certified
Cost: $9,660 ($3,220/course)
Format: online or in person
Timeline: Within three years
Course examples: IT, finance and communications; Writing grant proposals; Negotiation and resolution of organizational conflicts
Requirements: Take 3 18-hour courses to obtain certification
Cost: $11,400 ($3,800/course)
Format: online or in person
Timeline: Self-determined
Course examples: Interpersonal communication and conflict management; Written and visual communication; Public speaking for professionals
Requirements: 3 basic courses + 3 optional courses to obtain certification
Cost: ~$5,400 ($799–$999/course)
Format: On line; instructor-led or self-paced options
Timeline: Within three years
Course examples: Digital communication in an evolving workplace; Persuading in Business: Leadership, Public Speaking, and Executive Communication; Strategic communication and corporate storytelling
Requirements: Complete 7 courses (5 mandatory + 2 optional)
Cost: ~$6,700 (includes fees, tuition, program materials)
Format: online or in person
Timeline: Self-determined
Course examples: The dynamics of interpersonal communication; Crisis management and communication: safeguarding image and vitality; Best practices in social media for communications professionals
Requirements: 4-course series
Cost: $49/month
Format: On line
Timeline: 2 months (10 hours/week)
Course examples: Business writing; Graphic design; Successful Presentation Beyond these examples, platforms like Udemy, Coursera, and edX offer a variety of course offerings in the business communications space.