If you are interested in journalism, politics, public relations, blogging, or analyzing language, a communications major may be right for you. A communications major studies the ways in which information is spread in society. Majors will analyze political speeches, read religious sermons, and watch TV shows or films as well as examine the effects of media forms such as social media or mass media on the dissemination of information.
The major is studied through a variety of lenses. Students will typically begin with introductory courses about the history and theories of communication, and they will also learn about communications’ research methods. They will also study the major through ethical and analytical lenses. Majors will also hone their own communication skills through courses in areas such as public speaking, performance, and interviewing.
Communications programs will often have concentrations that students may choose; these may include areas such as public relations, new media /Internet studies, film studies, or broadcasting. Concentrations allow students to take more courses within a focus of interest that may apply to a future job pursuit. Also, students will often be required to complete an internship. This can be anywhere from a radio station to a customer relations department to an advertising firm.
Because communications is applicable to so many fields, it is important to note that different college programs may emphasize certain fields over others, so some programs will focus strongly on broadcast media while others may instead concentrate on public relations or marketing. Once students graduate with a major in communications, they will have strong skills in writing, speaking, listening, and analysis. These abilities apply widely, so students will have a world of opportunities available to them.
For instance, graduates interested in writing may become reporters or editors for a newspaper. They may also go on to work for a radio broadcasting company. Students fascinated by social media and advertising may become social media managers who are in charge of creating and realizing goals to market a company’s brand online. Managers typically must be comfortable with using technology.
Other graduates may pursue a job as a media planner who analyzes the behavioral tendencies of consumers–their clicking and viewing habits –in order to design successful advertising campaigns for companies.
Public relations is also within the field of advertising. The purpose of a public relations job is to persuade the media and the public that a certain organization is ethical or attractive. PR professionals do this by designing press releases, events, and press conferences.
Students who enjoy planning parties may become event planners. Communications majors are sought-after as event planners because they can analyze the desires of consumer groups and have the skills to design and promote appealing events. Event planners may also create a variety of advertising material for the events they plan, and they can work anywhere from a high school to Disneyland.
Majors may also pursue careers in the sales or human resources departments in companies. Human resources professionals deal with the spread of information within a company, and they often use their communications skills to resolve inter or intradepartmental problems within a business. Alternatively, the sales department deals with promoting a company’s service to customers.
Other students may go into the field of politics, although they may want to take supplementary classes in college.
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