A degree in communications is right for you if you have the right interests and skills. Choosing this major can be a difficult decision because some people claim that a communications degree is not valuable. However, there are definite benefits of getting a degree in communications for students with the interests and skills listed below.
Preexisting Interests and Skills
Students who major in communications tend to already have excellent interpersonal and intrapersonal skills. These students are naturally talented in using verbal and written communications to persuade, inspire and even dissuade others. Some communications students are also fascinated by group dynamics, team building and conflict resolution. Many times, these students are bored with the stereotypical high school English classes that limit their creative spark and passionate opinions. These students also tend to be analytical, well-organized, and idealistic humanitarians.
Many students choose a communications major because it allows them to professionally vent their deep feelings and strong convictions about the world. Sometimes, this may take the form of natural planning and presentation skills, or the form of using technology to engage others. This is important because a communications major is inseparable from technology. Finally, some communications majors simply enjoy all forms of writing, whether it is screenplays, research papers, or marketing ads.
Diverse Academic Options
Communication degrees are flexible programs that expose students to a variety of enriching subjects and specializations. Common specializations include business, technical and emerging media communication. Basic classes include composition, which will teach students the fundamental skills needed to express oneself with clarity and confidence, and professional enhancement, which will teach students specific techniques designed to maintain a professional appearance and presence.
Advanced classes will expose students to the fields of mass media and broadcasting. For example, students will learn about technological advancements, government regulations, consumer research and thorny legal issues. An interpersonal communications class will train students to apply interpersonal communication techniques at work and how to continually become a more effective communicator. Classwork will touch on everything from nonverbal interaction, emotional communication and conflict management. Other classes include research skills, public speaking, digital tools, group dynamics and strategic communications.
Career Flexibility
Students who want to maintain career flexibility throughout their life should consider a degree in communications. There are dozens of job options in different industries for communications majors. For example, a communications degree is the perfect choice for students interested in working in public relations (PR). As entry-level PR assistants, they will use their writing and organizational skills to prepare and present persuasive materials. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a bachelor’s degree is what is needed to enter the field. Creative students will enjoy working as advertising copywriters who writes ads for everything from product packaging to travel brochures.
Then again, students interested in marketing can easily find work with their excellent verbal and written communication skills. They may create and send out marketing emails or help design a digital marketing campaign. Any student interested in traditional publishing can find work as an editorial assistant who reviews and edits manuscripts, as well as communicating with agents and authors. Finally, the field of political science is open to communications majors because political candidates rely on campaign coordinators who are articulate, quick thinking and passionate writers.
In closing, the answer to the question of whether a degree in communications is right for you depends on your personal interests and skills. A communications degree is an excellent choice for students who want academic diversity and career flexibility.
For more information on pursuing a degree in communications, please see: Top 10 Best Online Communications Degree Programs.