The study of communications can be broken down into three categories: verbal, written and nonverbal. Verbal and written are the most commonly known forms of communication, while nonverbal takes the backseat. Rarely noticed and if so, are barely given much attention. Yet, nonverbal is one of the most crucial components of communications. Dear readers, this is where I begin my article.
Not too long ago someone "jokingly" said to me, “So, you study how to talk to people?” in response to my explanation of my choice of major. Their point is partially true, but lacks major insight to what it truly means to be a communications major. I’ll preface this list by stating communications is much, much more than simply talking to another person.
Will the communications majors please stand up? It’s time we appreciate our major, and all the things that make studying communications worth it in the end. Drama aside, here are 11 things all communications students know to be true:
1. Your laptop/cell phone is always within arms distance.
The odds of your professor asking you to check Twitter for a business’s crisis communication strategy, or to design a brochure in InDesign is more likely than not, so you’re always prepared.
2. Coffee is also always within arms distance.
Need I say more?
3. You have become the biggest grammar critic.
Not only of yourself, but others, too. You sometimes have to bite your lip and silence the mini shrieks in your mind.
4. Your communications squad is super tight.
Since you have classes with all the same people, it’s hard not to stay friendly with everyone! Plus, it’s easier when group project time rolls around.
5. Media theory classes make you question everything about society and then some.
Hegemony, escapism, oh my!
6. Your knowledge of social media practices, strategies, tactics and platforms seems unlimited.
You’re also pretty active on your own personal accounts and have perfected the #hashtag.
7. Midterms and finals consist of term papers, projects or creating some form of semester synthesis.
Yes, 20 page papers are a thing and should not be trifled with.
8. Right after finals, you were convinced you were suffering from carpal tunnel.
If tight wrists and cramped fingers means finishing the perfect press release, so be it.
9. Internships can make or break you.
But stay positive! Things always work out the way they’re supposed to.
10. People think your major is “weak.”
Honestly, I dislike comparing one major to another simply for the fact that everyone has their own skills that are useful to their own major. I for one could never run engineering applications, and likewise many engineers I know would break out in a sweat when they hear the utterance of “term paper." However, people in communications play vital roles in the functions of many businesses and organizations due to the broad range of specialties covered.
11. Despite late night research and seemingly endless typing you still love communications and couldn't imagine studying anything else!
