As you can probably guess, I am a Communications major, and, surprise! I have something to say. There are quite a few stereotypes and misconceptions out there about those who major in Communications. The major is sometimes viewed as an easy A, and the person who's studying to get their degree in Communications is only doing so to party on the weekends and will have a hard time finding a job; these thoughts are a bit misguided, at least from my perspective. As a Communications major, here are 5 things I would like you to know.
1. It's not as easy as it seems
As communicators, we not only must know how to speak, but we must also be able to read and write effectively. To some, that might as well be rocket science. Reading and writing well does not come easily to everyone, so if you think that anyone could go ahead and major in Communications for an easy A, I'll have to ask you to reconsider.
2. It has value
You could be the most brilliant doctor or scientist in the world, but if you can't communicate with the public or your patients, then what's the point? There are bad communicators out there. There are very shy people. Majoring in Communications has allowed me to come out of my shell (because if you told high school me that I'd be writing articles and sharing them on the Internet, I'd tell you you're nuts) and learn how to not only talk to people, but how to listen. Being a good talker and listener brings value to all the knowledge that your mind holds.
3. It's significant in today's society
I think anyone who has seen a celebrity, musician or politician go off on a Twitter rant or two (*cough cough* Donald Trump) can agree that a publicist is quite necessary. What you say and air out to dry on the Internet will follow you whether you're famous or not, but if you are, you'll want to hire someone who majored in Communications.
4. It takes guts
Being a Communications major is rough if you have a fear of public speaking. One of the first classes I took during my Freshman year of college was public speaking, and it was a baptism by fire to say the least.
Being a Communications major is also rough if you hate talking on the phone, or get nervous about writing emails and reaching out to strangers. It's okay to experience these feelings, but you gotta fake it until you make it. Being a Communications major involves sharing our ideas and opinions, working with others, being the first to reach out, and saying what needs to be said, even if it makes us uncomfortable. You must have guts. You need to be bold. Because, at the end of the day, all we're trying to do is to get you to listen, and in order to do so, we must do whatever it takes to be heard (even if it's a few miles outside our comfort zone).
5. There are so many possibilities out there when it comes to finding a career
I lovingly refer to the Communications major as an "umbrella major" because it covers so many different areas in the job market. Communications majors are necessary in business, education, the press, social media, law, and much, much more. Communications occupations are projected to grow 4% by 2024, and I can imagine the demand will be even greater with the rapid change of social and digital media and how we use it to communicate. Don't count us out!
If you buy into the stereotypes of Communications majors and I still haven't convinced you to think otherwise, then that's okay. This isn't a persuasive speech, and you're entitled to your opinions. That's the beauty of Communications- it's just as much listening to and understanding different views as it is voicing our own.
