One of the most difficult things about being a COM major is the fact that people don't really understand anything about it. People think being a COM major just means you're learning how to talk to other people, but that couldn't be more wrong. When people ask what your major is, it's never fun to witness their response when you answer "communications." Communications is possibly one of the most misunderstood, yet most important fields in today's world. Here's a few things to refrain from saying next time you encounter a COM major:
1. "You have it SO easy!"
Just because we don't want to spend our lives doing math or science, doesn't mean our work doesn't get difficult too. You try writing five essays in one week, preparing for three speeches, and reading an entire book. Yeah, I thought so.
2. "What can you even do with that...?"
Yep, that's it. Whatever I want. Communications is broad and you can basically take it in any direction that you'd like, and that's why it's amazing. You'll be in a COM class and the person to your right wants to work for a radio station and the person to your left wants to go into fashion communications.
3. "Isn't that kind of broad?"
Yes. That's the point. That's why you do a double major, establish a minor, and do a lot of internships. This will show future employers what you're really interested in and how you've customized the major to fit your passions.
4. "How will you get a job?"
COM majors get this question all the time and it's actually quite funny because it's so misguided. Communications is only becoming more important as time goes on. Social media has become one of the best marketing strategies for companies, and where do you learn about online media? Communications classes. Where do you learn about the latest public relations strategies? Communications classes. Also, COM majors are known for doing a lot of internships and developing a lot of connections. A freshman communications major has probably already done more networking than some juniors and seniors in other fields.
5. "Why do you even have to go to school for that? Don't you already know how to communicate?"
Yes I do need to go to school for it and yes I do know how to communicate. Although, you'd be surprised how terrible the majority of people are at public speaking, or even something as simple as looking someone in the eye when speaking to them. That being said, communications isn't just about talking to people. It's about developing relationships with companies, or working on social media, or developing marketing strategies, and much more depending on which route you choose.
6. "So you want to be a writer?"
No, that actually isn't what I said. Although a lot of COM majors enjoy writing, we don't want to be writers. If we did, we would have studied, well...writing? Writing is definitely a part of the communications field, but there's a lot more to it.
7. "I guess you'll need to go to grad school if you want to get a good job."
Actually, no. Communications is a very hands-on field. While school is important, what's more important is actually going out, getting experience and showing employers that you're qualified. I'll go to grad school later if I want, but I definitely don't have to do anything immediately because I've been preparing myself with internships and networking.
