After four years of media studies, mass communication classes, and repeatedly having to explain your major, it’s easy to say that Communication might just be the most underappreciated major. Not only do you know how to eloquently explain your thoughts (in speeches, writing, 140-characters, interpretative dance...you name it), but you can also represent organizations through PR, Advertising, Social Media, Journalism, and countless other ways. Here are 21 things all Communication majors know to be true:
1. Talking is a way of life.
2. You’re always on social media.
Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest…you name it, you have an account.
3. Internships, internships, INTERNSHIPS!!
While classes are obviously important, nothing can replace experience in the field. If you’re not in classes, you’re probably getting that unpaid internship credit.
4. You dread taking your required math and science classes.
Passing math tests as a Comm major is always 50 percent hard work and 70 percent luck.
5. You can’t ever say things like “Oh I didn’t check my phone.”
It’s a lie that everyone but you is allowed to tell. Why not? Because your phone is glued to your hand at all times (plus a portable charger or three).
6. You’re tired of hearing “What can you do with your major?”
ANYTHING. LITERALLY ANYTHING.
7. You can make fun of yourself.
“Sorry, I’m a comm major” is literally the BEST excuse in the book.
8. Short answer questions are always the best.
Don’t ask how many professors have written “close enough” on my test. If you just keep writing, there’s no way to get the answer wrong!
9. You can say the communication model in your sleep.
Senders, receivers, channels, messages...you know.
10. A three-minute presentation feels like a breeze.
Try giving a 20-minute presentation in Spanish, a public speech about a non-profit organization, and run a class discussion in one day (And you can’t even wear a t-shirt and shorts!!).
11. You’re a people person.
This just comes with the major.
12. Four-page paper due tomorrow? Due tomorrow.
After writing this article, I will be writing three more essays.
13. You don’t want to know how many essays you’ve edited.
Your nicknames probably include “grammar police” and you’re best known for being over the word count.
14. Group projects.
Maybe the first group project was fun, but after that, all you’re looking forward to is the peer reviews.
15. You’re tired of watching/hearing yourself on recordings.
As much fun as it is to make a campaign video or a podcast…please don’t make me watch it in front of the class…
16. Your parents do not understand you when you say you are taking on Popular Culture.
Yes, Mom. I promise “studying” Instagram counts as work.
17. Deadlines
You probably have more deadlines written on your calendar than actual social plans.
18. You are always finding ways to improve your skills for your resume.
Does checking your phone excessively count as a skill?
19. You find yourself saying “There’s a lot you can do with a communication major” WAY too often.
Nothing is more aggravating than trying to validate your own major to other people. No, it may not be like an engineering degree, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to live out of a cardboard box!
20. You stay up to date with the latest in news, gossip, sports, pop culture, and you name it.
All in the name of Comm. And if not, you bet your professor is going to ask you what events are happening in the news that day.
21. Communication is by far the best major out there.
In the end, communication majors enjoy what we do and look forward to all the opportunities it will present. No matter what you choose to do with your degree, you know you are going to be working at your dream job.
