If you are a communications major, you have heard it all before. Relatives asking you how you plan to make a living with this menial degree. Science and nursing majors silently (sometimes loudly) judging you when you answer their question about what you are studying. You know that all their preconceived notions are untrue but yet they leave you belittled on a response that will really stick it to them. It is a constant battle of proving your worth and what you plan on doing with your degree. Once and for all, I want to send a message to the disbelievers and those who judge people who are getting a degree in communications.
The thing I hear the most is that I should not be taken seriously because I am "clearly not serious about school". Personally, I am aspiring to have a career in journalism or broadcasting. Each communication major has an area of expertise that they are putting an emphasis on to help them with their future endeavors. It can range anywhere from teaching, business, counseling, public relations, government, etc. I chose a communications degree because it was the best fit for me.
I wanted a versatile degree that will not only give me the skills I need in the workplace but also in life. I felt that an English degree would push me into a corner that I may not be able to get out of. Many people that I know in my field of study have the same plans. My degree in communications does not correlate with me not being serious about my future or about my education - it is quite the opposite.
We also get told that we are lazy for choice in a degree program. When it is not flat out said, it is shown condescendingly by other majors telling me about how much work they have in their labs for example. Or by friends/relatives saying that school was so hard for them when they went. First, I would like to state that being a communications major does not make anyone lazy. There is a lot of reading and writing involved that many could not handle.
On average, I think I have about three essays a week. Each essay is usually a 1000 word minimum, if not more. And I only have four classes in the first place per semester. Yes, someone can crack an essay out at the last minute but it will not necessarily be good. This takes planning and time to write an essay that will ensure an A. This is something that a lot of majors could not handle. I listen to my friend's dread essay and drag their way through each little bit. Reading the required texts and writing papers can be seen as busy work to some, but not to a communication major.
My last rebuttal to the argument against communications is the actual communicative aspect. As a communications major, we are (usually) very good at public speaking. This makes interviews a walk in the park. Yes, we still get nervous for interviews but overall we know we will nail it. This being said, most communications majors will have better interview skills than those in other degree fields. This is not a bad thing whatsoever for those in those other fields - every person has their own distinct strengths. But the fact of the matter is that we can go in and kill an interview, even if it is something that we are not completely qualified for. The personability and confidence make employers want to give us a chance.
Communications is a field that is not for everyone but deserves not to be bagged on. Communication majors work hard, are serious about their future, have wonderful people skills and deserve to be taken seriously by their peers, family, friends and the world. Getting a degree in communications is not a cop-out.
