Being a media major isn’t easy and definitely isn’t for everyone. The idea that communications is a cop-out major simply isn’t true. Journalism and other sub-fields within the communication program require upper-level thinking and quick decision making that many students are not willing to put forth. Writing is only one of the few necessary skills that is required to excel in the field.
Recently, the world of media has undergone a so-called industrial revolution. Old standards for content production have faded into the sunset and have been replaced by competitive trendsetters. At the University of Colorado Boulder, a new college was implemented at the school for media students. The College of Media and Information, or CMCI, was offered for the first time during the 2015-2016 school year. Comprised of mainly freshman, it was designed to take a new look at modern day media.
Despite staff and administrative enthusiasm about the program, students are left feeling uncertain about the program as a whole. Confusion and distaste from students emanates from the fact that teachers are still in the process of building their curriculum. Students aren’t sure what to expect when it comes to assignments and lecture presentation can be unpredictable. The university pre-registers students for courses within the college and doesn’t release information about the class until the first day for the semester.
Still, the redeeming qualities in the college are that the teachers are flexible and are doing their best to design the curriculum around this constantly evolving field. The idea is to prepare students for the challenges that could face them within the field and give them an edge up on today’s media culture.
As a first-year student in the program, I keep hearing one particular phrase that sticks out from the typical hooplah. It caught me off guard and struck me as an intriguing comparison the first time I heard it. “We are training you to become unicorns,” said one of my professors during a particularly engaging lecture.
As students in such a competitive field, it will take more than being simply competent to score a job in the future. It will take tact, solid decision making, an attractive resume, and ultimately the ability to work independently to complete a multimedia project. This means not only being able to an amazing writer, but to also take photos, shoot video, report, be fluent on social media, and find prospective leads. We will need to be the rare unicorn who can do it all.
Some may find this intimidating, but others -- like myself -- will rise to the challenge and see the opportunity that the future offers. The fact that CU is even attempting to reexamine old media practices and educational traditions is commendable. Flaws in a new program are natural and are likely to be fixed in the next few years. As a student in the program, the idea of being competitive in the upcoming job market is attractive. Being flexible in media abilities will certainly open up a variety of doors and a bright future.
