By Whenever I hear someone say that choosing to major in communication is the easy way out, I wish they could understand what it’s like studying for an oral exam that covers every course you’ve taken in the last four years. Or, what it’s like writing research papers for Research Methods.
Communication isn’t all about writing speeches, giving presentations, and reading books. Rather, it prepares students to enter into their post-college lives with all the skills necessary to attain their dream jobs and build relationships with anyone and everyone.
When I first chose to major in Communication, I’ll admit that I too thought it was an easier pick that would relate well enough to the job I wanted post graduation. However, my first impression of the department was immediately changed when I realized how applicable the topics are to my life and how difficult many of the courses are.
The professors in the department foster an environment of learning which resembles a graduate program. Many classes are research and discussion based allowing for students to learn in small groups and relatable settings. One class in particular sparked my interest in communication and taught me how the content relates to the world.
In Interpersonal Communication, taught by Dr. Charlotte Jones, topics cover relationships between family, friends, significant others, and professionals and how they shape our lives. This class expanded my knowledge of how to effectively communicate in all of these settings and significantly improved my performance at work.
In a job like mine, as a professional photographer, communication is a huge factor influencing the productivity and viability of the company.
In addition to how well these classes are taught, it is also a major that has implications in every field. Oftentimes, students majoring in biology, health science, finance, and many others remark on how pertinent the communication classes they take are to their fields as well.
The department also has many unique opportunities for students including a conference several of us attended this past weekend. The Northwest Communication Association held a conference in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for individuals in undergraduate and graduate research as well as professors to present their work over the three days. Along with four other communication majors and two professors, I traveled to this conference to present my research titled “Not ‘Mexican Halloween:’ Dia de Los Muertos in tradition and media.”
During the conference we attended panels from many researchers from schools around the Northwest. Many topics related to gender studies, interpersonal communication, mass media, and several others. Each day we had opportunities to network with professionals in the field as well as colleagues from different universities. Throughout the day there were panel sessions and talks for us to attend.
On Monday afternoon the five-student panel from Carroll presented our research to the other attendees of the conference. Overall, this experience was not only a great networking opportunity but cultivated further research inspiration. Presenting at a conference was also a great addition to my resume.
Opportunities like this are only a small part of the valuable experiences in the Communication department. I feel that more people need to learn about the opportunities and benefits connected to the major and how they can benefit a future career.
Let’s be clear, communication is a life-changing major.
Communication teaches you to understand those around you and work with people who have different opinions. Communication prepares us to work under pressure and fight for our opinions. Communication encourages us to follow our passions, and achieve our goals.
I can confidently say that this department has made my time at Carroll extremely worthwhile and prepared me for what’s to come in the next couple of months as I enter my post graduation position at my dream job as photographer.
If you’re still skeptical about a communication degree, I encourage you to read this again.
If not, welcome to the communication department!
