Matteo
What is the best way to prepare for a major in communications in college?
I am a high school senior and I would like to major in communications when I am in college. I have already done research on the subject but what exactly can I expect? What from the major would be similar to something that I have already experienced in high school? #college #communications #majors #experience
3 answers
Chelsie Sloan
Chelsie’s Answer
Great question. There are many avenues you can take with communications, so exploring the options and finding out what works best for you is important while in high school and even while in college. If you are interested in the Broadcast side of communications get involved with the newscast at your school or contact the local TV station and ask to shadow or intern. If you are interested more in the Print side of things, check out your schools newspaper, yearbook, or reach out to the paper in your community and again just give your time. The best way to make it in the world of communications is to network and get involved!
Interns are great opportunities to see the good and the bad of the communications world and determine what works best for you. Everyone in communications had a mentor or internship along the way, so reach out to a few people and see if they can help you by giving you a glimpse by shadowing or interning. Network and network!
Tanya Martin
Tanya’s Answer
Matteo, communications usually involves TV broadcasting, public relations, public speaking, journalism, and radio. I have a communications degree, and I can tell you that it is not helpful in the real world because I don't have a specialty. For example, if you want to work in radio, it is best to tailor your classes for radio. That way, when it is time for you to find a job, you can show that you were schooled in the subject of radio, as opposed to a general communication curriculum..
ELISSA NESBITT
ELISSA’s Answer
what do you enjoy doing
what are you good at?
how do those things lend to a career path?
If you like to public speaking and presenting, that may lead you to broadcast, volunteer engagement, public relations. If you're happy writing and organizing behind the scenes, you can look at corporate communications where you write for other people.
Try to find people in the fields you're interested in and talk to them about what they do. Ask how what their day is like. Once at school, talk to professors and speakers to learn about the fields you're interested in. Internships and summer jobs are helpful too.
Preparing for college is simply about being ready to be on your own. You'll do great!