I never could imagine all facets of my Communication Studies career at UNCW would come to a close at the exact same time. I am in the cusp of finishing my departmental honors project, currently transitioning positions for the COM honors fraternity Lambda Pi Eta, and now the last day of classes is dawning. I am moderately overwhelmed; however, it is a familiar feeling. As a student entering the department three years ago, I was quite oblivious to what career I truly wanted to pursue come May, 2010. Unfortunately now a week shy of May, I am still just as oblivious. BUT before everyone reading recedes in shock, I DO possess one feeling in regards to my future I did not before, which is passion. Passion for my major, passion for my department, and passion for IMC (not a promo for the class, I promise). Having taken classes in integrated marketing communications truly has opened my eyes to a whole new way of pursuing communication studies.
Hybridizing marketing and communications while outlying features such as social media, public relations, and advertising, creates a captivating discipline. It is truly unique in that IMC provides a surplus of prospective job opportunities, graduate school programs, and opportunities abroad for students interested in the field of study. IMC students have the advantage of being multifaceted within their major, gaining both client and corporate experience while utilizing new forms of social media to boost their own personal brand. It is such a rich subject that allows students the flexibility for growth and expertise.
So as my time at UNCW and my participation with the IMC Hawk team comes to a close, more than overwhelmed, I now feel confident. I feel confident in the success of my peers, confident for myself, and confident for our future. No matter what career, school, or volunteer path we decide to take, IMC Hawks rest assured, our knowledge of IMC will be there offering support, and laying the groundwork for all the implausible feats we are surely to face.
–Stephanie Saulsbury
IMC Hawks Blog 
I think that was incredibly well put, Stephanie. I have truly been awakened to the passion and opportunities in the field of communication, and specifically IMC, this semester. Like you, I should be making the transition from college life to the real world in May, but I changed my major in hopes of finding this passion and drive that you speak of. It wasn’t an easy decision, especially since I nearly finished my other degree, but it was definitely a meaningful one and I’m glad I did it. I am excited to (eventually) start a career in one of the many fields I know UNCW and the COM department coursework is currently preparing me for.
I really liked how you included how much opportunity there is when you are multifaceted in both Communications studies along with IMC. After taking IMC, I have learned so many facets of Communications and Marketing that I never really paid attention to in my daily life. Now that I have become more savvy, I now feel like I will have a better chance to go into “the real world” and be successful in my chosen career path.