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What do you do with a Communication Studies degree?

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“What do you do with a Communication Studies degree?  What do you even learn at UNCW….like what’s 1 surfboard + 2 surfboards?”

Moving to Wilmington… as a 17 year old freshman from Pennsylvania…those were the supportive words from many of my friends from home.  I am proud to say that over my last four years at UNCW, my educational experience has far exceeded the expectations of my jealous high school friends.  Not only have I spent amazing afternoons at Wrightsville Beach, but I have also learned so much about myself and the vast opportunities available to me as a Communication Studies major.

The question is not what do you do with a Communication Studies degree…but rather what can you not do?  This major prepares you with such a wide range of skills it is really up to you where you want to go in this “real world”.  Personally, I enjoyed all of my COM classes but it wasn’t until I took Intro to IMC with Dr. Persuit that I really felt it “click”.  I absolutely loved this class because it was the first time I had really experienced a marketing side of communications and I loved this avenue.  Over the last two years I’ve taken various classes in the MKT department along with marketing and advertising focused classes in the COM department.

Even though I’m a bit nostalgic about leaving my comfort zone of UNCW I feel extremely prepared to enter the business world.  I’m not sure exactly where I’ll end up after my lease ends on July 31st but in the mean time I will be working as a paid Marketing Intern at Coastal Surgery Specialists in Wilmington while actively pursuing a career in Marketing or Sales.  It’s really bitter sweet graduating in May but I’m looking forward to seeing what this real world has in store for me.

So because everyone else seemed to through in their own motivational/ cheesy quotes here goes mine..

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”  ~Anthony J. D’Angelo

Best of luck class of 2010!

–Taylor Diehl

Comments

4 responses to “What do you do with a Communication Studies degree?”

  1. Zack Hamby Avatar
    Zack Hamby

    This is a question I often think about when I think of my major. I have experience such a difference in people’s perception of me after switching from Business to Communication Studies. I hate that I often get the stereotype that Communication Studies majors are lazy, un-driven, copouts. I have been determined to work hard to build a strong portfolio so when I am applying for a job or interacting with an individual and am inquired about my undergraduate career I do not have to try and explain myself. I want my interaction with others, my comfortableness in front of a crowd, my ability to work with a diverse group of people, my capability to read and assess the situation and handle it accordingly; I want all of these to be seen through my actions. That way there will not be any doubt in what I learned as a Communication Studies major. These skills I will be able to apply to any job that want to apply for. This will give me the upper hand to a plain Business major.

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  2. Kelie Braxton Avatar
    Kelie Braxton

    It hits close to home when you mention leaving your comfort zone. I feel that the COM department as a whole really provides a close-knit and almost family like appeal. The comfort that I feel with these professors and other students is amazing. I think the COM department is the place for me because of the comfort of everything. Not many students can say they actually enjoy going to classes because the subject matter is fun and interesting. It makes me happy and hopeful to hear “success” stories of students who have been where I am right now. I am very hopeful for the next two years and I’m excited to see where Communication Studies takes me!

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  3. Stephanie Ruggiro Avatar
    Stephanie Ruggiro

    This blog stood out to me because I feel that I am starting to ask myself all of the same questions that you have covered in your blog. I just transferred to UNCW into the Communication studies department and keep questioning myself on what I plan on doing with my degree. I never looked at it as the other way around like you have done. I feel that my classes are already starting to prepare me for the real world more than my previous major I was in. Not only do I think this major is right for me, but so is the atmosphere. Taking IMC is helping me broaden my horizons about what I really want to do when I graduate.

    Reply
  4. Laura Simmons Avatar
    Laura Simmons

    I really loved this blog because I feel the same way. I too am from a state up north and many friends from home said the same thing to me when I told them I was moving to Wilmington.
    When I first came to UNCW I thought I wanted to be a Business marketing degree, and did not like any of the business classes and I found that Communication studies was more suited for me. I agree that communication studies really sets you up for the “real world” by giving you a wide range of skills. I used to hate and dread the classes I was in, but ever since I changed to a COM major, I have loved the classes and really enjoyed all of my professors. Not only have a learned so much, but I have had fun every second of it.

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