With graduation QUICKLY approaching, I’m starting to get a little sentimental about my time at UNCW. As I reflect I realize that some of the experiences I’ve gained here have prepared me for life post-grad more than I could’ve imagined.
I remember eagerly and anxiously sitting in COM 105, wondering what this major would have in store. I hate to admit, but Dr. Weber was right—if you put in the work a degree in Communication Studies will set you up for the highest amount of success.
My advice is to take advantage of every opportunity, ~seas~ the day (haha *cringe*).
No, but really, use the resources that are offered to you! Professors sometimes seem intimidating, but they are there to help you. Those who are about to take COM 400, go to the career center. It’ll save you so much time and make you feel more confident in your skills.
I’m thankful for the Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) curriculum. Classes like Strategic Writing in Communication, Message and Campaign Design, as well as Brand Strategy and Research, have made me confident in my abilities as a communicator. Through these classes, my writing and creative problem-solving skills have only strengthened. I’ve been able to apply what I’ve learned in class to my internship, which ultimately led to a job. I can undoubtedly say that without the Communication Studies Department and help from Professors (shoutout to Gentry, Persuit, Willingham, and McDaniel) that I wouldn’t be where I am today. With their guidance, I’m excited to graduate and take on this new job that waits in the next chapter of my life.
-Claire
IMC Hawks Blog 
Hey Claire!
Nice post. I am a junior and I still feel like graduation is way too close. I do agree that I feel capable of a multitude of careers after taking Communication Studies. I haven’t had most IMC courses yet, but I’m excited for the ones I’ll take in the future. The best part about this major is that I have noticed a natural growth in my communication capabilities, skills, and self-confidence. I think it definitely prepares you for the real world!
Hi Claire, I loved reading your post. It is so sincere. I graduate exactly one year from May and I am very nervous, but excited for the next chapter in my life. I am also about to take COM 400, so thank you for the advice! Being a COM major has been such a privilege and our professors are seriously the best! I wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and at your new job!
Congrats on graduating! Your point about visiting your professors and using the resources provided by the school for the COM department is super important. I’ve only been in college for two years now and I am always reminding myself to visit my professors. Their guidance and connections are things that should not be taken for granted, especially near graduation. I’m glad you found specific classes beneficial and it gives me hope of finding a job once I graduate.
Congratulations on your graduation! I will keep your advice “to take advantage of every opportunity, ~seas~ the day” in my mind and study hard as an undergraduate student. I wish you luck in all your future endeavors.
Claire,
This is a very well thought out piece that gives the reader an idea of what it could be like succeeding in the communication studies curriculum. It is very reassuring to read your experiences and how that hey truly benefitted you and helped prepare you for your future. This is inspiration for many pre com majors such as myself to one day be successful and land that perfect internship that will lead to a job. Thank you for writing and I wish you good luck with all your future endeavors!
It’s nice to hear that you have enjoyed your time here at the university! I too slightly understand your sentimentalism concerning the experiences you have made. As a junior on her way out the door next year, the pressure to become successful draws closer everyday. I am glad that some of the professors in the COM department are resourceful and down-to-Earth in such a way that lowers any hesitations like those that I’ve had with professor within other departments when attempting to converse with them.
Claire,
I could not agree more with your comment regarding taking advantage of every opportunity. There have been many opportunities that UNCW has brought to me, and opportunities that have been brought to me outside of UNCW that I am so lucky to have gotten. Sometimes the opportunities that we think we may not like or that we least expect are the ones that benefit us the most at the end of the day. I wish you the best of luck in your journey after UNCW!