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  • Com Studies Graduates Share Their Experiences

    Today, I had the opportunity to see a panel of five recent (graduating between 2004 and 2009) UNCW Communication Studies graduates. After giving a brief introduction of where they each studied at UNCW and what their current job positions involve, the floor was opened up to questions. I would like to share some of the panelists’ responses that struck me the most.

    A common theme shared among the panelists: make the most of your time in school. Panelists especially urged seniors to challenge themselves by taking as many 400 level courses as they can, because those classes will provide the best experience and preparation for post-graduation life. Similarly, panelists talked about how internships played immensely important roles in their development and transition to entry-level positions. Continuing the thought, when asked about the importance of GPA’s and transcripts in the interview process, panelists unanimously expressed that little concern was given to GPA’s and transcripts, and that employers were much more interested in extracurricular activities and work experience.

    Here are a few other comments that I found particularly useful:

    Regarding the need for strong written communication skills, Chris Duke stressed the importance of writing “clear and concise.”

    When asked about bringing new ideas to an organization, Laura Smith suggested spending time learning everyone’s preferences, because unlike teachers’ seemingly endless enthusiasm for participation, professionals may not always be so receptive.

    And lastly, my personal favorite insight of the night came from Chris Duke. Paraphrasing, Chris said, “Use the opportunity during the interview to ask questions that give you a feel for the organization and the culture.”

    Wrapping up both Business Week and Com Studies Day, we hope everyone was able to use the myriad networking opportunities. If you feel you may not have done enough networking, or perhaps you’ve got “the networking bug” now, be aware that there are plenty of networking opportunities in Wilmington regularly. Visit WilmingtonNetworkingEvents.com for a calendar with each month’s events.

    For a full transcript of our Com Studies Day live-blogging, click here.

    – Terry Hayes

  • Com Studies Day

    Today is UNCW’s Com Studies day. Through out the day we have events happening, such as a fashion show, an alumni panel, and a reception which our class will cover through live blog. You can keep up with us through out the day by clicking here

  • Networking opportunities galore!

    The Communication Studies department offers a wide variety of events for students to connect with professionals in the field including internships (which was discussed in a previous blog post this week), Project Protégé and the alumni panels on Communication Studies Day. The Communication Studies Society sponsors Project Protégé where students are paired with professionals in the Wilmington area. Students must apply for placement in the program. It offers students a valuable opportunity to network and gain insight to their respective fields.

    Tomorrow, Friday, March 26, 2010, is Communication Studies day, which is sponsored by the Communication Studies department. Communication Studies Day is an annual celebration of our discipline that allows students the opportunity to network with alumni who work in communication related industries.

    Tune in tomorrow for our exciting live blog where our class will update information on who is speaking on the panels, what the panelists experiences have been in the field, the panelists advice to students and what to wear/what not to wear to interviews via the Dress for Success fashion show. We hope you join us on Communication Studies Day! Below is the schedule:

    10:00-11:00 Panel presentation by alumni (Leutze Hall 125) (LIVE BLOG)

    11:00-11:30 Networking session with panelists (Leutze Lobby)

    12:15-1:15 Dress for Success Fashion Show presented by Communication Studies Society (Warwick Center Ballroom) (LIVE BLOG)

    2:00-3:00 Panel presentation by alumni (Leutze Hall 125) (LIVE BLOG)

    3:00-3:30 Networking session with panelists (Leutze Lobby)

    4:00 Social at Wrightsville Grille

    -Rachel Kaylor

  • A Glimpse into Digital Multimedia

    New technology has allowed Communication Studies to become a very versatile major.  With the evolution of social networking tools and other forms of new media, those who have chosen a career field in Communication Studies have had no other choice than to become very versatile in their technological skill set.  One aspect of Communication Studies that is often overlooked, yet is essential to the field of study is digital multimedia.  Digital multimedia often serves as a backbone for marketing and advertising seeing as visual aesthetics are key to these practices.  With this in mind, I would like to encourage everyone to explore the functions of the Adobe Suite.

    InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc., are all computer programs that advertising and marketing professionals use on a regular basis.  The functionality of this software is practically endless and that is why knowledge of these programs is often times very appealing to employers.  The University of North Carolina Wilmington offers a number of classes aimed at helping students acquire a skill set within the Adobe Suite.

    Below are a list of courses offered by UNCW’s Communication Studies department geared towards digital multimedia:

    COM 260. Digital Multimedia: Comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of digital multimedia. Topics include digital image editing, digital graphic design, Web design, and basic animation.

    COM 262. Introduction to Animation: Basic principles of animation using computer generated animation. Providing students with essential tools to gain knowledge about modeling, lights, cameras, motion, interactivity and rendering.

    COM 460. Desktop Publishing : Study of layout and design as it applies to desktop publishing with practical application of design fundamentals for a variety of practical assignments (e.g., brochures, newsletters, Web pages). Emphasis on use of desktop publishing for the public relations/advertising practitioner and the employment of software packages needed for effective layout and design.

    COM 475. Advanced Digital Multimedia: Proving students with the opportunity to gain in-depth knowledge about digital multimedia. Emphasis on developing skills in digital multimedia for use in advertising, print media, and electronic media.

    Dr. Noor Al-Deen of UNCW’s Communication Studies department has samples of students’ work on her website.

    Laura Ann Klinedinst

  • Exploring The World Through Communication Studies

    Now more than ever, it is important for us as future employees to set ourselves apart from the competition. What better way then to study and live in another country? UNCW encourages travel abroad and specifically our very own Communication Studies Department, offers a multitude of opportunities.

    The Office of International Programs and our department offer a variety of programs tailed to fit any student seeking to gain insight into life across the pond or even across the world.  Programs can range in a length from about 10 days all the way up to one year. A variety of university’s in a number of counties are already approved for study, specifically to the Communication Department, Swansea University. During the Spring 09 semester we even had one of our own faculty members serve as a leader for students.

    While abroad there are many opportunities one can engage in to enrich their cultural experiences.  Students can take classes at accredited universities, which count toward their degree from UNCW.  Communication classes can be taken in marketing as well as public relations and advertising. Taking classes in a different environment helps to put a fresh outlook on concepts we have learned. Various internships are also available through certain programs and in certain countries. Imagine gaining work experience internationally! Traveling is encouraged during school breaks and weekends to other countries via train or air.  This is a great way to see parts of the world you might not otherwise have such easy access to.

    Studying abroad not only allows you go places you’ve never been, it is also helpful in giving a fresh prospective to your academic studies and sets you apart to future employers. Experiencing things you may not have the opportunity to on a traditional vacation makes you more aware of the world we live in. Take advantage of any opportunity available to you and I promise you won’t regret it!

    -Jess Smith

  • Why work for free?

    Communication Studies has become a popular major among students at UNCW over the past few years. With a wide variety of sub-fields, including media production, public relations, and communication technologies, the department certainly gives students many options for potential careers. Prior to graduation, students are encouraged to gain knowledge and work experience in the communication studies field through an internship. An internship gives students a chance to actually apply their training and knowledge, and gain more insight into that type of work.

    Searching for internships can be difficult. Places such as CMT and MTV have been popular places to look for internships outside of the Wilmington vicinity that are still related to communication studies. But there are numerous opportunities for internships in Wilmington as well. Competition is high, but the experience is once in a lifetime. Whether paid or not, everyone walks away with more experience than before.

    Internships are extremely beneficial when searching for a possible career in the field of communications. Although many students would prefer having an internship with a large and well-known company, any experience is better than none at all. As an intern with the event coordinator at the Bluewater Grill, I have learned a great deal about event planning and the work experience has certainly been beneficial.

    The Communication Studies department at UNCW works with students to find the perfect internship to suit their needs. The department offers credit hours in place of getting paid for the internship. Sure, getting paid would be ideal, but why not get school credit for such valuable work experience? Through the Communication Studies website, students may access information on how to find an internship, along with how to get course credit for their internship.

    The value of an internship cannot be put into words. Not only can internships open doors for future jobs and careers, but having the ability to combine the formal training with realistic practice makes the internship well worth the time. As an intern, I can only hope that everyone finds their internships as beneficial as I have. Communication Studies is a hands-on major, and an internship in this field will give students a chance to put their knowledge to work.

    Lacey Inman

  • Hollywood’s Oxygen

    They are some of the most well-paid people in Hollywood. They’re welcome at the most exclusive parties and are constantly brushing elbows with the town’s biggest names. Leaving aside the numerous jokes to be made about Hollywood’s oxygen, I am referring to the agents that manage the town’s top talent. These agents provide a continuous stream of deals “in a town that needs deals like oxygen,” as the Financial Times characterized agents’ place in their story on the industry.

    Mainly known for fetching their clients top-dollar contracts, agencies are being forced to expand their repertoire. In the past, garnering promising and proven talent may have been enough. Today, though, agents are finding themselves forced to find new ways to offer value, and they’re forced to do so in a changing environment. Studios are making less movies (last year saw a 20% drop), and becoming less willing to take risks on an incomplete picture. Agents are adding value by “packaging” movies – a term referring to attaching a director, star, and script.

    Citing fewer movie productions and sharply declining DVD sales, Jeremy Zimmer, partner at the talent agency UTA, states, “Real agents aren’t bookers any more, they are job creators…we have to be creative.” Agencies are looking to other areas for additional revenue sources. Television has become increasingly important with agencies fighting to package pilot shows for big profits.

    Others are looking not to create new content, but rather to bring existing content to a new audience. For example, Creative Artists Agency, the largest talent agency, which manages infamous curmudgeon Simon Cowell, worked on contracts to bring his hit UK show, The X Factor to the US.

    Further still, agencies are vamping up their efforts on branding their clients. One agency helped singer Gwen Stefani create a clothing line, while CAA snagged a marketing deal with the New York Yankees’ new stadium. In contrast to the growing concern over the use of sports endorsers, CAA has made a strategic decision to pursue some of the world’s top sports talent. The bottom line is a valuable lesson for any industry: when opportunities seem scarce, adapt by creating your own.

    And as for who really came out on top at the Oscars? CAA lead the pack with 9 awards (out of a dominant 28 nominations)

    For more info on agencies’ Oscar nominations and awards, go here: OSCARS! Which agencies were the big winners?
    Read last month’s Financial Times story on the agency industry here: Hollywood’s golden talent agents

    – Terry Hayes