Why Should I Consider a Degree in Communications?

*Note: the following advice comes from the writer's personal experience as a college graduate with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Communications: Broadcast Journalism.

For countless high school students across the U.S. and around the world, graduation, while exciting, can also be intimidating. For the average 18-year-old, "What is your major?" is a terrifying question loaded with a great amount of pressure. As a student faces the decision of what to do with the rest of his/her life, there can be several obstacles to overcome. Perhaps the most notable is selecting a major.

If you are considering a university that offers degree tracts in Communications and/or Mass Media, here are few reasons include such a major in your list of options:

1. The Art of Communication is essential to your future career success.

No matter your job requirements and responsibilities, the ability to communicate information clearly, concisely and with a heightened level of professionalism, as well as in multiple forms, is not only essential but expected. Employers seek candidates who are not only skilled in oral communication, but who are skilled in writing, using several forms of technology, and who possess first-class, unmatched people skills.

The vast majority of Communication degrees, particularly at 4-year universities, attempt to expose students to all of the aforementioned, even after they select a specific tract. Whether a student chooses to pursue journalism, public relations, advertising, radio/TV production, communication technology, public speaking or any of the other available options, entry-level courses in academic areas outside of their tracts are often required. For example, a Broadcast Journalism major may be required to take entry level courses in advertising and public relations.

This level of advanced coursework will ultimately benefit you in the long-run. While seemingly tedious, remember that a combination of multiple communication-related skills will cause you to be far more marketable in the employment world.

2. Technology is a normal part of today's work place.

These days it is virtually impossible to find a job that does not require your ability to either utilize or at the very least operate some form of technology. Whether it's something as sophisticated and advanced as a TV studio camera or complex computer software or whether it's just the cash register at your local retail store or fast food joint, technology in the workplace is becoming increasingly common in today's fast-paced society.

A Communications degree at a four year university can expose you to new and exciting forms of technology. Although many tracts such as Broadcast Journalism or Communications Technology are rooted in more advanced devices, students in any tract often have the option of choosing from elective courses such as Computer Information Systems, Web Design and Advanced Television Broadcast Production. While you may only wish to major in some form of public speaking, two or three technology-related courses will benefit you long after you graduate and begin pursuing a career in your field.

If you wish to acquire the basic technology and computer skills employers often seek, look into the courses offered by your schools Computer Sciences Department. Internet Communications courses and basic typing/keyboarding courses are a great place to start. Find classes that will train you in essential programs such as Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint and Excel).

3. Foreign language skills will enhance your marketability in the work world.

Although several degree programs at colleges and universities around the world require the student to complete one to two foreign language courses, a communications-related tract will enhance the eventual use of such a skill. Communications students typically have the option of choosing the foreign language sequence they wish to complete.

With the rapid increase in our nation's Hispanic population, most college academic advisors will suggest that communication students complete foreign language coursework in basic Spanish 1 and Spanish 2. According to a November 2010 article posted to hispanicpopulation.net, "The U.S. now has approximately a little under 47 million Hispanics living within its borders and this has now made Hispanics the largest race minority in the U.S."

Fluency in Spanish, combined with a wide range of oral and technological communicative skills, will make you a much more marketable individual in the work world.

So if you're having trouble selecting a college major, consider the aforementioned advantages of a degree in a communications-related field. Any tract in this field will open you up to wide range of career possibilities, while simultaneously developing your interpersonal communication and people skills. Don't remain undeclared forever. Check out your local university's communications department today!