What is Communication Really?

By Tarah

In theory what is it?

Well, Communications is sort of an umbrealla over a ton of smaller majors. I'm majoring in general communications so I get a litte bit of everything. I'm really learning how to speak in front of people, what the media does to brainwash the viewers, how to read body language, just really interesting stuff that other majors don't hit on. You're really allowed to speak your mind about the things we're learning about.

What is it used for?

I plan on using that information in broadcasting after I graduate from this college. It will allow me to better understand the way most humans think and take in information. I can usually tell how people react to information by their body language and this major really helps in advertising and public relations.

What does the major actually entail - work-wise?

So far, I've done everything from surveying people about the books they read to speaking in front of huge crowds and not being afraid. We really pick apart the media and the human to figure out why they do the things we do.

What kind of jobs do you get with it?

You can be almost anything with this, I know it sounds stupid, but it's true! You're learning people skills and what job wouldn't want someone with those? I can tell right away how to put someone at ease by the way they present themselves or tell them things in a way in which they will be more likely to believe.

What are the fellow students like (personalitywise) in it?

Everyone I've meet so far is very outgoing and friendly, probably because we have all learned the same thing, people skills. It's very comfortable to be with these people because no one is afraid to express their thoughts, you can't be in this major.

Common Misconceptions

That you'll end up starving on the streets because no one hires communication majors.

That it's a blowoff major, no real work. Trust me, you work!

That you're going to college to learn how to talk, not true, you're really learning how to listen.