The communication major is somewhat of an enigma. People both inside and outside the major can often be confused as to what it is. “Do you guys just study conversations or something?” Well, yes. And no! Being a communication major means studying the way the world interacts. I’m able to learn about the meanings behind pauses in conversations, analyze digital media from a variety of angles, study my favorite films and television programs, look at messages across cultures and history, and much more. It’s a major that encapsulates so many different topics that I was able to tailor the communication major to fit me.
1. Pursuing my passion
I became a communication major after a full freshman year of studying computer science. Going from STEM to the humanities was a major leap, but it was the right one for me. I wanted to major in something that had me excited to wake up and go to class in the morning. Since I was young, I’ve always had a relationship with storytelling, writing, social media, and entertainment. Being able to take classes in topics I seriously loved and dreaming about career paths that I actually wanted made a world of difference. I really threw myself into the major, taking any opportunities I could. In my first semester alone, I aided a professor in his research project and became an Assistant Social Media Editor with the Massachusetts Daily Collegian.
2. Interacting with others
I love working with others and interacting with people. The communication major is filled with like-minded social butterflies that make collaborating on group projects or just getting to know my classmates much easier. Because of my major and related skills I’ve picked up along the way, I’ve been able to partake in fun opportunities like working at the Student Union Information Desk on Destination Days when accepted students and their families come to visit UMass and need directions or guidance. I believe that the social culture within the communication major has made networking a breeze and it has helped shape the way I want my career path to go.
3. flexibility
One of the loveliest things about the communication major is that it offers so many courses and paths to take. The introductory courses help younger students really explore what aspect of communication they’d like to hone in on as they progress through their undergraduate careers. I was able to take introductory courses in interpersonal communication, media and popular culture, and rhetoric and performance. I took COMM231: Film and Television Production Concepts where I wrote my very first screenplay. I learned about the more hidden aspects of society and politics from COMM289: Media, Public Relations & Propaganda. I have gone back to my roots in technology and am currently taking COMM497GP: Internet Governance & Information Policy as well as COMM497DL: Communication, Tech & Work. Being able to forge my own path in the communication major and pick electives that really interest me is something I never take for granted!
4. the future
As someone who entered college not having a dream job laid out, it was refreshing to join a major that could blossom into a career path in almost any field. A common misconception is that communication majors have very few job prospects post graduation. This is really not the case! Communication majors can be found in almost every organization and corporation. We can work as communicators in media and public relations, entertainment and film, high tech, advertising, finance, healthcare, beauty, public policy, and so much more. Every industry needs strong communicators to function internally and externally. There are a plethora of internship opportunities for communication majors, which was extremely helpful when I didn’t have a clear-cut idea of exactly what I wanted to pursue. I interviewed for a variety of positions with hedge funds, beauty brands, sports media, news outlets, high tech companies, and more. Studying communication made me a versatile candidate and this versatility opens doors to many different career paths.
I am about to finish my fourth semester as a communication major here at UMass Amherst and I have loved each moment of being one! This major has allowed me to follow my truest interests, step out of my comfort zone into amazing opportunities, and meet such knowledgeable and friendly people. It has taken me a tremendous amount of hard work and tenacity to get where I am today in my academic and professional pursuits. Being a communication major is far from worthless. It has been one of the most worthwhile experiences I have pursued in college!
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