A communication degree is the most beneficial in the workforce
Although this opinion may be unpopular, I think it’s important to elaborate on how important effective communication is in a post-graduate career. Yes, I’ve heard it all already: “Communication majors don’t actually learn anything;” “We all know how to communicate already;” “That degree won’t get you anywhere.” Though I understand where you might be coming from, I strongly disagree. As a senior communication (COMN) major, I believe that choosing this path is probably one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. After committing to attend Geneseo for the incredible education department, I realized I didn’t actually want to go into teaching. I valued the importance of human connection and communication, but couldn’t see myself talking in front of students for the next however many years until retirement. I switched my major before I even moved in, and every day I’m thankful that 18-year-old me made that choice.
After having studied the importance of effective communication over the past four years, I think everyone—no matter what major or career path—can benefit from the lessons I’ve learned. One important thing I have learned is how to communicate and work well within a group. I, like some of you, often dreaded having to work with other people since I was so used to doing assignments by myself and tended to be focused on my sole vision. A large number of professions involve collaborative work however. Even if you plan to work for yourself and be your own boss, you’ll likely still be communicating with people like clients or suppliers on a semi-regular basis.
With your career path in mind, focusing on how you can become the best, most marketable employee possible is important. I’ve gained better collaborative skills through the COMN major, including the best way to set up meetings, asking and answering questions, giving feedback, getting the quieter members involved, balancing tasks, setting deadlines, and many more foundational skills for the workforce and life more broadly. Through this kind of study, I’ve also learned more about how I communicate best with others, things I value, and what I might look for specifically in a future career. Becoming more self-aware of your personal skills and talents will help you tremendously when it comes time to look for jobs.
Another crucial aspect in the study of Communication is the impact and importance of media and technology. As members of Generation Z, we haven’t really known a world without immense media impact, massive audiences, advertisements, product placement, immediate news outlets and alerts, etc. Studying the effects of media—technology, cell phones, unlimited internet access, propaganda, “influencers,” politics, sales—can help you understand how the world got to where it is today, and how to make sense of it.
Although majoring in communication may not be right for you, I would recommend you think about taking one or two classes in the department in order to gain more knowledge about interacting with peers, clients, coworkers, management, etc. as well as being able to understand how the world at large interacts with us. There is much to learn from the incredible communication professors here at Geneseo, and I'm sincerely grateful for everything they are able to pass on to the next generation. There are a wide variety of classes that cover things from group communication, media impacts, ethics in the media, as well as entertainment and advertising. Think about broadening your educational horizons by taking a class outside of your selected major, especially one that will be beneficial to you in your post-grad career.