Should I study communication?

Imagine trying to pitch your big idea, but struggling to get your point across — ever felt that way?

We've all been there. Whether it's a room full of investors, your boss, or even your own team, miscommunication can turn a great idea into a missed opportunity. In fact, here are two striking examples of how communication inefficiency can lead to significant problems:

• $12 billion wasted by U.S. hospitals because of inefficient communication

• 86% of employees citing communication issues as a major source of workplace failure

Even the best ideas can fail without clear communication. That’s why studying communication is crucial — it equips you with the skills to express your ideas confidently, handle challenging discussions, and ensure your message connects with others.

Studying communication can transform communication breakdowns into breakthroughs.

In today's interconnected world, effective communication is essential. A degree in communication equips you with essential skills for various industries. 

Here’s why you should consider it:

• Mastering persuasion: Learn to craft messages that influence others, a key skill in marketing, public relations, and leadership.

• Understanding perspectives: Gain insights into how culture and context shape communication, preparing you for collaboration in a global workforce.

• Navigating digital landscapes: Develop skills to communicate across diverse platforms, ensuring your message reaches the right audience.

Consider exploring the various degree options available in the field of communication, as each can lead to different career paths. Common options include:

• Bachelor’s degree in communication: Typically covers foundational courses such as public speaking, interpersonal communication, and communication theory.

• Master’s degree in communication: Offers advanced coursework in areas like strategic communication, media studies, and research methods.

• Specialized degrees: Look into programs focusing on specific fields, such as public relations, advertising, or digital media.

Skill Spotlight 🌟

• Public speaking: Delivering a compelling speech at a community event that resonates with the audience and encourages them to take action on a local issue.

• Presentation speaking: Presenting a project proposal to stakeholders with clear visuals and engaging storytelling that effectively conveys your ideas and gains their support.

• Leadership: Leading a team meeting where you motivate team members to share their ideas and contribute to a collaborative project.

• Conflict resolution: Mediating a disagreement between team members by facilitating a discussion that helps them find common ground and work towards a solution.

After graduation, you can explore a variety of rewarding career options. 

Image courtesy of FreeRangeStock

Careers in Government and Education

• News bureau writer/editor: Gain skills to write and edit compelling, informative content.

• University professor: Master conveying complex ideas clearly to engage students.

Careers in Business and Industry

• Business manager: A communication degree enhances leadership and team management through effective communication.

• Customer service representative: Develop skills to handle customer concerns and build strong client relationships.

Careers in Media, Marketing, and Advertising

• Account executive: A communication degree helps build client relationships and manage campaigns effectively.

• Marketing specialist: Gain skills to craft compelling marketing strategies and engage target audiences.

Careers in Human Resources and Training

• Human resources specialist: A communication degree equips you to handle employee relations and mediate conflicts.

• Employee engagement coordinator: Learn to foster communication that boosts employee morale and participation.

Knowledge Check

You’re interested in a role as a news bureau writer/editor. During an internship, you’re assigned to write an article about a new community program, but the information provided is dense and lacks structure. What approach should you take?

A. Focus on the program’s main benefits and write in a clear, engaging style.

B. Include all the background details to highlight thorough research.

C. Use technical terms to make the article more informative for experts.

D. Shorten the article by summarizing only the program’s purpose.

• Become a storyteller: Turn complex ideas into stories that are easy and engaging for others to understand.

• Polish your public speaking: Practice presenting in front of others to build confidence.

• Build your brand: Create a portfolio or blog to showcase your work and boost your online presence.

• Learn from real examples: Connect what you’re learning in class to the outside world. Analyze ads, social media campaigns, or news stories to see communication strategies in action.

Is Communication Right for You?

If you're passionate about storytelling, media, and influencing how people connect, a communication degree might be a great fit. Otherwise, strong communication skills can still be valuable without pursuing a degree.