Communication

Communications is one of the largest majors at Oakland University. And per the request of a student, this week's topic is on the Communication's major.

Let's start today's topic off with a video. This is a classic video clip from the awesome duo of Ernie and Bert. Let's take a look at what they taught us about the communication major.

So not only for entertainment but there is a clear lesson behind this clip! Miscommunication can cause problems. Although we take our ability to effectively communicate for granted, academically there are those that may be a bit better at it than most. And because it's not a universal skill [to effectively communicate] we have those who really succeed amongst different fields while having just a background in a communication's major.

A communication major studies the practices and theories of how people interact verbally with others as well as their choices in communication contexts. Specific areas of study may be in mass media/communication, interpersonal  communication, intrapersonal communication, group communication,  print, or oral interpretation.

We've come across a great resource on Oakland University's website. You can check out further information about the Communication major, jobs, internships, and scholarships.

Careers for Communication Major: (some areas may need addition academic work)

Business:
Management	Manager
Personnel Recruiter	Vice-president Human Resources
Trainer	Director of Training and Development
Admissions Counselor	Benefits Administrator
Sales Representative	Executive Manager
Public Information Officer	Industrial and Labor Relations
Negotiator	Customer Service Representative
Newsletter Editor	Human Resources Manager
Mediator	Buyer
Advertising:
Advertising Specialist	Marketing Specialist
Copy Writer	Account Executive Manager
Media Planner	Media Buyer
Creative Director	Media Sales Representative
Public Researcher
Communication Education:
Language Arts Coordinator	High School Speech Forensics/Debate Coach
Drama Director	Speech Communication Department Chairperson
School Counselor	Education Researcher
Audiovisual Specialist	Educational Administrator
Director of College News	Educational Tester
Educational Fund-raiser	Alumni Officer
Electronic Media/Radio    Television/Broadcasting:
Broadcasting Station Manager	Director of Broadcasting
Film/Tape Librarian	Community Relation Director
Unit Manager	News Writer
Transmitter Engineer	Technical Director
Advertising Sales Coordinator	Market Researcher
Actor/Actress	Announcer
Disc Jockey	News and Relation Manager
Comedy Writer	Casting Director
Producer	Business Manager
Floor Manager	Talk Show Host
Journalism (Print or Electronic):
Reporter	Editor
Newscaster	Author
Copy Writer	Script Writer
News Service Researcher	Technical Writer
Acquisitions Editor	Media Interviewer
Public Relations:
Publicity Manager	Advertising Manager
Marketing Specialist	Lobbyist
Corporate Public Affairs	Specialist
Account Executive	Development Officer
Sales Manager	Media Analyst
Media Planner	Creative Director
News Writer	Public Opinion Researcher
Theatre/Performing Arts:
Performing Artist	Script Writer
Arts Administrator	Performing Arts Educator
Costume Design	Scenic Designer
Lighting Theatre Critic	Makeup Artist
Stage Manager	Model
Theatre Professor	Casting Director
Government/Politics:
Public Information Office Writer	Legislative Assistant
Campaign Director	Research Specialist
Program Coordinator	Elected Official
High Technology Industries:
Trainer for Communication Tech.	Circuit Television Producer/Director
Systems Analyst	Technical Copywriter
Language Specialist	Cognition Researcher
	Audio & Visual Computer Display Specialist
Communication and Health Care:
Health Educator	School Health Care Administrator
Medical Grants Writer	Hospital Director of Communication
Clinic Public Relations Director	Health Communication Analyst
Research Analyst	Medical Training Supervisor
Health Personnel Educator	Medical Center Publications Editor
Hospice Manager	Heath Care Counselor
Activities Director	Marketing Director
International Relations and Negotiations:
On-Air International Broadcasting	Corporate Representative
Translator	Student Tour Coordinator
Diplomat	Foreign Correspondent
Law:
Public Defender	Corporate Lawyer
District Attorney	Private Practice Lawyer
Legal Researcher	Mediation & Negotiation Specialist
Legal Secretary	Legal Reporter
Legal Educator
Social and Human Services:
Public Administrator	Social Worker
Recreation Supervisor	Human Rights Office
Community Affairs Liaison	Park Service Public Relations Specialist
Religious Leader	Mental Counselor

Here are some important skills to possess: 

Listening skills

Non-verbal, Oral and written ability

Analytical ability

Because the major of communication is so broad,  a big suggestion that we've heard a number of times is that "internships" are the leading way of getting a better chance at gaining a job after college.

Lastly, we want to leave you with this thought: The way in which we communicate is ever changing. It is up to those who find this field interesting to stay up with the times and find ways to best market themselves, as well as find out why things are changing in the ways that they do.

To end this week's blog post, here's yet another youtube video. Let me know what you think!

Enjoy!