"What major are you?" I always answer with confidence but I still get the same remarks. "Oh. That major, huh?" I don't know what it is about being a communications major, but there are some heavy stereotypes attached to it. Here are seven things you should never say to a communications major.
1. So, your job will just be to talk with people?
Yes. Yes. Clever you connected the word "communication" to talking, but there are a lot of jobs and careers out there where communications studies come into play. Take for example Vice President of Communications for a corporate business or even a police officer. You need to communicate why you pulled someone over.
2. You just have to write papers for your finals?
Well, papers may seem easier than taking a 50 question test, but there are still some struggles with it. I want to see someone be excited to write an 8-12 page paper about Socrates and his rhetorical practices.
3. Isn't that the major for almost drop-outs?
This one is debatable. Some colleges, like those on the liberal arts side, have more rigorous course offerings for communication majors. I almost dropped out, but that was because it was too hard.
4. What does a communication major even do?
It's always one of the first questions asked after telling someone your major is communications. I always figure the broader the answer, the better the response. "Oh I am actually looking into non-profit work or working in the Communications Department at this store." Works like a charm every time.
5. I bet you have so much free time.
We still have homework, like writing endless amounts of papers or prepping for a group project. It just doesn't seem like we spend a lot of time on it because we don't have books surrounding us or long lectures to look over.
6. Do you just study how we speak?
It may seem confusing because our major has the word "communicate" in it, but there is so much more to it. Just like I wouldn't expect a nursing major to just study how to save a life. Future nurses need to learn laws and interpersonal skills. Same with communications majors. We study other parts to make a whole.
7. Why communications?
Better question, why not communications studies? This is my major and I fall in love with it a little more each day. Why your major? Because of the money? Well, I can honestly say this major is my passion.
