Why We Need Communications Professionals
By Caroline Wenokur
Marketing & Communications Intern
“What is the dumbest major?”
As TikTok street interviews gain popularity, you can commonly find interviewers visiting college campuses and asking the question above.
More often than not, the answer will be “communications.”
Other sources call communications a “strangely vague” study, and don’t seem to understand what these professionals actually do.
I see it as the opposite: the field of communications is a broad study that allows you to pursue a multitude of careers and gain essential life skills.
As professional communicators, our jobs often go unnoticed, yet communication is the backbone of business. Even in other industries, communications professionals are essential. Forbes highlights the importance of communication in different organizations, referencing how we can use data to tell a story and grasp consumers’ attention. Even in a science related setting, communication is essential. Scientific American describes how far effective communication can take you in the field. “Being able to communicate the relevance and impact of their ideas and discoveries can enhance scientists’ ability to secure funding or find a job.” says Mónica I. Feliú-Mójer, Director of Communications and Science Outreach. Professional communicators are the unspoken leaders of the business world.
Communications is not always an industry known for making “big bucks,” and those who are money-minded have trouble seeing value in a profession that won’t get you rich – fast. Kiplinger says that careers like advertising, graphic design, and radio and television are the “worst” college majors if you’re looking for a lucrative career. While there can be high paying jobs in the communications field, it is more important to pursue a career that you’re passionate about, and study something you can see yourself doing long-term.
Many people worry about the longevity of the communications industry, with AI taking over typical human roles and user generated content becoming more popular. But, the reality is quite the opposite. FirstHand, a career development platform, takes a data-driven approach to the future of the communications industry, and says that the Department of Labor predicts a 4% growth for employment in media and communications in the next five years. Unlike other fields, the public relations industry has bounced back well after the COVID-19 pandemic, as communications professionals can easily work remotely. These predictions show that the communications industry is here to stay.
Do you still think communications is the dumbest major?
