Congratulations, you just received your acceptance into the School of Communication Studies! Now what? Many SCOM students might be unsure of what to concentrate in once they begin their SCOM courses. Let’s hear from Dr. Toni Whitfield, coordinator for the concentration and a few organizational concentration students about what the concentration has to offer and if it is the right one for you.
You may have already glanced over the organizational communication summary on the SCOM website and have an idea of what courses are offered, but an insider’s view is always essential in decision making.
“I have had many students gain exciting jobs practicing many of the concepts we cover and that is always rewarding,” shared Whitfield. She also said that one of the many positions students go into after graduating is recruiting. According to Whitfield, many pursue student affairs positions and graduate school to work in higher education, such as counseling or in freshman orientation-type programs. Among just a few, students work as event coordinators, communication coordinators and marketing assistants.
Aside from classes, there is a wide variety of alumni connections at hand. The bulletin board is updated regularly with alumni information and job postings. The board is located on the first floor of Harrison Hall near Professor offices.
“My classes have taught me how to facilitate effectively and how to be professional in any situation,” said Kelly Johnson, senior org. comm. student. She always knew that org. comm. was the right concentration for her because she wanted to go into corporate event planning after graduation. Johnson explained how her classes have prepared her for the future, “Org. comm classes are group work and presentation intensive. My favorite class, Business and Professional Communication, made me feel better prepared to apply for jobs this year because every class we practiced potential interview questions and resume writing.”
In the Business and Professional Communication class, SCOM 358, students learn about communication in organizations and how to have an organized, successful job search. “Students always find this course beneficial and I love bringing in guest speakers. Another success in the classroom has been presenting mock interview question for the class to discuss each day,” said Whitfield.
“I was able to create my resume and get it critiqued in the SCOM 358 course my junior year which was really beneficial because it’s not something I have to worry about getting together this year,” senior org. comm Hayley Walker explains.
Dr. Tim Ball, Dr. Lori Britt, Dr. Heather Carmack, Dr. Lee Mayfield and Dr. Maryl Irwin are just a few of the professors that teach org. comm classes. There are four other required org. comm classes aside from SCOM 358: Organization Communication (SCOM 350), Leadership Communication (SCOM 425), Communication Training (SCOM 449) and Advanced Studies in Organizational Communication (SCOM 450). Students can also choose to take Facilitating Public and Organizational Engagement Processes (SCOM 447).
If you’re looking to jump-start your career with courses that will prepare you for the real world, develop you into a better business communicator and allow you to put your education to practice through consulting projects, this concentration is just one offered in SCOM that be for you.
For more information consult Dr. Toni Whitfield
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