By Celeste Carbonell Class of 2019
Don’t make the mistake of saying CommunicationS major with an “S” Let’s just say “Communication” and “Communications” are two different things. If you ever accidentally slip and add the “S” to the end, you can save yourself and say: CommunicationS-TUDIES! If not, faculty may or may not look at you like this:
2. You can host a radio show for class credit! You can take Chapman Radio for class credit as a communication elective! Have a crazy idea for a talk show? Looking for a creative outlet? Planning for a career in marketing, entertainment, or music? The the studio is yours for an hour!
3. Get familiar with the second story of Doti Hall! The School of Communication Faculty are so friendly, understanding, and helpful. Spend some time in the second floor of Doti and invest in your student-faculty relationships. Getting to know your professors outside of the classroom will enhance your college experience 100%, especially if they get to learn more about you and your story and vice versa. This comes in handy when you begin your career search and need letters of recommendation, if you need an advisor for an internship, or if you need extra one-on-one help. Take advantage of the valuable COM faculty that are always there to help you succeed!
4. The value of group study sessions. I like to believe that I accomplished a lot in college all on my own, but I really could not have made it without my support group, friends, and helpful peers. Whether it is studying for an exam by making a game out through index cards together, sharing a google doc to collaborate on a study guide, or talking out ideas before diving into a 10-paper… studying in groups really helped me survive some of the toughest classes.
5. You can ask for help. This might sound silly as we’re all adults in college and we think we’re supposed to know how to do everything by now… But it’s okay to ask your professors and peers questions like, “How do you take notes?” or “What works best for you when studying for an exam?” Even if it may seem simple. I remember one of my COM professors admitting how they didn’t know how to study when they were in college. They encouraged us to ask questions and shared tips on different techniques for more information/resources. Let your curiosity lead!
6. Active participation and engagement is key. When you share your thoughts and personal story in front of the class, the content is more likely to stick and resonate with you. Make little notes to yourself while you learn new concepts and relate them back to real life. Class will no longer seem like distant theories and lectures, but rather this knowledge will serve as applicable tools in your personal life and future career.
7. Think outside of the box! If you really want to make a lasting impression in your presentation, take a little extra time in the planning and practicing. Add music and media to your presentation slides. Ask for audience participation. Or bring in a prop to emphasize your main idea. Your professor will be impressed, your classmates will be engaged, and you will have learned so much more for going the extra mile all while having some fun!
