Before entering any communication media class, my thoughts were only that it would focus around social media and the news. I didn’t really have a true grasp at what it really was, and I thought it would be an easier way to understand media the way I wanted to and it would get me any job that I wanted because it was such a broad field. Boy was I wrong about that. After going through these courses year by year, and analyzing different forms of mass communication in depth, I learned how to leave my past understanding of media behind, and have the will and knowledge to think deeply about the information that was getting thrown at me and am exposed to everyday.
To me, being a Communication with a Media emphasis studies major, helps bring viewers into an understanding of the value of all platforms media consists of, and what it takes to bring the information they are giving to us to the table every day. All of the courses that I have taken have really put a big impact on how these different platforms bring us our information. My thoughts before have completely changed and I now have a stronger understanding of all the work and politics that have to go into it. When watching the news, a TV show, or a movie, I can point out the tools used in making a political campaign rise, a movie with noticeable product placement that I would have never seen before, or a TV show actually educating us on a topic that is major in our lives today. All of those things had been put into them in order for them to be noticeable without it being too obvious. In our world today, there are a lot of things out there that can be fake and giving out the wrong information, having the knowledge that I do, helps increase what I know is right and what I can see they have put thought into.
These courses that I have taken have impacted me both critically thinking and with writing ability. Throughout my courses, we have had to write mock press releases, help identify when wrong information is being put out there, do my research efficiently and correctly on a topic, and write proposals that could impact many peoples views on things. I can help defend my argument thanks to my communication courses and what they had to offer me. I now have the confidence I didn’t have before because of how much thought and how long I have been writing papers and having a true understanding of what I am writing about and what I have learned. I feel grateful and honored to have had the professors and support throughout my years here at St. Norbert college.
Throughout my years here, I have had the opportunities with great internships, showing how I can put my skills to work. Working with the N.E.W Piano Guys, rebranding them and helping build them from the ground up. I utilized my knowledge on persuasion to get more people interested in them and what they do. Using logos and key words to get a consumers attention was also important for them as well as me to understand throughout their rebrand. I also had the opportunity to intern with the strength and conditioning coach on campus. Teaching me how to utilize posting mechanisms, when to do it, what will grab the attention of others around Wisconsin or the US. My coach wanted to make sure that what he was putting out there would reach as many people as possible, and he asked if I could be the one to help do it. Getting on every platform possible and gaining the experience on how to use them more in depth and grasp the understanding of why I could or could not do something.
Once May 17, 2020 rolls around, it is in my hopes and dreams to get a social media marketing and/or public relations position in the Green Bay or De Pere area. I have always had the drive for Social media posts, as I manage 4 different business accounts, making sure that they post often so their viewers stay intrigued. I enjoy helping companies or small businesses become bigger and get them more creative with what they post and why they are posting it at the time. This industry is changing everyday, and you will never know what will come out next. That’s what I like about it, it will always keep you on your toes. I am very thankful and excited to move forward in my future after St. Norvert, and I am forever thankful and grateful for all of the skills and I have learned in my Communication and Media Studies courses. Being prepared for whatever is thrown at me has never felt better!
