Methodist University students Macey Blackburn and Yarrel Parks have completely different careers in mind. Yet, they are both majoring in the same academic program– Communication & Media.
“Communications & Media is a big program with a lot of possibilities,” said Blackburn, a senior from Baltimore, Maryland. “But we have so many different classes in the program, which allows you to find your niche.”
After graduation, Blackburn has her sights set on becoming a communications specialist for a non-profit organization while Parks hopes to pursue a career as a videographer, producer, or director for the music industry.
“I have a lot of creative freedom in this program, which allows me to bring my visions to life,” added Parks, a sophomore from Raleigh.
‘Needed Everywhere’
Methodist University’s Communication & Media program offers a bachelor’s-level, on-campus degree for students interested in a wide variety of careers in nearly every industry.
“Communications is one of the few disciplines that is needed everywhere. Every single organization, non-profit, and business need it to some degree,” said Dr. Erica Hilton, assistant professor of Communication & Media. “People tend to think of journalism, public relations, and broadcasting, which is accurate, but the possibilities are endless. There are also organizational communications, speech writing, health communication, marketing, advertising, website management, project management, and so many more career opportunities.”
Recent graduates of the program have quickly found jobs in both communication and media for various employers such as WUSA-TV in Washington D.C., the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Humana, D.C. United, Prospera, World Vision, Greater Washington Board of Trade, and Montner Tech PR. One of the main reasons for the program’s success is the faculty’s expertise in areas like journalism, public relations, content production, data analytics, digital strategy, and strategic communication.
Top-Notch Faculty, Facilities
“All of our full-time faculty and adjunct faculty have experience working in communication or media. Dr. Sonali Kudva is a practicing journalist, climate information analyst, and editor. Dr. Sara Erlichman is a public relations strategist,” Hilton said. “If you’re interested in sports broadcasting, you can learn how to create content here. If you’re interested in journalism, you can learn to produce featured pieces for newspapers and other digital media publications. The same goes for social media and blog writing. Students are able to prepare for a versatile and dynamic career in our program.”
“The faculty are great,” said Blackburn. “You can tell they are passionate about their line of work and want to prepare you for your future endeavors.”
The program boasts both a video studio – equipped with professional-level video cameras, production equipment, and anchor news desk – along with an audio lab that features a soundproof recording booth, audio mixer, and several editing booths.
The facilities allow students to participate in an array of high-interest classes such as audiovisual production, social and interactive media, digital media writing, content management and web design, and computer-generated graphics and animation.
“Not only is this program educating me about communication and how it can be perceived in media, but I’m also learning how to do things like operate a video camera and use Adobe Premiere software to edit videos,” said Parks.
New Mentorship Program
The program also recently introduced a new mentorship program that is a part of the required senior seminar class. Each student is paired up with a mentor from their field of interest – requiring them to connect, ask questions, and build a relationship with the mentor. So far, students have linked up with industry leaders from National Geographic, ESPN, and WRAL in Fayetteville.
“They’re learning how to handle initial networking outreach, schedule professional meetings, create meeting agendas, and lead discussions with their mentor,” said Hilton. “While only two meetings are required, mentorship can lead to relationship building for potential professional opportunities or even resume reviews.”
New Minors
The Communication & Media program launched two minors recently: Content Creation and Strategic Communication. Content Creation is designed to give students majoring in any discipline foundational media development skills for production such as videos, social media, podcasts, features, and blogs while also providing them with an understanding of the societal impacts of contemporary media practices. Strategic Communication is perfect for students interested in campaign development, digital strategy, crisis management, and public relations.
“Even if a student is interested working in an area like politics or project management, this minor will teach them about research, ethics, and law to apply to campaign development,” Hilton added.
Finding Your Passion
For Blackburn, the program has allowed her to flourish. Off campus, she works as a communications intern for Vane Brothers – developing social media graphics, analyzing social media data, and designing calendars and t-shirts for the company. On campus, she is the social media manager for the women’s lacrosse team and leads marketing efforts for her sorority.
“Methodist University allowed me to find my passion in work. It has taught me a lot and showed me what my true interests are and has allowed me to develop my creative side,” said Blackburn.
Although pursuing a different career, Parks has found similar results through the program. Recently, Parks has created a Black History Month video, recorded video of Methodist University’s TedX event in April, and now works as a media assistant for the program.
“I’m thankful for my experience at Methodist University because I’m learning way more than I thought I could,” Parks said.
To learn more or apply, visit the Communication & Media program landing page.