4 answers
Olive
Student
Cary, North Carolina
2
Questions
Asked
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How did your communications degree help you find your career path, and are there any specific experiences or skills from college that you still use today?
I am in 12th grade, I am highly interested in communications and plan to major in communications at Elon University this fall. I enjoy event planning and have expereince with it, which is what sparked my interest in communications.
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4 answers
Desirae Benson
Entertainment Publicist
1
Answer
Yuma, Arizona
Updated
Desirae’s Answer
As a publicist, it taught me how to craft messages that connect, influence, and inspire—which is at the heart of everything I do in PR. Whether I’m writing press releases, preparing clients for interviews, or strategizing a campaign, the core skills I gained in college—like writing with clarity, understanding audience psychology, and managing media relationships—are still essential to my day-to-day.
One specific experience that stands out is how much I was pushed to think critically and present confidently. From group presentations to media writing labs, I was constantly being trained to tell compelling stories and adapt messaging across different platforms. Those early moments shaped how I now help my clients position themselves in front of the press and the public with intention and impact.
One specific experience that stands out is how much I was pushed to think critically and present confidently. From group presentations to media writing labs, I was constantly being trained to tell compelling stories and adapt messaging across different platforms. Those early moments shaped how I now help my clients position themselves in front of the press and the public with intention and impact.
Justin Capella
10
Answers
Updated
Justin’s Answer
Hi Olive - As a media relations expert, my communications degree helped me immensely by giving me a foundation of skills that I was able to build upon throughout my career. The most important skill to craft in college is being able to write clearly and concisely - being able to convey an important message in an understandable manner is paramount both professionally and personally. Another important skill I found useful is time management - this will be especially important in event planning. There are a lot of moving parts when a big event takes place, so having a clear timeline of events is very important.
Darcey Case
Human Resources
2
Answers
Naugatuck, Connecticut
Updated
Darcey’s Answer
Hi Olive!
I majored in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations & Event Planning. Communications is such a broad major- which has pros and cons! For a new college student, it may feel daunting to commit to one major or concentration. I was able to explore all of the different facets of Communications- broadcasting, interpersonal, advertising, marketing, etc. In taking different courses and finding what I liked most, I was able to explore internships in those specific areas. My professors helped to answer questions that I had about internship opportunities and where I should focus my time. Building those relationships and networking is a skill I learned in college that I still leverage today! My experiences with the internships I did in college helped me to know what I wanted to do after graduation. My advice is network as much as possible, and say yes to the opportunities that excite you!
I majored in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations & Event Planning. Communications is such a broad major- which has pros and cons! For a new college student, it may feel daunting to commit to one major or concentration. I was able to explore all of the different facets of Communications- broadcasting, interpersonal, advertising, marketing, etc. In taking different courses and finding what I liked most, I was able to explore internships in those specific areas. My professors helped to answer questions that I had about internship opportunities and where I should focus my time. Building those relationships and networking is a skill I learned in college that I still leverage today! My experiences with the internships I did in college helped me to know what I wanted to do after graduation. My advice is network as much as possible, and say yes to the opportunities that excite you!
Joanne Williams
Associate Professor
44
Answers
Olivet, Michigan
Updated
Joanne’s Answer
I am a writer and a teacher and my speciality is communication. Learning the basics and theories of communication are a starting point, and then, add a minor or concentration that supports your interests. Event planners should know marketing, negotiating, and finance concepts, as well as networking. I always loved learning different subjects and then taking what I could to support my passion. I believe you can do the same.
As you learn in school, also learn from the industry. Identify those doing what you would like to do, and follow them, learn from them, see what was important in their education and careers. Try your hand at joining a student group where you could try your hand at event planning.
Do what you love, share your talents and continue learning. All the best.
As you learn in school, also learn from the industry. Identify those doing what you would like to do, and follow them, learn from them, see what was important in their education and careers. Try your hand at joining a student group where you could try your hand at event planning.
Do what you love, share your talents and continue learning. All the best.