Shravan shetty interview 07 anonymous Program Manager / Project Manager in th...
Professional Communications Major & Potential Opportunities
1. COMMUNICATIONS MAJOR
AND POTENTIAL
OPPORTUNITIES
Created for incoming college students, in order to be
informed and enlightened. Communication skills are
valuable.
One can never have this knowledge taken from
them.
Victoria M. LaRoche
Organizational Communications
Plymouth State University
Professor Hutchins
Due: May 5, 2016
2. 1
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
April 18, 2016
Professor Hutchins
Plymouth State University
Plymouth, New Hampshire, 03264
Dear Professor Hutchins,
I am creating this business report in order to open up an opportunity of interest dealing with the
major of professional communications. I will do this by providing incoming freshmen with
information about benefits and possible outcomes of this major.
I am studying professional communications here at Plymouth State University because this field
is extremely beneficial when it comes to most career choices and sparks my interest. I personally
do enjoy communicating with others as a whole and having the ability to perform on a
personable level.
It is important to be comfortable while communicating with people around you because it is
something that is used every day in different ways. For instance, this could be dealing with a
simple situation such as reaching out to a professor when there is confusion about an
assignment. On a broader scale, using communication effectively could be giving a speech in
front of a company.
Wherever you go in life, there will always be a need for communication and the ability to
efficiently problem solve with others. This report should open the interest to incoming freshmen
and enable them to see the positivity that stems from this knowledge.
Sincerely,
Victoria LaRoche
4. 3
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
I chose to focus on this particular field of study because I am studying it myself as a freshman in
college and I believe that communications is extremely beneficial. It provides information useful
to all aspects of the real world. Such as, communicating and representing yourself in front of
individuals and being effective as far as delivering messages. Any major that is chosen in college
is typically benefitted by all aspects of communications. If you are able to create a comfortable
setting and presentation skills, you will succeed in most situations when it comes to business,
marketing, or even valuable conversations. Being able to communicate is crucial when
surrounded by other people and the ability to talk to them in ways they understand so messages
get across efficiently. Communication skills are a huge representation of ourselves whether it is
dealing in a casual manner, or when it is involved in a professional business manner.
INTRODUCTION
My statement of purpose was to interview a knowledgeable, experienced individual in the
communications field to gather research. I did this by using questions based upon the
professional communications major. The research gathered for this specific topic has explained
the important matters of the Profession Communications major. Communication skills are useful
anywhere, whether you are a high level manager or even an individual who does not work at all.
These skills are essential in life because each and every one of us needs to express our opinions
and get points across to the person we are delivering a message to. According to an article, “The
importance of communication skills found in two of the most common areas are in business and
in the medical profession.” (“Why Communication Skills Are Important”;
http://www.communicationskillsworld.com/.)
Communication in business starts off with the matters of employees feeling that they can easily
communicate with higher level executives. This relationship that comes with effective
communication results in harder working employees and more dedication for the position.
Overall, if there is comfortable communication and personable relationships with employees of a
business or company, it is a better place for everybody to work with a higher production level.
A major factor of communicating is seen through correcting or preventing mistakes. Also
reducing the amount of misunderstanding or miscommunication in a vulnerable situation is
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
crucial. This could be anything from a plan, to an email sent to a professor. Any lack of
communication can result in waste of time or confusion.
When it comes to the medical factors of communication, it is mostly the matters of dealing with
patients effectively. The medical field is a commitment due to the fact that there is a great
amount of business that is confidential and the nurses and doctors have to make patients as
comfortable as possible, while having a good amount of patience and communication ability. It
is also an advantage to be social with patients, as many do need care and attention in their
surrounding.
Intentions
This particular field is recommended for those who are willing and accepting of involvement
with other individuals. Whether this be various forms of communicating within a business career
or communicating on a daily basis with surrounding people. Communication is a great form of
problem solving and making connections with others, especially in an efficient form. The ability
to communicate and prevent misunderstanding during the process is essential.
Education
Depending on what one chooses to do with a communications degree, there is a wide range of
opportunities. Some people have the ability to strongly and effectively communicate without
receiving a specific degree. However, the benefits of having an associates or bachelor’s degree
in communication studies does not go unsaid. These degrees show the capabilities and
knowledge factor that a graduate can partake in. The possession of a college degree allows
more openings for a job seeker. It differentiates the individual in a beneficial way that allows
them to have the upper hand in competitive circumstances.
Positions and Roles
There are many careers within this focus of study. These range from high level managers in
businesses or companies, to nurses and doctors. Not to mention, there are every day
communication aspects that do not involve a specific career. Problem solving is a crucial factor
when it comes to communicating. Part of running a successful business is customer service,
which is mainly established based upon the ability to converse and reason with others when
needed.
Evaluating
Finding the career and best field of study for you is important and can be found within
experimental process. The ability to be in touch with your strengths, values and interests will
serve a great benefit when it comes to narrowing down the best opportunities and satisfaction.
6. 5
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
JOB TITLES
POSITION
MOST
COMMON
MAJOR
Vice President (VP),
Public Relations (PR)
& Corporate
Communications
Communication
Vice President (VP),
Public Relations
Journalism & Mass
Communication
Account Director Communication
Listed on the next page are a description of each of these careers. This will provide an
understanding of the opportunities that are available, using the major of communications.
*Each one of these
factors should be
evaluated when making a
career decision.
Once you are able to
identify them, you are
closer to the point of
recognizing what is most
suitable for you.
7. 6
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Vice President, Public Relations & Corporate Communications
The average salary for a Vice President, Public Relations, and Corporate Communications is
$126,755 per year. Most people in this job have more than five years' experience in related jobs.
Job Description:
The Vice President of Public Relations and corporate communications is typically the point
person in a rapid-response team should the need arise. In most situations, this public relations
executive ensures proactive, positive messaging and discussion exists regarding their
organization. They ensure that when managers, directors and board executives answer questions
from the press or shareholders, they present the company and its initiatives in the best possible
light. In some cases, the Vice President acts as an overall spokesperson for the corporation on
media inquiries.
Tasks Involved in Career:
• Plan, direct and set the strategic direction of marketing and business development initiatives
within an organization.
• Develop pricing strategies and media relations plan, balancing firm objectives and customer
satisfaction.
• Research and analyze target markets to develop strategic and tactical plans to grow the
business.
• Oversee staff operations, business planning and budget development.
Develop and maintain relationships with decision makers of new and existing clients, and media
outlets.
Vice President, Public Relations
Vice Presidents of Public Relations in the United States can expect to earn a high salary, with
average being $103K, which is surpassing six figures annually.
Job Description:
A Vice President, public relations is a board-level executive who helps to craft and control an
organization's public-facing profile, as well as the impression it makes on customers and the
community. the Vice President helps to strategize and coordinate responses, attempting to
minimize any negative publicity that may affect operations and profits in the short- and long-
term.
8. 7
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Tasks Involved in Career:
• Develop and maintain relationships with key audiences.
• Provide strategic advice to create and maintain a favorable public image for employers or
clients.
• Plan activities to generate positive publicity.
Assess strategies for risk aversion.
Account Director
The average salary for an Account Director is $92,328 per year. People in this job generally don't
have more than 20 years' experience. Experience has a moderate effect on pay for this particular
job.
Job Description:
An account director ensures that clients who have account with their business stay satisfied and
current with payments. Account directors manage all existing accounts, taking payments and
entering them into their system correctly. They send out bills, process payments, and make sure
that their clients' accounts are in order. They also must attract new customers by visiting them in
person or talking with them on the telephone. Handling paperwork and analyzing reports about
competitors is also important.
Tasks Involved in Career:
• Approve project timeline and deliverables.
• Develop sales in the designated target market by identifying new sales opportunities.
• Contact prospective customers by cold calling, premise visits, networking and customer
appointments.
• Develop and manage customer relationships in order to retain existing revenue and attain
additional business.
• Develop department budget.
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
CONCLUSION
Based upon the research andfindings gathered throughoutthis report, I have
been able to piece together the aspects of the communications fieldand major.
This involves studies, experience, and careers. Speakingand problem solving are
essential to the matters of efficientcommunicative skills. My goal was to inform
readers and incomingfreshman of the opportunities and benefits received
through the studies of communications, education-wise andas a whole person.
With the information provided, one will find the significance and values of
communication now and in the future.
10. 9
ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
WORKS CITED
"Why Communication Skills Are Important." Communication Skills World.
N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.
http://www.communicationskillsworld.com/whycommunicationskillsareimportant.h
tml
"Account Director Salary(UnitedStates)" Account Director Salary. N.p., n.d.
Web. 05 May 2016.
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/Job=Account_Director/Salary
"The Benefits of Communication Skills." TowerOfPowercomau. N.p., 03 Oct.
2008. Web. 05 May 2016.
http://www.towerofpower.com.au/the-benefits-of-communication-skills
Papa, Nicole. "The Advantages of Effective Communication Skills." EHow.
Demand Media, n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.
http://www.ehow.com/list_6651408_advantages-effective-communication-
skills.html
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
Professor Hutchins, Plymouth State University, 24 Mar. In Person. 2016.
Interview
APPENDIX: INTERVIEW
When I interviewed my professor, I asked her many questions including:
Q: What do you believe communications focuses more on when it comes to outcomes?’
My professor responded in detail about how there are business and marketing advantages.
A: “This typically means if they have not studied business communication and didn’t take any
classes, they have a lot of catch up to do. That is because you use both educational experiences
in mostly any career, including the many that require communication skills.”
Q: What do you believe about learning sales and marketing?
A: “I believe everything is about numbers and that they come into play with each other.
Business and communication are so important to each together.”
She added, “One of the many important aspects in business communication is writing clearly
during messaging and delivering clearly when speaking. There is a theory behind it; you will use
communications everywhere. There are all kinds of people around the world you will come in
contact with.” …This was an excellent response from a students’ perspective because it states the
matters of how important and essential these skills are. Especially hearing this from somebody
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
with a great amount of experience and knowledge in the field.
Q: How the major has personally benefitted you?
A: She responded by saying, “Definitely social wise, I would not consider myself shy and I had
interest in conversing with many people.”
With time and age, she realized that it was better to leave some things unsaid, depending on the
situation.
I valued the point she made during the interview, “It is often common that people are offended
by small comments or opinions, and that it is not always necessary to speak up.”
She also mentions that she believes we as individuals will always be relatively out of our comfort
zones when put into different social situations that feel rather unusual.
Q: What intrigued you the most to continue with communication studies?
A: “One factor would be that emotional intelligence comes into play a lot in this field.” She
explained that it is like walking on egg shells at times when conversing and stating opinions
amongst a group of people.
Q: When did you decide to focus mainly on communications studies and focus career choice as
a professor?’
A: “High school”, she says. “And my parents influenced a bit.”
She went to grad school and received her master’s degree. She thought she may want to teach
down the line, yet did not do this until twenty years into the corporate world. She concluded
that the corporate world was overwhelming and wasn’t exactly what she wanted.
Q: What are the downfalls in dealing with communications studies?
“Other business and marketing come into play. When it comes to larger careers, you’re going to
need more experience in other fields. It comes down to money, financial business aspects,
budget, etc.”
Q: Would you consider yourself a communicatively comfortable person? If so, for how long
have you considered yourself comfortable / When did you notice you had strength in this area?”
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ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS
A: “During school, it was quite clear. My first internship was teaching people how to speak in
public. These were people who have no public experience. That’s where the light bulb went off
and it became clear. I enjoyed it.”
