<p>I have some annoying second thoughts that were provoked by my brother (who just came home yesterday after finishing his freshman year at Michigan State University). For some reason, everytime he comes home, he tries to find a way to get to me either by dissing the school that I'll be at next year, the University of Michigan, or by dissing my major (both equally distressing since he's always the one provoking the conversation). It doesn't help that my dad also hates the University of Michigan (a Michigan State alumnus himself) and doesn't mind making his opinions known to me (which I hate).</p>
<p>Originally on my application, I stated that I was interested in both communication studies and computer science because I wanted to go into something in the realm of computer graphics or animation. I later decided to abandon the computer science idea since I've taken computer and engineering classes at my high school and programming is not exactly "my cup of tea." However, I did decide to stick with communication studies because I like the idea of maybe going into marketing, journalism, or administration but an not sure on which one yet (I was actually advised by an adcom last summer to go into the major firstly because the school that I was looking at didn't have a specific degree in computer graphics and because the major would make it easer for me to be able to double major if I ended up enrolling there-which I didn't in the end. However, I went home and looked into the major myself and liked what I saw). My brother thinks that the major is a "joke degree" and that it's a popular major for athletes (I doubt it, but even if it is, what's wrong with that?) because it contains easier classes (according to him) than do the specific areas that the communication studies major covers on a more broad scale. He also doesn't think that the major will do anything for me because he's unfamiliar with the jobs that it prepares its students for after college. </p>
<p>I know the areas that the communication studies major shows to its students. However, does anyone know of any place where I can find specific jobs that past students majoring in communication studies have gotten (so that I can have a rebuttal ready for him the next time that he brings it up)?</p>
<p>It's a very popular major at Michigan, and not just for athletes. Three logical career paths are journalism (which is often a masters degree program), advertising, and public relations. However, I think the best response to your brother might be, "Hey, it's my life." Sounds to me like your father and brother have a case of maize & blue envy. There's no question that Michigan is the better school academically -- in almost every department. Not to say that MSU doesn't have its strengths, but Michigan typically attracts the cream of the crop within the state.
You've got plenty of time before you have to declare your major. Yoj might take a couple of classes in comm studies and find that's not for you either.</p>
<p>Just tell them that the one quality employers in any field look for is the ability to communicate well, both orally and in writing. That's the "job" you'll be training for - any one you want!</p>
<p>Some times you have to listen to yourself, not others. To get him off your back, you might tell your brother that you'll consider his advice. You may very well end up in another major in any case - a high percentage of college students do end up switching majors for one reason or another. </p>
<p>That said, communications studies can be a good basis for jobs in many fields - it is probably no better or less than many other liberal arts degrees (Please note: the communications studies degree at U of Michigan is NOT the same as a journalism major, it is focused on communication theory, not journalism). </p>
<p>A few suggestions: if you are interested in advertising or marketing, make sure to take at least a few business classes if at all possible, including ones in marketing, human resource management, and strategic planning. You may find you enjoy them very much. Plus, aim for as many internships as you can line up while you are at UMich. Both will make your communications studies degree much more valuable when you start looking for a job and should assure your brother that you are not just taking "easy" communications studies classes.</p>
<p>By the way, you might show your brother this quote from the U Mich. communications studies program page:</p>
<p>Upon graduation, the majority of these students seek jobs in: media affairs, journalism (print or broadcasting), advertising, or public relations. A growing number hope to apply their degree in Communication Studies to careers in new media technology. In addition to these fields, a small number of students each year pursue job opportunities in public affairs, media production, and publishing. The curriculum is also excellent preparation for students who plan on continuing their education in graduate or professional school programs.</p>
<p>my nephews "diss" my niece's school, an in-state rival, as well (also a Univ of...vs. State Univ rivalry). It just goes with the territory, so don't take it personally; just chalk it up to good-natured ribbing. But, once you are in Ann Arbor, you'll have plenty of ammunition to diss back, should you choose to do so. :)</p>
<p>Thanks everyone for the responses so far. My brother knows that I'm not the type to take the easy way out on things because I've never been the one to do it in the past-which is also why his comments get to me a little more than they should. (For heaven's sake, I've been going to a math and science center as well as my own high school for the past four years! If I wanted to take the easy way out in life, I certainly wouldn't have done that!) I've already tried the "it's my life so why do you even care" approach, but it didn't exactly work. He keeps pushing. I've also told him all of the same information as stated in the above posts, but my word hasn't been enough for him so I've been trying to find a quote like the one that Carolyn found on the UMich web site but haven't been successful. Carolyn, do you have the link to it? I may just bookmark that page.</p>
<p>Bluebayou, I don't think that I'm going to look for ammunition to fire back at my brother (and my dad) about the shortcomnigs of Michigan State once I get to Ann Arbor next fall. I try to hold myself at a higher regard than that. ;)</p>
<p>Does anyone else want to add anything?</p>
<p>You can't change what other people say to you; you can only change your own reaction to it. That's in your hands. If you're happy with your decision, just say, "Yes, you may be right" and leave it at that. (They can't argue with you if you don't rise to the bait.)</p>