Moody College of Communication’s seven majors, each uniquely different from the other, offer a mixture of in-class learning, extracurricular offerings and faculty support. This abundance of opportunity equips students with the skills and experiences needed to succeed, but it also leaves many wondering where to start. Follow along for advice on taking advantage of all that Moody has to offer from those who know Moody best.

Public Relations

“PR is not rocket science. It’s harder,” said Dr. David Junker, professor of instruction in Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations. 

A great PR student must be comfortable with ambiguity and unprecedented circumstances, Junker said. People who thrive in PR embrace the unknowns, spontaneity and “kinetic nature” of PR with unrelenting enthusiasm, Junker said. Junker recommends that students take time to strike a balance at Moody, adjusting to college and approaching its resources at a sustainable pace. The PR major has skills that can be applied to any industry, so students should be open to what the future holds, Junker said.

Advertising

“There are enough things going on here that you shouldn’t ever be doing something you’re not interested in,” said Dr. Matt Eastin, director of Stan Richards School of Advertising & Public Relations. 

In a field divided into creatives, analysts and those somewhere in between, creativity is the driving force of great advertising students, Eastin said. Advertising students, who Eastin described as both doers and thinkers, can exercise the critical thinking this industry requires by carving their path at Moody through carefully chosen electives and research. Eastin said students can avoid “paralysis by analysis” from Moody’s many opportunities by reflecting on their strengths, passions and future career goals.

Radio-Television-Film

“Don’t be afraid to use your creativity to communicate,” said Marisa Kapavik, a senior studying RTF. “Don’t see any opportunity as too small.” 

Great RTF students approach the field with an open-mind, Kapavik said. At Moody, there is an abundance of organizations, clubs, student groups and professors focused on RTF, so students should be proactive and build connections with them, Kapavik said. Kapavik got advice from her professors to go after opportunities that she wants without letting others shut her down, and she emphasizes that other RTF students should adopt that open perspective.

Journalism

“You really need to be passionate about doing journalism these days,” said Dr. David Ryfe, director of the School of Journalism. “If you have that passion, you can get paid to do it. Just no doubt about that.” 

Journalism is not for the faint of heart, so great journalism students are value-driven, Ryfe said. During undergraduate studies, and especially at Moody, students can feel overwhelmed by opportunity. This is a good problem to have, and it can be addressed by returning to the purpose and mission that drives students’ journalistic pursuits, Ryfe said. Ryfe recommends students first, take time to adust college-life, and next, ask two crucial questions: where do you want to live and what would you like to try first.

Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences

“Speech language pathology and audiology are careers that serve diverse populations...where showing true empathy and compassion is vital,” said Elaina Hirani, a senior studying SLHS. 

Hirani believes that having compassion and care for those one serves is what makes an SLHS student great. To put this care into action, Hirani recommends getting involved in research labs, student organizations and even the Blank Stuttering Institute. It is also vital to create and maintain strong relationships with one’s professors, she said. As Hirani finishes applying for doctorate degree programs, she reflects on the importance of “striving for greatness” and never doubting one’s abilities as an SLHS student.

Communication and Leadership

“You need to be willing to advocate for yourself,” said Naomi Levine, a senior studying CLD. “Everyone in college is smart and capable, and opportunities won’t just present themselves to you.” 

Great CLD students take advantage of the program’s flexibility to best prepare themselves for future career endeavors, Levine said. Levine recommends that students navigate Moody’s interdisciplinary nature by building relationships with professors in multiple departments. Students can do this by checking out faculty on Moody’s website and identifying those doing research in one’s area of interest. CLD students should step out of their comfort zone and place themself in a position to grow by doing so, Levine said.

Communication Studies

“[Comm Studies] is not preparing you for any one specific job,” said Dr. Craig Scott, chair of the Department of Communication Studies. “It’s preparing you for probably hundreds of different jobs.” 

Scott said that great CLD students have a willingness and appreciation for communication. Having respect for the basics of persuasion, crafting messages and listening will take them far, Scott said. The open nature of CLD gives students space to find their strengths, and they should not make the mistake of containing them to the classroom, Scott said. Scott emphasized that the students professors remember the most are not those with straight As, but those who were involved in and took advantage of Moody organizations.