Why should I choose Organizational Communication?

A TOP TEN LIST

1.  Corporate recruiters report high demands for employee who are skilled communicators

The Wall Street Journal/Harris Interactive survey of corporate recruiters suggested that recruiters:

• believe that what distinguishes the most sought-after graduates are the "soft skills" of communication and leadership that happen to be among the hardest to teach;

• worry most about declining writing and oral-presentation skills;

• would encourage students to take advantage of as many public speaking opportunities as possible to become more comfortable and polished;

• of all the complaints recruiters register about students, inferior communication skills top the list, close behind are criticisms of leadership ability.

2. Unlike some majors, OC places significant emphasis on communication skill development.

• Interpersonal and relational skills

• Team communication skill

• Organizational communication skills

3.  The OC major is limited to 40 students and hence faculty have time to invest in each student individually.

• The department values its students and treats them accordingly.

• You will be able to work with your adviser to design a program that meets your individual needs,

• Faculty work hard to make sure that you have a rich learning experience as you progress through the program. 

4.  The OC major is not hour intensive -  it encourages flexibility

• This majors offers the potential to broadly explore other academic departments and disciplines.

• OC majors can gain competitive advantage in the job market by being able to minor in Business Management.

• Students selecting this major can take courses in public relations, journalism, advertising and electronic media to complement their particular career aim.

• may students find the OCc concentration a good second major to supplement their primary major- communication skills are no longer "soft skills"-they are the essential

5. You can tailor the OC major to match your own  career objective: Major career trajectories
      include:

• corporate communication
• human resources
• educational services (training and development)
• organizational development
• sales and sales management
• organizational and communication consulting

6. OC  majors can leverage the special advantages that come with excellent communication skills

• You do not need to decide during your college years on a specific career pathway
• Person with a high level of communication can be in a position to "sell themselves."
• Communication skills are valued by all employers including those in business, industry, nonprofit organization, government and educational institutions.
• Most people entering the job market now will change their careers seven times during their lifetimes.
• OC helps students develop the skills and flexibility needed to adapt easily to a wide variety of careers.

7. Opportunities for Intercollegiate Competition as a member of the Bradley University Speech Team

• many of our majors elect to join the Bradley University Speech team

• the speech team consistently ranks at or net the top in competitions across the nation

• participation the speech team provides students with invaluable experience in improving communication skills

8. OC majors are strongly encouraged to augment classroom instruction with professional
     internships. Internships provide students with opportunities to:

• get a first hand look at career options
• apply classroom knowledge,
• build career skills,
• crystallize career planning
• earn college credit
• meet successful professionals
• establish contacts
• enhance employability

9.  OC can provide a solid foundation for graduate school.

• Students majoring in OC are well prepared for graduate school in interpersonal, organizational, and corporate communication. 
• With careful planning and advisement, you can also pursue an advanced degree in an area that requires excellent communication such as law, social work, organizational behavior business administration, and teaching
• A number of graduates from the Department of Communication now teach at the university and community college level.

10.  The OC major has embraced the digital communication revolution from the begiing.

•    The Department of Communication was the first department at Bradley to teach online course in 1996

•    Several elective courses in the OC major focus on understanding the nature of computer-mediated communication.

•    77% of CEO's surveyed by PRWeek believe digital/online strategy is important to the organization's plans