1.1: Why Study Communication?
Learning Objectives
- Explain how studying communication can help you academically, personally, and professionally.
As a student enrolled in a required communication course, you might think, “Communication isn’t my major, so why am I required to take this course?” The short answer to this question is that the more skilled you are at communication, the greater your potential to succeed in all aspects of your life. We spend most of our day communicating. When we are in the presence of other people, we are constantly communicating, whether we are conscious of what we are communicating or not. Learning about communication can help you communicate more intentionally, potentially improving your performance in your other courses, building stronger relationships, and accomplishing your career goals.
Studying Communication Can Help You Academically
In this class, you will learn about language, nonverbal communication, listening, intercultural communication, working in teams and small groups, and giving presentations. Since these skills have applications in your other college courses, communication study can help you academically.
Studying Communication Can Help You Build Stronger Relationships
In this class, you will learn about interpersonal relationships and ways to manage conflict in those relationships. You will be introduced to tools to help you better understand yourself and others—not just their words but also the nonverbal communication cues they are sending. Applying the knowledge you learn in this class can improve your personal, work, and academic relationships.
Studying Communication Can Help You Professionally
A survey by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (2009) found that “College students who wish to separate themselves from the competition during their job search would be wise to develop proficiencies most sought by employers, such as communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills.” An individual with excellent communication skills is an asset to every organization. No matter what career you plan to pursue, competent and professional communication skills will help you succeed.
The eight essential career competencies include career and self development, communication, critical thinking, technology, equity and inclusion, leadership, professionalism, and teamwork (see Table 1.1.1). Each of these skills will be discussed or used in this course. Thus, the study of communication can help you succeed professionally.
| Essential Career Competencies | Descriptions |
| Career and Self Development | You can proactively develop yourself and your career, have awareness of your strengths and weaknesses, able to navigate career opportunities and networking. |
| Communication | You can communicate ideas clearly, public speaking skills, able to express ideas to others, can write and edit letters and memos. |
| Critical Thinking | You can exercise sound reasoning to analyze issues, make decisions, overcome problems and obtain/interpret knowledge and facts. |
| Technology | You can ethically leverage digital technologies to solve problems, demonstrate effective adaptability to new and emerging technologies. |
| Equity and Inclusion | You respect and value diverse cultures and races, demonstrate openness and sensitivity with all people, and understand differences. |
| Leadership | You can leverage the strength of others to achieve common goals, use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others and are able to manage emotions and motivate others. |
| Professionalism | You can demonstrate accountability, punctuality, time workload management, demonstrate integrity and ethical behavior. |
| Teamwork | You can build relationships with colleagues and customers, work within a team structure and manage conflict. |
References
Career Services. (2021). Career Development at Southwest. Southwest Tennessee Community College.
National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2009). Frequently asked questions.
Licensing and Attribution: Content in this section is an adaptation of 1.1: Why Study Communication? in Competent Communication (2nd edition) by Lisa Coleman, Thomas King, & William Turner. It is licensed under a CC BY-NC-SA license.
