Some Skills and Knowledge Often Developed by Communication Majors 
and Valued in the Post-Graduate World

 Message Construction

• Can construct effective informative presentations (in various media)

• Can construct effective persuasive messages (in various media)

• Able to use a variety of message forms

• Able to design messages strategically - adapted to various audiences

• Able to link goals to message construction

• Trained in designing persuasive campaigns

• Can construct policy making cases and arguments

• Effective oral communication skills (in various media)

• Effective written communication skills (in various media)

• Strong abilities in layout and visual presentation of messages (print, video, web)

• Strong research skills for developing supporting materials for reports, presentations, etc.

• Experienced at critiquing and coaching others in communication skills

• Can critically evaluate message effectiveness in various contexts

• Knowledgeable in the design of training programs

 Interpersonal / Organizational Skills

• Effective group communication and teamwork skills

• Knowledgeable in group decision-making techniques

• Knowledgeable of conflict management techniques

• Skilled/experienced in managing conflict, building teams, etc.

• Strong interpersonal skills

• Experienced in working in teams

• Experienced in leading \ coordinating complex activities (e.g. directing a play, managing a radio station, producing a cable TV show, managing a large service project, etc.)

• Listening for a variety of purposes (for information, empathy, support, criticism, etc.)

• Reasoning logically and critically

• Aware of the influence of non-verbal elements of communication

 Field Knowledge

• Familiar with current theory and knowledge in various areas of COMM ( Be specific and link to the interests of prospective employers or graduate schools when identifying skills on a resume.)

• Familiar with the historical background for various areas of COMM ( Be specific and link to the interests of prospective employers or graduate schools when identifying skills on a resume.)

• Can bring artistic \ aesthetic sensibilities to projects.

• Can identify and use strategies for enhancing organizational and individual effectiveness in the workplace

 Technology

• Ability to use various types of software

• Ability to use specific features of software in interesting ways (e.g. mail merge, video clips on web pages, email survey research, etc. Be specific about kinds of abilities not every software user can accomplish.)

• Ability to use other (than computer/software) technology

• Audio / video production skills

 Performance Ability

• Effective oral communication skills (in various media)

• Effective written communication skills (in various media)

• Skilled \ experienced  [ actor, director, designer, announcer, editor, photographer, copywriter, public speaker, etc. ]

• Scriptwriting experience

• News gathering, news writing experience.

• Sales / marketing experience

 Personal

• organized, self-motivated, people-oriented, goal driven, energetic