I trained as a journalist via an old-fashioned cadetship and did an Arts degree (History and Politics) on the side. Frankly, I have never had much respect for communications degrees (or professional writing or whatever). Perhaps they’ve changed for the better, but last time I checked they were pretty shallow, pretty light in scholarship and academic rigour and pretty narrow in application.

Note that Aise’s comment that university communications courses needed to “apply more real world teachings” which I take to mean need to be more practical, is actually advocating a return to the cadetship style of training on the job. Cadetships were, of course, very few in number, even when there were many more traditional news outlets than now.

The other element to note is that most tertiary courses in communications/journalism/professional writing/public relations used to be taught in colleges of advanced education – which were intended to be more “practical” courses than the more theoretically-based university courses. But the CAE academics wanted the status of “university” jobs.

Ken

I think people were a little shocked to hear that I spent at least 30% of my time learning new things – and that I expect to continue learning at least 30% of the time… if not more!

I actually find it’s the most exciting part of being involved with the internet and social media. The other exciting parts are teaching what you have learned to others, and seeing it turn into dollars

Janna

I too completed my degree in Communication Studies back in 2001. I must admit since that time, media and communication has changed so much, my degree is basically obsolete now! Although I did learn about traditional media, I ended up entering the digital media space which is constantly changing. To be honest I don’t think I ever utilized anything I learned from university into the real world. Not saying that university is a waste of time, just saying that university needs to apply more real world teachings and less theory.

It’s great that universities are inviting past students back to show current students that you don’t have to work the corporate ladder to be successful that you can also work for yourself and make money and feel fulfilled! Congrats on being part of the panel, they were very lucky to have you!

Cheers
Aise