Faculty Member Interview

Faculty Member: Nadia Bush Dept.: USA Department of Communication

What do you think were some of the main influences that led to an interest in your academic area?

There have been many influences in my life, but none as important as my parents and children. From my mom, I learned compassion and being nurturing of others whether they are family, friends or acquaintances. My dad was instrumental in showing me how to organize different aspects of your personal life and professional projects, along with being a leader and manager. Both instilled hard work, ethics and empathy of others as throughout my life and started a career in communication.

In your opinion, what abilities and/or personal qualities should a student who selects a major in your academic discipline have?

A communication professional needs effective qualities such as, communication (verbal and non-verbal), leadership, managerial, organizational, critical thinking, analytical, teamwork, compassion, empathy and flexible skills.

What aspects of this major do students generally find most challenging?

Many students find the amount of work and work environment to be challenging when they first obtain a communication position, not because they are ill prepared, but because the profession requires fast-paced critical thinking skills. Their confidence or lack thereof, hinders their progress and advancement. Throughout college, they are encouraged to ask questions to understand the material at hand, but in a professional environment, their employer seeks an individual who can fully function on their own, on the job.

What are some of the occupational options that are open to students who graduate with a major in this field with and without further study?

In the communication field, there are varieties of industries students can look for a position in. Different industries include, business, healthcare, finance, government, education, insurance, agency, the list goes on, but positions one can apply for are:

• Community Relations Director
• Publications Editor
• Publicist
• Director of Corporate Communication
• Environmental Lobbyist
• Special Events Coordinator
• Press Relations Officer
• Diversity Consultant
• Copy Editor
• Public Affairs Officer
• Congressional Relations Officer
• Training and Education Supervisor
• Foundation Manager
• Employee Relations Officer

What is necessary academically and otherwise to pursue graduate work in this field?

In today’s workforce, a graduate degree is more important now than ever. Students must earn their bachelor’s degree and be ready to begin working on their master’s degree within one to three years after graduation. After working a few years in the field, they begin to build their professional portfolios. To advance further in their position or for another position, a master’s degree makes them competitive.

What outside the classroom activities would you encourage a student to obtain who plans to major in this area?

Internships, volunteer work, community service, and campus activities are highly, highly encouraged. If students do not begin to build their portfolio before they graduate, they then do not have experience or anything they can use to promote themselves on a job interview. Networking is just as important.

What other recommendations do you have for someone who is seriously considering this major?

While in college finishing out coursework, use your class electives wisely. Take as many communication courses focusing on computer skills, but also classes you are interested in and could help you advance in your career. Do not take a class because the professor is ‘easy’ or because you know them and like them. In the professional world, you have to work with all types of people and be flexible eno