Professional Organizations

There are many organizations that provide many benefits for the Communications Professional. The organizations listed below each offer something different to members, but the core benefits of networking, advancement opportunities, professional development and recognition are very important and common among professional organizations across many fields.  

The Association for Women in Communications

The purpose of this organization is to reach women who have careers in Communications-related professions. The mission statement for this organization is: “The Association for Women in Communications is a professional organization that champions the advancement of women across all communications disciplines by recognizing excellence, promoting leadership and positioning its members at the forefront of the evolving communications era,” (AWC, 2012).

The intended audience for this organization is women in various communications fields. Some benefits included in being a member of this organization are networking opportunities which could lead to advancement in a member’s field, recognition for work at national conventions and savings and discounts available to members with companies like Hertz (AWC, 2012).

I would consider joining this organization as it offers a chance for women to connect and network with other professionals in the field, but it is also geared toward women. Communications professions can be highly competitive and having access to a group of peers who recognize your achievements, encourage you as well as providing opportunities to advance in your field is a great way to start and continue in a career.

National Communication Association

“The NCA serves the scholars, teachers, and practitioners who are its members by enabling and supporting their professional interests in research and teaching. Dedicated to fostering and promoting free and ethical communication, the NCA promotes the widespread appreciation of the importance of communication in public and private life, the application of competent communication to improve the quality of human life and relationships, and the use of knowledge about communication to solve human problems,” (NCA, 2012).

This organization also provides networking (it’s becoming very clear that ‘knowing someone who knows someone’ is a good way to open more professional doors), professional development resources, recognition for achievements and access to scholarly publications that relate to the Communications field (NCA, 2012). The intended audience for this association is professionals across many fields, male or female, at any level of the career ladder. This would be a great organization to join for someone who is just beginning in a Communications field. This organization I would consider joining because it provides many opportunities and a job search section.

Society for Technical Communications

This organization is a very prominent organization for those in the Technical Communications field. It has existed since 1957 and takes pride in its “leaders of the field” members (STC, 2012). According to the website, “The key values of STC membership are access to best-in-class technical communication education and training programs, career development and professional networking opportunities, and exclusive member benefits,” (STC, 2012).

This is not an organization that I would consider joining because I am not planning to become a member of the Technical Communications field, but given its history and the opportunities being a member of this organization could provide, it is a worthwhile membership for those in the Technical Communications Field.

Association of Professional Communication Consultants

APCC is an international organization that sets out to help members increase their knowledge, grow their business, and strive for and achieve high standards of professional practices (APCC, 2012). The audience is intended to be for Communication Consultants- those who help other companies develop and implement individual communication strategies. These professionals provide a very important, beneficial service to other business. This organization provides marketing opportunities to help a small consulting firm grow from locally to state-wide to potentially a national or international firm (APCC, 2012). There is recognition for achievements, networking, and access to articles and publications that would be relevant to Communication Consultants (APCC, 2012).

This is also an organization I would be interested in joining. As someone who is considering entering the Marketing/Advertising field, being a member of this association could provide valuable networking and also the ability to maybe help a business grow, like we are striving to do with our comic book store.

Public Relations Society of America

The mission of the Public Relations Society of America is “the world’s largest and foremost organization of Public Relations professionals,” (PRSA, 2012). PRSA offers networking, advancement opportunities, professional development opportunities, and upholds a high standard of ethics (PRSA, 2012). This organization is intended to reach those in the Public Relations field and as an organization with such a strong history and reputation; it is a very important membership for anyone in this field.

I am not interested in becoming a Public Relations professional and so I would not be interested in joining this organization, but I see the need for an organization like this (and all the others mentioned) in this field. Networking, recognition and professional development is important in any field. Having access to these things and other materials that are pertinent to your chosen career field can only make you a more professional professional.

References

Association of Professional Communication Consultants (2012). About APCC. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/?page_id=31.

Association of Professional Communication Consultants. (2012). Why join APCC? Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://consultingsuccess.org/wp/?page_id=134.  

National Communication Association. (2012). What is NCA? Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.natcom.org/about/.

National Communication Association. (2012). Benefits. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.natcom.org/benefits/.

Public Relations Society of America. (2012). About PRSA. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.prsa.org/AboutPRSA/.

Society for Technical Communication. (2012). Membership. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.stc.org/membership.

The Association for Women in Communications. (2012). AWC overview. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.womcom.org/about_us/overview.asp.

The Association for Women in Communications. (2012). Active membership benefits. Retrieved June 14, 2012 from: http://www.womcom.org/membership/benefits.asp.

Career Fields

What can you do with a Degree in Communication Studies?

According to Colorado State University, five of the many career choices available with this degree could be:

1.      Advertising Executive

a.       Salary Range: $87,650 annually (bls.gov, 2012).

b.      Potential Growth: The growth for this field is expected to increase rapidly, but competition for securing a position in this field will be intense (collegegrad.com, 2012).

c.       Required Credentials: A Bachelor’s degree in nearly any field of study will be sufficient (collegegrad.com, 2012).

d.      Experience: Advancement and experience gaining opportunities is usually offered by many larger firms through management training programs and furthering education opportunities funded by the company (collegegrad.com, 2012).

2.      Convention and Meeting Planner

a.       Salary Range: $46,020 annually

b.      Potential Growth: Vacancies for this career field have recently increased by 64.43% (recruiter.com, 2012).

c.       Required Credentials: Bachelor’s Degree.

d.      Experience: The majority of successful event planners have between 2 and 4 years’ experience in the field (recruiter.com, 2012).

3.      Editor

a.       Salary Range: $60, 490 annually.

b.      Potential Growth:  This field is expected to grow normally with average positions until about 2018 (McKay, 2012).

c.       Required Credentials: Minimum: Bachelor’s Degree in communication, English or Journalism.

d.      Experience: Having experience writing in the area you are trying to obtain a position in is valuable. Unpaid experience, such as an internship is valuable as well (McKay, 2012).

4.      Elementary School Teacher

a.       Salary Range: as of 2009, the median salary is $50,510 (Raiser, 2011).

b.      Potential Growth: expected to grow 13% between 2008 and 2018 (Raiser, 2011).

c.       Required Credentials: Bachelor’s degree and completion of teaching credentials (Raiser, 2011).

d.      Experience: Continuing education and participating in licensure renewals (Raiser, 2011).

5.      Script Writer

a.       Salary Range: average salary of $100,00 + in 2011 (diplomaguide.com, 2012).

b.      Potential Growth: Slower than average growth expected through 2020 (diplomaguide.com, 2012).

c.       Required Credentials: No necessary credentials, but an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree could be beneficial (diplomaguide.com, 2012).

d.      Experience: Experience understanding how a movie is made and movie jargons is necessary as well as being able to take criticism are very good skills to possess (diplomaguide.com, 2012).

The career field that I would be most interested in is the Advertising Executive and as advertising is my minor course of study, I would like to someday use my degree in this field.

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012). Occupational employment and wages, may 2011: advertising and promotions managers. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes112011.htm.

Collegegrad.com (2012). Career information. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://www.collegegrad.com/career/advertisingcareer.shtml.

Diplomaguide.com (2012). Becoming a screenwriter: job description and salary information. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://diplomaguide.com/articles/Screenwriter_Career_Profile.html.

McKay, D (2012). Writer and editor: career information. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://careerplanning.about.com/od/occupations/p/writer_editor.htm.

Raiser, D. (2011). Elementary school teacher salary and career outlook. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://www.schools.com/news/elementary-school-teacher-salary-career-outlook.html.

Recriuter.com (2012). Career outlook for meeting, convention, and event planners. Retrieved June 7, 2012 from: http://www.recruiter.com/careers/meeting-convention-and-event-planners/outlook/.

Review of The Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communications

The Ten Commandments of Intercultural Communication can be summarized by Martin Hahn (2005) when he says:

Learning as much as possible about another culture will enhance your ability to communicate with its members. Read books and articles about the culture and talk to people who have done business with that culture's members. Concentrate on learning something about the culture's history, religion, politics, values, and customs. Find out about a country's subcultures, especially its business subculture, and any special rules of protocol.

These “commandments” can apply to many communication situations in addition to intercultural communications. In some ways, I observe these commandments in my communications through our business’s online sales. We sell items internationally and I take care to try and understand the nonverbal communication (which can be difficult when communicating via email and when the person’s English is broken).

I also try to imagine what they would be saying if speaking to me in person to try and avoid taking something the wrong way- I try to keep written communications in context. Usually customers only contact me if they are unhappy with the item they received or the shipment is taking too long. In either case, they are frustrated with the transaction and just want it completed, so they may be “snippy” to begin with.

The key is staying calm, keeping it in context and avoiding taking it personally. However, being aware of the commandments would help in keeping communications in context. They remind you that the person you are speaking with is different from you in many ways. They probably vary in religion, values, ethics and concepts of the importance of time. To me, “time is money” as the saying goes. To them, their time is just as valuable, but their particular culture may not appreciate being seen as just a customer in line that I get paid to “deal with.” No one really appreciates that type of treatment and even in written communications, it will show if that is my approach.

References

Hahn, M. (2005). The ten commandments of intercultural communications. Retrieved May 31, 2012 from: http://ezinearticles.com/?Ten-Commandments-of-Intercultural-Communication&id=120247.

Collaborating and Compromising in Conflict

A verbal conflict that I was a part of occurred recently between my husband and I. The conflict arose as a part of our business discussion. We are still in the process of merging our business with our friend’s business. There are accounts on both sides that still need to be closed out and merged into one account. While this is happening, things get crossed. I am just short of being considered the accountant. I handle all financial matters for our business.

The conflict occurred because payments were clearing the accounts that are in the process of closing that I was unaware of. This of course meant that I had to shift money between accounts to prevent anything from causing an overdraft on any of the accounts. I transferred money without mentioning it to my husband or his partner. I saw an issue and I handled it. My husband, unaware of my transfer, made a purchase on the new business account. When the accounts no longer balanced according to my husband’s information, he turned to me, frustrated because it was incorrect.

This conflict was really very short and simple. I explained the problem and that we still needed to close out the extra accounts, but I do not have the authority to do this without my husband and our business partner present. I also need a little extra help balancing my responsibilities. My husband and I collaborated and developed a new method of accounting for money in the accounts and how to better communicate financial information between 3 individual parties with very different schedules (I am rarely in the office when our partner is there). My husband and Larry (our business partner) work second jobs at the same place on the same shift. By collaborating, we realized the best way to communicate this information would be if I simply passed the book I keep account of our finances in to my husband for him and Larry to review when they are at work together. We also decided that I really do need help in balancing my responsibilities, so we decided to have one of our employees move into more of an assistant’s role for me. Hopefully, by our collaborating and coming up with new ways to accomplish these tasks, we will avoid future miscommunication and conflict in these areas.

My husband and I have a very good, strong relationship and we communicate well already, so conflict rarely escalates between us. We tend to either compromise or collaborate early on to resolve issues quickly and as they arise. These things, I think, make our marriage happier and our business roles easier. I have so many friends who say “how can you work with your husband and live with him?” However, this doesn’t harm either relationship and I credit that, in large part, to our communication styles with each other.

Media Technologies Written Assignment

There are many different media technologies available. Each technology seems to have one main purpose, but several lesser known purposes that are just as useful. This paper will highlight four of the most popular and most useful forms of media technologies.

One media technology that is relied upon in a wide variety of businesses and personal uses alike are word processors, spreadsheet and desktop publishing programs. These programs are perhaps some of the most versatile and user-friendly programs available. They can be used for so many different tasks that a simple word processor program could provide all of the printed media needs of a small business.

Programs like word processors and desktop publishing software have made creating layouts for anything from a simple flyer to a multi-page magazine easier and more streamlined. In times past, articles were typed on paper and then cut to size and glued onto the layout boards (my high school newspaper insisted on using this method to teach participants about the history of printing). Now, with desktop publishing and the wide availability of computes, articles are drafted, revised and mailed to editors and publishers, where the article is simply “dropped in” to a pre-made layout template for the publication and then printed.

The intended audiences for these products are users who are seeking to create a wide range of printed media (flyers, business cards, brochures, magazines, etc). There are software programs that range in price from free to thousands of dollars. Consumersearch.com recommends that users, who only need simple tasks accomplished or those who are looking to purchase a new program, try the free versions of desktop publishing software (Consumersearch, 2011). 

Word processors, spreadsheet programs, and desktop publishing programs all serve to streamline business processes. Any of these types of programs at any given time is considered a necessity when creating business documents.

When discussing media technologies, the most common media outlet that comes to mind is Information Media. This particular area of media technologies sees some of the most advanced programming of almost any other program. Among these technologies is the RSS feed.

RSS Feeds deliver regularly changing website content (whatisrss.com, 2012). The purpose of an RSS Feed is to deliver constant updates to users who regularly view certain websites (whatisrss.com, 2012). The audience for this type of technology would be a user who is almost constantly connected to the internet.

RSS works well with news websites because it alerts users anytime there is an update to the website’s content. Google Reader, for example, is a popular web-based feed reader (whatisrss.com, 2012). Google reader retrieves information from websites that “syndicate” (or group) information and allow the feed reader to gather this information and process it to the outside reader. It’s this syndication and information sharing process that allows users to utilize tools like RSS Feeds on their personal websites, blogs, email and other online communication outlets.

If a user adds, for example, the New York Times website to their RSS Feed, they would be alerted any time there is new material added to the New York Times website, thus, keeping the user constantly updated on news events according to this publication.

These feed readers allow users to streamline their favorite internet content, while also keeping them connected and never missing a headline, as they are alerted each time their chosen websites update their information. This type of constant connection to news and social networking sites is rapidly growing in popularity with the widespread usage of smartphones and tablets that allow us to connect to the internet virtually anywhere we are.

Another media technology that is available through online application is the usage of “apps” on smartphones and tablets. Apps are programs that you install on your smartphone or tablet that give you access to the “mobile” version of many websites (like Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, eBay, etc.). One app that is growing in popularity on the iPhone and iPad is the Streamified App.

Streamified is an application that allows you to view all of the updates to your social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn and blogs users may subscribe to) in one place (streamified.com, 2012). Users can even post to their social media sites all at one time or individually, from one place (streamified.com, 2012).

This app would likely appeal to audiences who utilize multiple social media outlets or who are away from their computers and may not have time to log in to each site individually. This app would be very useful for a business owner (a mobile food truck, for example) who posts their daily location, or daily sales, etc. They would be able to post from one application to all of their social media pages. This would save time versus having to login to 3 or 4 different websites and retype the post each time.

Many positive points of social media and information technologies are the convenience they allow. Being able to have everything you want or need to read online in one convenient place that updates as friends make posts or news articles become available is a necessity for those who are nearly always on-the-go.

Last, but not least of media technologies is the usage of the radio. Radio can be a means of communication, a means of advertising and a way of keeping up-to-date with local, national and international news. The radio has also served as a form of entertainment in previous times, with full-length programs and segments where books were read to listeners over the airwaves. There were radio programs that went on to become television shows like Gunsmoke, Perry Mason, The Green Hornet, Dragnet and many others.

Though it seems archaic and useless, the radio is a great way to advertise to thousands of people. “Being the first communications medium that could transfer or transmit live voices over long distances, radio was and still is one of the most effective mediums,” says an article found at buzzle.com (2012).  Utilizing the radio as a way to reach users requires writing an effective script for a radio commercial. The script must use colorful language to generate excitement. It should also be informative and fit well within a 30 second or less time frame.

In times past, radio has served as a means of connection with the rest of the world (Buzzle.com, 2012). Radio is still depended on as a source of news information and upcoming local events. Though it may seem an outdated media outlet, Radio is still very effective and necessary as a media technology and a source of communication. Radio is perhaps one media technology that has stood the test of time and found a way to continue to reach audiences of many different generations.

There are many, many technologies available to all media outlets. All of these items can appeal to a wide range of users, but most seem to have a built-in appeal to businesses as they offer time-saving convenience and ease of use for experienced and inexperienced users alike.

References

Buzzle.com (2012). Types of media. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-media.html.

Consumersearch.com (2011). How to buy desktop publishing software. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.consumersearch.com/desktop-publishing-software/how-to-buy-desktop-publishing-software.

Streamified.com (2012). FAQ’s. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://streamified.com/index.html?sgp_redirect=http://startgoogleplus.com/.

Whatisrss.com (2012). What is RSS? RSS explained. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.whatisrss.com/.

LinkedIn--Professional Networking With User-Friendly Interface

LinkedIn has a very professional appearance, with easy-to-follow profile development directions and clear visibility of information. The profile development is a guided process as it asks you questions about your education, work and skill set. It has a wide variety of skills to choose from (everything from litigation to online gaming- it’s all inclusive as far as skills are concerned). This website appears to be very simple to use, very quick to set up and very effective at creating networking opportunities.

The website’s purpose is to connect users with other individuals in their selected fields. Creating this type of networking environment allows users to connect to potential employers all over the country. LinkedIn helps to develop and foster professional relationships in a casual atmosphere and allows employers to get to know potential employees through their work profile, interests, civic organizations and other professional connections.

In addition to seeking my degree in Communications with a minor in Advertising, I would like to be a writer. With this website, I could display a link to examples of my writing abilities in my websites section of my profile. Giving potential employers total access to my blogs and other outlets to display my writing, I increase my chances of being employed in the writing/publication industry.

From what I have seen (and never having used the site until now), LinkedIn seems very effective at what it sets out to accomplish- creating professional connections and networking opportunities.

LinkedIn Allows users to create a detailed profile (effectively a resume) and then create professional connections within their given industry is effective networking and also a very effective way to establish future employment opportunities. It also helps users to learn to search for quality networking connections rather than simply collecting business cards. It allows users access to millions of users within a given field, thus teaching users how to establish networking strategies.

Media Technologies Summary

There are many, many technologies available to all media outlets. All of these items can appeal to a wide range of users, but most seem to have a built-in appeal to businesses as they offer time-saving convenience and ease of use for experienced and inexperienced users alike. Utilizing these technologies can help businesses in their day to day operations by saving time and sometimes helping to cut costs.

Print Media Technologies:

Programs like word processors and desktop publishing software have made creating layouts for anything from a simple flyer to a multi-page magazine easier and more streamlined. In times past, articles were typed on paper and then cut to size and glued onto the layout boards (my high school newspaper insisted on using this method to teach participants about the history of printing). Now, with desktop publishing and the wide availability of computes, articles are drafted, revised and mailed to editors and publishers, where the article is simply “dropped in” to a pre-made layout template for the publication and then printed. The intended audiences for these products are users who are seeking to create a wide range of printed media (flyers, business cards, brochures, magazines, etc). There are software programs that range in price from free to thousands of dollars. Consumersearch.com recommends that users, who only need simple tasks accomplished or those who are looking to purchase a new program, try the free versions of desktop publishing software (Consumersearch, 2011).

Information Media Technologies:

RSS Feeds deliver regularly changing website content (whatisrss.com, 2012). The purpose of an RSS Feed is to deliver constant updates to users who regularly view certain websites (whatisrss.com, 2012). The audience for this type of technology would be a user who is almost constantly connected to the internet. RSS works well with news websites because it alerts users anytime there is an update to the website’s content. If a user adds, for example, the New York Times website to their RSS Feed, they would be alerted any time there is new material added to the New York Times website, thus, keeping the user constantly updated on news events according to this publication.

Social Media Technologies:

The Streamified App is an application that allows you to view all updates to your social media outlets (Facebook, Twitter, Myspace, LinkedIn and blogs users may subscribe to) in one place (streamified.com, 2012). Users can even post to one or more of their social media sites all at one time, from one place (streamified.com, 2012). This app would likely appeal to audiences who utilize multiple social media outlets. This app would be very useful for a business owner (a mobile food truck, for example) who posts their daily location, or daily sales, etc. They would be able to post from one application to all of their social media pages. This would save time versus having to login to 3 or 4 different websites and retype the post each time.

Radio Advertising:

Though it seems archaic, the radio is a great way to advertise to thousands of people. “Being the first communications medium that could transfer or transmit live voices over long distances, radio was and still is one of the most effective mediums,” says an article found at buzzle.com (2012). Utilizing the radio as a way to reach users requires writing an effective script for a radio commercial. The script must use colorful language to generate excitement. It should also be informative and fit well within a 30 second or less time frame.

References

Buzzle.com (2012). Types of media. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-media.html.

Consumersearch.com (2011). How to buy desktop publishing software. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.consumersearch.com/desktop-publishing-software/how-to-buy-desktop-publishing-software.

Streamified.com (2012). FAQ’s. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://streamified.com/index.html?sgp_redirect=http://startgoogleplus.com/.

Whatisrss.com (2012). What is RSS? RSS explained. Retrieved May 24, 2012 from: http://www.whatisrss.com/.