Competencies
Group Interaction
The first competency is group interaction. In the Mass Communications field, group interaction is especially important. Group interaction occurs when multiple individuals in a class work together to organize and produce a successful project or campaign. It is essential to know how to work well with other individuals on the same project because group work is often used in the Mass Communications area.
Important skills and abilities for group interaction include but are not limited to time management, communication, cooperation, flexibility, problem solving, and leadership. Throughout my time at Bloomsburg University, I have worked on many group projects. Some larger than others, but each project has had successes as well as problems. While starting my participation with group interaction, I have found that I tend to be the leader on the project. My biggest flaw is that I like to do work on my own and I often disapprove of others suggestions. After becoming exhausted with doing all the work my first few semester, I have learned to take a step back and let other individuals in the group lend a hand. My greatest strength with group interaction is my organization. I like to create a plan and set dates for when installments of the project are due so the group doesn’t fall behind and rush to put things together at the last minute. |
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Professional Writing
As a Mass Communications major, it is vital to know how to write for many different situations whether that is a Press Release, a news article, a television or movie script, or a research paper. The second competency I will discuss is writing in professional situations. In the Mass Communications field, we are required to tell the audience important information, but it takes a certain set of skills to master the art of story telling while keeping the piece informative.
Important skills and abilities for professional writing include but are not limited to organization, knowledge of the demographics of an audience, knowledge of the specific format for which an individual is writing, and timeliness. Throughout my years at Bloomsburg University, I have had the privilege of writing for many different audiences and forums. During my sophomore year, I had my first experience for writing a news piece in Sharon Santus’ Newswriting course. Newswriting is a skill that only gets better through practice. It took a while for me to understand the rules of journalism and newswriting. I am still learning and needing to brush up on certain formats. The following year I wrote my first big research paper in Dr. David Magolis’ Social Foundations of the Mass Media course. I have written research papers in the past, but I enjoyed the content of this specific paper the most. In my Mass Communications Capstone class, I wrote a Spec Script for the popular television show, New Girl. I have never written a script before, and I am definitely proud of this accomplishment. My biggest flaw when it comes to professional writing is timeliness. Journalists and writers work on a deadline. I am working on mastering my organization before I begin writing so I can meet said deadlines. |
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Social Media
Media Literacy is an extremely important asset and skill that is required not only by those in the Mass Communications industry, but by all in today’s society. Being literate in regards to social media is a skill that I possess and apply every day. Social Media is a booming industry, and most people come in contact with social media every day.
Important skills and abilities for using social media include but are not limited to strong and effective communication skills, knowledge of current social trends, knowledge of audience, and ability to post at a regular but not overwhelming frequency. Using social media not just for personal use but for use in a business is a social media skill that not everybody has; however, being the social media point person during the Bocce Ballers campaign gave me the opportunity to use social media for a business perspective. I was required to post on Facebook and Twitter about upcoming events and the current and changing dollar amounts for how much money was raised. My biggest flaw when it comes to social media is getting the point across in a few words. Twitter only allowed 140 characters when posting a tweet. Even though Facebook doesn’t have a character limitation, it is important to keep posts short and to the point or else viewers won’t read the whole post. I am working on keeps posts short but only posting the most important information but at a more frequent rate. |
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Case Studies
The ability to critically read and analyze a case is a necessary skill to have in any field of work, but specifically in the Mass Communications field. During the spring semester 2013, I had to write case studies in my Public Relations: Cases and Problems class. A case study is a two page critical write-up analyzing the strengths and weaknesses of a specific case or event. Suggestions for making the case or event better is also required.
Important skills and abilities for writing case studies include but are not limited to the ability to critically analyze a work, offering constructive criticism, problem solving, and knowing a case completely. Throughout my time in PR: Cases & Problems, I had to write a total of six case studies. The cases came from the book, Public Relations Cases, by Jerry Hendrix and Darrell Hayes. With the first couple case studies, I found it difficult to offer constructive criticism and suggestions for future events. It was hard for me to find weaknesses in each case, but after writing a few and getting feedback from my professor, I found it easier to find weaknesses along with strengths. It’s easy to say that the case was flawless and there were no weaknesses, but there is always room for improvement. I also learned that it is critical to do a case study after each campaign or event so the individual or company can better themselves and the event. |
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