Skills & Knowledge You'll Develop
Whatever your career in communications, you need to have the knowledge and skills to keep up with this fast-paced industry. Your diploma can help you do just that. Upon successful completion of the program, you will:
- possess an understanding of the fundamentals of media as they relate to newspapers, TV and radio
- be knowledgeable in a specified major
- be able to continue your education with university-transferrable courses.
As a newspaper, magazine or online journalist, you will be able to:
- research and verify information found in documents and from meetings, interviews, conferences, court hearings, artistic performances, sporting events and press statements
- interview, in person or by telephone, individuals involved in news events, witnesses, knowledgeable people and others whose activities are of public interest
- go "live, on location" to provide eyewitness coverage of some events
- translate complex issues into concise, informative news stories
- research and write articles or stories as assigned by editors or find stories on their own initiative
- write news stories that are accurate, fair and balanced
- write critical reviews of literary or artistic works based on personal knowledge, judgment and experience
- produce concise written copy from notes or tape recordings taken during interviews or press conferences
- organize material into factual or analytical reports
- write stories for websites that may include audio, video and print components.
As a broadcast journalist, you will be able to:
- obtain video footage of current news events
- gather sound and video for news, current affairs programs and documentaries
- conduct interviews using digital or tape recorders
- write and edit their own reports under the supervision of a news editor or director
- assist in directing camera operators who are filming news events.
As a public relations practitioner, you will be able to:
- create and maintain public awareness of an organization’s policies and actions
- foster good community relations
- facilitate communications within an organization between employees and management
- develop, implement and evaluate strategic communications programs
- act as media and stakeholder contacts for organizations
- conduct research and communicate results
- prepare speeches, news/media releases, brochures, audio-visuals, advertisements, reports, articles, newsletters and websites for defined audiences
- identify the interests and concerns of key groups an organization serves
- co-ordinate special events and promotions for internal and external audiences
- provide consultative services to management to facilitate communications with target groups.
