How prepared am I to be responsible/informed consumer and skilled producer of

communication processes and mass media messages in the 21st century?

 

         Because of my classwork at Worcester State University and Bridgewater State University, I am extremely prepared to both consume and create mass media messages. I have the ability to analyze the sender and identify possible reasons for this message. I understand that there are many moving parts in place when it comes to media giants and how their messaging is their greatest strength. This makes it imperative to understand how ownership of the Big Six work. In today’s day and age there is “Fake News”, so it is more important than ever to understand media messages, as there is more false narratives and political echo-chambers than any time in our history. In a world that is becoming increasingly digital, and extremely top-heavy, the only way to create a fully formed, unbiased opinion is through understanding how mass media works, and digging deeper than the surface when looking for information. These same skills also translate well from processing a message, to creating one. To ensure the information I send is correct and fair I need to use the same methods used when decoding a message. I need to see where my info is coming from, ensure that it is accurate and fair before I send it out. I also need to understand who my target base is when creating the message, this will ensure that my message is received as intended.

 

What skills have I learned about processing, editing, presenting and evaluating information?

 

I have acquired many skills about processing, editing, presenting and evaluating information. Almost every communications course I have taken at Worcester State has improved me in these fields. More than anything else, these courses have improved my processing and evaluation skills. The sheer amount of reading required in these courses drastically improved my comprehension ability and how quickly I can break it down to its core messaging. These two in particular go hand and hand, as the better you are at processing the information, the easier it is to dig deeper and truly evaluate the message. These skills also lead directly towards editing skills. When responding to these articles, whether it be in paper form, or discussion, the editing process is always with you. I have improved my skill of changing and adapting my responses based on further breakthrough and evaluation. Being able to edit not only your response, but also your way of thinking is crucial to be able to succeed collaboratively in the field of mass media. My presentation skills also took a leap during my time at Worcester State. The communications courses taught me more about presenting and public speaking than a Public Speaking 101 Course ever could. Being able to present and speak about real problems in the world, usually with a good conversation with classmates and professors too, drastically improved my ability to speak freely in public, and has helped me articulate my points. All four of these skills are critical in the field of communications, and I believe I am prepared to succeed in life after college thanks to my advancement in these skills.

 

How prepared am I to effectively gauge the effects of communication and mass media?

 

         Withing my coursework at Worcester State, many of the classes require some reflection and response to the readings and discussions we complete. Much of this revolves around the impact and results of Mass Media messages. Almost every course touches on this subject in some capacity, whether it is about how to interpret and understand the effects, or whether the goal is to produce a message to cause a certain effect. I am prepared to gauge the effects of communication and mass media from both the sides as a result of this. My courses have not been shy about showing me how profound the effects of mass media can be, it is even scary to some degree. This has prepared me to take this topic very seriously and ensure that I do not underestimate any source of information, I will always be looking deeper into it.  

 

How can I become a responsible/ethical media producer?

 

         My communication courses along with complementary business courses have all been sure to hammer home ethical principles. Media Production, Social Media, TV Production and Intro to Video were all intensive production-based courses. Every professor was sure to cover what is ethical, and what is not ethical. While some creative leeway is fine, it is essential you do not try to trick your audience, you need be fact-based and open with what your message is. While in the workforce it may be essential to have a biased message to get your point across, it still needs to remain ethical, lying and trickery should not be involved. My communication courses have drilled media ethics into me, I have a thorough understanding of what is acceptable and what is not. As for further ethics training, my business ethics course has given me a different perspective on ethics outside the field of communication. This course focused on managerial and ethical dilemmas. This course provides experience needed to be able to make ethical decisions from any position in the work force, even if it is outside the field of media production.

 

        

How prepared am I for careers in the industries of communication and mass media?

 

         I believe I am well prepared for a career in the mass media and communication industry. Not only have I had extensive coursework in the fields, I also have had a growing passion for it. I chose this field after becoming enthralled with the podcasting industry. This will certainly be the first area I target upon graduation. I have acquired the skills of editing, producing, comprehension, presentation, along with an exponential increase in my writing skills, I feel supremely prepared for life following college. While pursuing a career in this industry, I also intend to pursue further studies, especially if a company offers to pay for it. With the skills I have improved and acquired through this major, along with my passion for the subject matter, I have no doubts about my career in this field.