UW Communication Fair to help students explore certificates and majors

A W crest banner flutters in the wind on Bascom Hill at the University of Wisconsin-Madison during autumn on Oct. 18, 2019. (Photo by Jeff Miller /UW-Madison)

By Rachel Hale

On Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 12:00-1:30 p.m., representatives from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication will take part in a Communications Fair aimed at helping students learn more about majors, certificates, student organizations and careers across various fields of communication.

School of Journalism & Mass Communication Undergraduate Academic Advisor Sandra Kubat said the event is designed for any student who is seeking a major, who might be interested in a double-major, or who may want to look into certificates.

“This is going to be a one-stop shop for students to meet with department representatives and find a program or programs that may be a great fit for their future education and career goals,” Kubat said.

SJMC teaching faculty Matt Hermann and Media and Communication Career Advisor Pam Garcia-Rivera (both from the School of Journalism and Mass Communication) will be in attendance, as well as representatives from Communication Arts, Life Sciences Communication, Linguistics, Digital Studies, English and the Information School.

Hermann, who serves as the advisor for the sports communication certificate, said he hopes the fair will help students learn more about the School of Journalism and Mass Communication. He emphasized the wide-range of knowledge students can learn in the School, including skills in strategic communications, media, marketing, public relations and broadcasting.

“There’s an impression that some students have that the journalism department is all about ‘capital J journalism’ and very little else,” Hermann said. “I think a lot of students just don’t understand what all there is to do both in the classroom and outside until they come and actually have a conversation with people.”

The event will be held on Oct. 12 from 12:00-1:30 p.m. in the 5th Quarter Studio on the second floor of Union South.