How Communication Major Helps You Succeed: Q&A with Communication Majors Tommaso and Deven

By Tommaso Dizon, Deven Gantt, Shane Morton

Declaring your major can be a long and stressful process, but it doesn't have to be. We are here to offer guidance and highlight what we are best at: Communication. 

Shane sat down with Tommaso and Deven to discuss the highs and lows of the major and ultimately how pursuing Communication has benefitted them. 
 

Shane (SM): What is your name, hometown, major, and minor? 

Tommaso Dizon (TD): My name is Tommaso Dizon. I’m from Peekskill, NY. I am a double major in Communication and Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Entrepreneurship.

Deven Gantt (DG): My name is Deven Gantt. I'm from Queens, NY. I’m a Communication major with a minor in Psychology.
 

SM: Why did you choose UAlbany? 

TD: I chose UAlbany because it was the perfect sweet spot of being away from home but not too far. I also received direct admission into the Business School, which was another factor that led me to UAlbany. Also, who could resist the in-state tuition?

DG: I chose UAlbany because it had a lot more to offer than any other universities I applied to. Between the scholarships, the diversity here on campus, the many different opportunities to thrive in such a large environment, me being a legacy, and being the perfect distance from home. 
 

SM: What interests you about earning a degree in Communication? 

TD: Understanding people and how they interact on a different level and in many environments is definitely one of my main interests in studying communication. One of my favorite classes was Intercultural communication - how people from different places interact and manage different conflicts or challenges that may arise when communicating with people from other places. 

DG: I was interested in the communication field long before college was even a thought. Communication is so broad and diverse that you can really take it in any direction. I love connecting with other individuals, seeing them thrive and succeed. This Department was right up my alley. 
 

SM: Why did you ultimately decide to pursue the Communication major? 

TD: The Communication degree can lead to so many different career paths, and I liked the idea of pursuing a degree that could leave my options vast after graduation. The idea that I can apply Communication to so many other disciplines is so inviting. 

DG: I knew Communication was right for me once I completed COM 100: Human Communication - Language, Codes & Social Action by Professor Bill Husson. I genuinely looked forward to going to class, didn't dread assignments, and it just clicked. Some people are not good at everything and that’s okay. Communication just clicked for me. 
 

SM: What advice would you give to potential Great Danes who are unsure of what major they would like to declare? 

TD: I would tell a potential Great Dane that they have plenty of time and firstly not to stress. Then I may lead them to check out all the different majors the University has to offer and see if any aligns with their favorite subjects/classes they took in high school. 

DG: My advice would be to take advantage of all of the classes you can before it’s time to declare your major. You don't have to declare your major until the end of your second year - so, really explore all of the options to see what feels right for you. 
 

SM: What advice would you give to current Great Danes that are undecided in their major? 

TD: I would advise current Great Danes to speak with their academic advisor if they are having trouble pinpointing the perfect major for them. We have the best advisors here at UAlbany that go to great lengths to ensure that you get the most out of your time. 

DG: For the current Great Danes, I would suggest becoming more involved on campus. Find something you really like, whether it’s service based, political, a leadership position, and see how that relates to your passions. Then, you are able to eliminate the things that you know aren't the best fit. With those last options, you can take it to your advisor and come up with a plan from there!
 

SM: What is one Communication class that you recommend for students who want to test the waters with the major?

TD: Aside from Intercultural Communication that I previously mentioned, another great communication class would be COM 383: Social Media theory with Professor Lauren Bryant. You learn so much about social media platforms you use everyday in a different way. You even get to create your own media campaign at the end, which is so fun! 

DG: A class I recommend is COM 238: Introduction to Mass Communication. You learn a great deal about connecting with others in this class, which I feel is a key part of the major. 
 

SM: How have you applied the skills you've learned in the major to other aspects of your life? 

TD: I’ve applied the skills I’ve acquired as a Communication major to my current job as a Monster Energy College Ambassador. Within this position, I coordinate multiple sampling events a month and cater to different student demographics. I am also interacting with many different kinds of students on a daily basis and getting feedback on the beverages. Communication has helped me better understand how to approach different individuals and what to say. 

DG: The skills I’ve learned in my major have helped me thrive as a Public Relations chair (social media management) for Org #1, Membership chair (keeping members updated and connected) for Org #2, and a Programming Assistant (planning events, contacting vendors, social media management), which is a paid position, all here on campus. 
 

SM: Are there any challenges you have faced as a Communication major? 

TD: To be completely honest, I haven’t faced any major challenges that I can recall pertaining to my Communication major. The support that the Department gives its students is so strong and I have always felt secure and comfortable with my communication professors and classes.

DG: A challenge that I faced in the beginning but have since overcome was the group work aspect. Group projects in college can be difficult, but I feel as though group work has definitely prepared me for life in the workplace. It has also allowed me to connect with individuals I otherwise would not get to know. 
 

SM: Is there anything you want to share about your college experience at UAlbany? 

TD: I would say my favorite aspect of UAlbany is the diverse student body that makes the culture so great. No matter where you come from, everyone welcomes you with open arms and I’m definite that you could find an on-campus organization with people similar to you. Whether you are into community service, your culture, or different social causes, there’s an organization for you. 

DG: One thing that I love about UAlbany is that there is always something to do on campus. We have about 300 organizations or clubs on campus. On-campus offices always plan fun events. There is also a nice place to sit and chill. Being involved on this campus is an essential part of getting the “college experience” while you're here. 
 

SM: What do you hope to pursue with your degree in Communication? 

TD: After earning my degree in Communication, I hope to go into marketing, public relations, or a career rooted in travel. I’m keeping my options open, and I am looking forward to exploring many different careers! 

DG: After I earn my BA in Communication, I plan to go on to earn my Masters in Communication and Media Studies. Down the line I would like to have a career in marketing, public relations, event planning or advertising. 
 

Thank you for reading! Our goal is to aid you in the process of declaring your major by giving insight into ours. Keep in mind, your college experience is what you make it. Always remember to stay true to yourself and have fun while doing it.