This is part 2 of a 4 part blog series to give an introduction to my alma mater, Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information (WKWSCI), Nanyang Technological University (NTU):
For prospective students, two practical questions to address are – 1) what can you hope to learn from the school, and 2) what career opportunities are there for graduates?
There are four concentrations that students can look forward to at WKWSCI: 1) Broadcast & Cinema Studies, 2) Communication Policy and Research, 3) Public Relations and 4) Journalism.
This was the same during my time, though the names were slightly different.
I chose communication research thinking it was going to be the easiest (it turned out to be the hardest).
I enjoyed most courses I took at WKWSCI. In fact, I overloaded my timetable with more modules than was required (special permission is needed from the dean to do this). If the school had allowed for multiple specialisation, I would have gotten three – Electronic and Broadcast Media; Communication Research and Public Relations & Advertising.
Yes, I had to work harder than my peers to get the same piece of academic certification, but if I have a chance to do it again, I will.
If you enjoy what you are studying, it feels less of a chore and more of fulfillment.
For career opportunities, WKWSCI provided me with a reference list. I crossed out some and added others based on what I feel is more accurate:
– Account Director
– Account Planner
– Copywriters
– Journalists
– Producers (TV/Film/Radio)
– Media Planner
– Media Buying Director
– Interactive Media Strategist
– Public Affairs Manager
– Corporate Communications Manager
– Marketing Manager
– Media Consultant
– Publicist
– Practitioner in Various Governmental Roles
– Photojounrnalists
– Community Relations Manager
– Employee Relations Manager
– Fundraising Specialist
Here are the detailed descriptions of the four concentrations provided by WKWSCI:
Broadcast & Cinema Studies
Fancy a career in radio, TV, or multimedia production?
This concentration instils you with the know-how and technical expertise you will need in your future career. Coursework provides you with a sound understanding of the content of production, information technology, and film studies. You will have a good feel of everything that exists within the electronic and broadcast media, such as scriptwriting and network systems.
Communication Policy and Research
Students learn about how we use communication, how it affects us, what shapes media content, and communication policy and economics.
You might study how students’ use of social media like Facebook affects their grades and social lives, or why we enjoy scary movies that make us scream, or what censorship is acceptable to Singaporeans. Students learn how to conduct research that meets professional standards, including surveys, experiments, interviews, and textual analysis. Students with such training work as communication researchers, policy makers, media consultants, or go on to graduate study and academic careers.
Public Relations
A concentration in Public Relations will teach students the intricacies of managing the various stakeholders in an organization & crafting effective messages for an organization.
Journalism
Get a real feel of the tight deadlines and adrenaline rushes journalists experience.
This is the specialization for those who want to work as reporters. The Journalism division focuses on print journalism, photojournalism, online information services, and media management. You will learn about writing stories that go into print media, such as magazines and newspapers. You will be trained in various reporting techniques and analyses, and also get an insight into the workings of media enterprises.
Here is something new which was not available during my time. If it was, I probably would have taken it, given my interest in new media:
Minor in Information and New Media
The Information Studies Minor adds value to the communications degree because it prepares students on the movement of content to the digital world. The 21st century is characterized by globalisation of society and industry, the maturing of the knowledge society, and the rapid development and adoption of new media. New media technologies and applications are bringing transformational changes to society, industry and individual lives. This minor examines new media technologies and applications from the perspective of information and knowledge management- how information and knowledge are stored, transferred, processed, managed, presented and consumed with new media. The programme also examines the potential applications and impact of new media, particularly internet technologies, social media and mobile technologies, with focus on Information, Technology and Users. This programme will equip graduates with an understanding of issues and principles underlying new media technologies and applications, and how to continually adapt and exploit emerging new media in their work and personal lives.
If you are interested to find out more about WKWSCI, do visit theWKWSCI official facebook page. There is an open house on 9 March and you can stand to win a Samsung Galaxy Note 10.1 LTE.
Details on the Open House:
If you are a prospective student considering studying at WKWSCI and would like to hear from an alumni, feel free to drop me an email. I promise to give as candid a reply as I can. Your questions will be kept confidential – I will not publish them here without your permission.
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quote: “If you enjoy what you are studying, it feels less of a chore and more of fulfillment.”
indeed but more most people studying what their parents think "good prospect" or themselves think it is. so most people are suffering in their studies.