Building a Resume
Honors College
Many of the Communication faculty serve as fellows of the Honors College. As fellows, they involve students in their research, connect students with internship openings, and provide guidance on honors activities each semester. Honors fellows teach honors seminars and attend events that provide students with one-on-one contact.
Awards
After entering the major, students in communication demonstrate their command of the discipline by winning awards. Some recent recognition includes several Hugh Hill Awards, along with a range of other honors. Communication students have won the $10,000 Bernard Shaw Award in three of the past five years.
The Department has a history of providing students with guidance for winning awards. The department Awards Committee has the mission of informing students about available competitions. To keep students abreast of opportunities, the staff posts current announcements on a department bulletin board. Students should also talk about awards with the department advisor. See Advising.
Well before graduation, students should look at the standards for Distinction in the Major and target the grade levels to gain recognition. At the beginning of the senior year, majors with high grades seek the opportunity to receive High Distinction, which involves writing a senior paper under faculty guidance.
Internships
The Communication program leads to a liberal arts degree. A broad communication background prepares students for a wide range of career paths, which each student can narrow through on-the-job experience such as an internship. Internships are strongly recommended for all students.
For information about internships, schedule an appointment with Professor Diem-My Bui.
Students should also look into the the LAS Internship Program located in 521 UH by calling (312) 996-0425.
Internships are competitive and credit is given only to approved internships. Internships should be secured a semester before registering for any internship courses. All internships should be completed during the same semester a student is registered for the internship course.
Study Abroad
A period of study in another country can provide direct experience with interpersonal and intercultural communication and exposure to media and public communication unmatched through any other means. Professors in the Department have traveled to and lived in many areas of the world, including Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. They are willing to share their expertise with students and will help by writing recommendations and guiding students to opportunities and contacts in other countries.
The Department encourages students to plan their academic career to make room for a study abroad experience. Students interested in studying abroad will find information from the UIC Study Abroad Office.