Many students tend to think of Electronic Media as only production. However, it also includes the extremely practical studies of business.
E-Media students are required to take four electives at the College of Business. They also are given business related courses to choose from in their E-Media electives, such as Survey of E-Media Advertising and E-Media Sales. This strong business foundation has influenced many students to also pursue a business minor. This can easily be acquired in just an extra quarter for an E-Media student.
“As a student with interest in media advertising and commercial production, I know that the business minor will help me excel,” said E-Media senior Leah Addison. “It is important in this day and age to gain expertise in more than one field, which is why I am getting a business minor. By gaining knowledge in media and in business, I feel more confident getting out in the work force.”
Professor Jane Freidman, who has a background in media business after working for F+W Media for fifteen years, is teaching Survey of E-Media Advertising this quarter.
“Since businesses are becoming much more interactive there is a need for well-rounded employees that have skills in both technology and marketing,” Professor Friedman said. “Current E-Media business requirements are sufficient as long as students are also getting the practical experience through internships.”
E-Media senior Shane Harrison, who is getting a business minor, agrees. “I wanted my resume to stand out above the other Bachelor degrees. Also I can see it as a great backup plan in the future if I ever want to run a small business or work in one. Also with our broad curriculum I noticed it would only take a few more classes to achieve the Minor status,” said Shane. “My favorite class was the marketing class with Rick Sweeney. Marketing is a huge part of today's commercial production world, so that was good to learn.”
E-Media faculty stress that in this competitive job market, an understanding of business and marketing is a real plus. “Many of our graduates tell us the non-production aspects of their studies here were more important than they thought they would be,” said Division Head Marjorie Fox. “If you’re going into video production or web production chances are good that you’ll spend at least part of your career working for yourself or for a small firm where you’ll have to drum up business and keep clients happy.”
A foundation in business is one of many reasons that prove that E-Media has a very flexible course load to pick from so that one can customize their education to fit their ideal career.
Written by Chris Reyes October, 2010