COMS Day: Choose Your Own Adventure

Coms Day 2018 kicked off on Thursday, Oct. 25. This will be the 8th Coms Day that the Department of Communication Studies hosts annually. Coms Day is a celebration of the discipline of communication and an invitation to learn more about how a degree in communication studies can help you choose your own adventure in life. Throughout the day there were speakers, games, and an adventure mixer to explore the discipline of communication studies. 

Every year, seniors in Senior Seminar Class Cs 499 hold the event, and several senior committees, including Public Relations, Executive, Activities, Venue, and Finance, manage its organization.  

The day began with a welcome and the first speaker of the day, Chasidy Atchinson, a UM alumnus who was a communication studies major and a UPC coordinator. Atchinson mentioned that through UPC she had the opportunity to practice what she was learning in class, and during her speech, Atchinson spoke about her unique experience and the importance of UM being a liberal arts school that inspires people to do things they are passionate about. 

“Critical thinking, creative expression, and the ability to collaborate with people who think differently than you,” Atchinson said.

Which is what the Seattle Times said about the keys to going to a liberal arts school. She also explains that Communications essential gives you the key. Being able to communicate effectively outward, listening and telling, is a superpower, which most people don’t have.  

In closing, Atchinson gave three nuggets of information that she considers important for doing and succeeding at what you love: be open and live curiously, do what you love and do it wholeheartedly, and work your booty off. 

After Atchinson’s speech, there was a game of Coms Kahoot. Followed by an Adventure Mixer featuring many company booth representatives such as Shipt and Champion. They spoke about potential internships, career opportunism and even had gifts on their tables. 

During the mixer, many communication students mentioned they enjoy the versatility of the major. Kaitlyn Shedee, one of the lead organizers, expressed, “How it can be applied to a variety of careers. Mostly because of the multiple skills that are taught throughout the major." 

Students were happy to discuss the benefits of Communications during the mixer. Claire Caddell originally was a theater major but changed to Communications because you can truly do anything with communications and she loves the discussions they have in class. Also, she mentioned communications helped her come out of her introverted shell. 

Moreover, Dr. Ozley, a communications professor, explains that the event has become a rite of passage for the majors because underclassmen see upperclassmen participate, then eventually must participate themselves in their senior year. The event also gives upperclassmen a chance to utilize the skills they have learned throughout the program. 

Next, there was the featured speaker of the day, Giselle Casadaban. Who is also a UM alumnus and was a communication studies major with a minor in public relations and theater. Casadaban took students on an adventure through a PowerPoint about a day in the life of a communications study major. She conveyed how things students are learning in class can be applied to everyday life experiences, from passing your classes of arguments with a significant other. Casadaban talked about tips to help students set themselves up for success. “Make a list of dream jobs,” Casadaban said. 

After her speech, there was a short Q&A. where students asked Casadaban questions. She also mentioned that networking is key, and to start looking for jobs early, and do their research before going to an interview with a company. 

The day was filled with fun and great information. Students can choose their own adventure through Communications studies.