Communication, Media, & the Arts

Defining Interest Communities: Pathways for Discovery, Purpose, and Vocation

Interest Communities serve as starting points for exploration, not boundaries. Every student’s path is unique, and the skills you develop through Assumption’s liberal arts education open doors to countless possibilities.

Each Interest Community highlights common academic pathways at Assumption University. For simplicity in web navigation, we’ve organized related areas of study that connect to this passion area. These groupings are meant to help you connect your coursework, experiences, and goals, but they are not intended to define or limit your options.

Rooted in the liberal arts and guided by our mission to awaken a sense of wonder, discovery, and purpose, Assumption challenges you to think critically, communicate effectively, and act with thoughtful citizenship. Whether you study biology, philosophy, business, or the arts, your education here prepares you to thrive in diverse fields and serve the common good.

Your journey of meaning, purpose, and vocation extends far beyond your major. Explore freely. Your path may include electives, double majors, minors, or concentrations across disciplines. Your career direction will reflect your curiosity, values, and the connections you build along the way, not just your academic label.

Explore Communication, Media, & the Arts Programs at Assumption University

Communication and Media – Analyze multimedia while developing your voice as a writer and communicator. Build skills through hands-on media production, internships, and a collaborative capstone project.

Organizational Communication – Develop professional communication skills and analyze strategies across digital platforms. Build technical and analytical abilities to effectively engage audiences and support organizational goals.

Graphic Design – Learn visual design principles while working with industry-standard tools in Mac labs. Develop creative, technical, and critical-thinking skills alongside practicing artists and designers.

English – Strengthen writing, analysis, and communication skills through literature and media. Build critical thinking and gain real-world experience through internships and diverse coursework.

Music – Study music theory, history, and performance while participating in ensembles. Develop your skills within a liberal arts foundation and prepare for diverse careers in music-related fields.

Studio Art – Build a foundation in artistic theory, technique, and history while creating work across mediums. Gain hands-on experience through exhibitions, internships, and study abroad opportunities.

Art History – Study art in historical and cultural contexts while developing analytical and communication skills. This minor supports careers in museums, publishing, and other creative fields.

Discover Common Pathways to Purpose & Vocation in Communication, Media, & the Arts

Note: These example occupations are provided to spark inspiration and exploration of interest. This is not an exhaustive list, rather a starting point.

Copywriter – Writes persuasive text for advertisements, marketing materials, and digital content to promote products or services.

Content Writer – Produces articles, blog posts, website copy, and marketing materials for companies and organizations.

Graphic Designer – Creates visual designs for digital and print media using industry software to communicate brand messages and ideas.

Illustration Assistant – Creates digital or hand-drawn illustrations for clients in publishing, advertising, or product design.

Junior Art Director – Collaborates on visual concepts and design projects for advertising, publishing, or creative agencies.

Marketing Coordinator – Assists with promotional campaigns, market research, and content creation to support organizational marketing goals.

Museum Technician – Supports collections care, exhibition setup, and visitor education at museums and cultural institutions.

Photography Assistant – Supports photographers with equipment, lighting, editing, and logistics for commercial or editorial shoots.

Public Relations Assistant – Supports media outreach, press releases, and communications efforts to build positive public image.

Social Media Coordinator – Manages brand content and engagement across social media platforms to build audience and support marketing goals.

Brand Ambassador – Represents a company at events and online to promote products and build customer loyalty.

Creative Assistant – Supports senior creatives with brainstorming, research, and production tasks on design or media projects.

Editorial Assistant – Helps editors proofread, fact-check, and schedule content for magazines, websites, or publishing houses.

Media Buyer Assistant – Supports the planning and purchasing of advertising space across digital, print, and broadcast channels.

Production Assistant – Assists with logistics, equipment, and coordination on film, TV, radio, or podcast production sets.

Research Assistant – Gathers and analyzes data on audience trends, markets, or cultural topics for creative or communications teams.

Technical Writer – Creates clear instructional manuals, guides, and documentation for products, services, or internal processes.

Video Editor Assistant – Helps edit raw footage into finished videos for social media, marketing, or broadcast using editing software.

Web Content Coordinator – Maintains and updates website text, images, and layouts to ensure accuracy and brand consistency.

Email Marketing Specialist – Designs and sends email campaigns, tracks performance, and manages subscriber lists to drive engagement.

Build momentum through Explore → Build → Engage → Launch. Complete checklists, attend events at each stage, and tap Resources for career development support throughout.

First-Year: Explore

Take advantage of organizations like Campus Activities Board (CAB), MUSE Literary Club, Valley Girl Magazine, Le Provocateur Student Newspaper, HoundSound A Cappella, and Grey Tones A Cappella to explore interests in writing, media, performance, and event production. Use creative electives, campus events, and networking opportunities to sample different paths, and complete beginner-level LinkedIn Learning courses (for example, graphic design, storytelling, or digital marketing) to clarify your interests and next steps.

Sophomore Year: Build

Join AUTV – Assumption University Television, Heights Yearbook, or Le Provocateur Student Newspaper to gain hands-on experience in broadcasting, photography, layout, writing, or editing. Consider applying for paid or competitive student roles such as Admission Ambassadors or Orientation Leaders to develop public speaking and storytelling skills. Build your portfolio or show reel, take intermediate courses in media production or creative writing, and start connecting with alumni in creative fields on LinkedIn.

Junior Year: Engage

Secure (or complete) at least one internship to apply skills in professional settings and gain practical experience. Attend networking events, career fairs, and actively build your LinkedIn presence.

*Internships significantly boost graduate employability across studies. Students with internship experience consistently achieve higher job placement rates and better career outcomes than those without. (Baert, S., Neyt, B., Siedler, T., Tobback, I., & Verhaest, D. (2021).

Senior Year: Launch

Launch with clarity. Apply best practices to your next step (full-time roles, graduate school, a service year, or beyond) using Resources for tailored résumés, cover letters, the job search, interview preparation, and more!

LinkedIn Groups for Students Interested in Communication, Media, & the Arts

Why join LinkedIn groups? LinkedIn groups give you access to targeted professional communities where you can network with industry professionals, discover hidden job/internship opportunities, stay current on industry trends, ask career questions, and learn from experienced practitioners, all for free. As a student, joining these groups helps you build your professional network before graduation and signals a genuine interest to recruiters.

Recommended Groups for Assumption University Students:

Creativity in Graphic Design, Logo Design, Web, UI/UX Design, Advertising & Art Direction – The largest global group for designers and creatives—great for portfolio feedback, trends, and job leads.

Media & Entertainment Professionals – Connect with next-gen entrepreneurs and pros shaping the future of publishing, TV, film, video, internet, and mobile content.