By Sydney Friedt
Many college students major in the same subjects and worry about how to set themselves apart from peers who will be competing for similar jobs after graduation. One way to stand out while in college is to declare a minor, especially those in majors like strategic communications, where there are a multitude of students.
Many universities offer minors that complement a student’s major. For example, strategic communication majors at Ohio State University can choose from several minors with coursework that overlaps with their major requirements. Personally, I have declared two minors in my two years at Ohio State University; both of which have helped me become more well rounded. Here are a few minors that can help enhance a strategic communication degree.
Professional Writing
The professional writing minor at Ohio State University is a great addition to any strategic communication major’s degree. In fact, it is one of the minors I have declared for my own degree. The minor allows students to choose courses that best fit their interests while helping them become stronger writers in professional settings. It also gives students the opportunity to build a portfolio of professional writing pieces, followed by a capstone internship that provides real-world experience in place of another course.
With this minor, I have watched my portfolio grow with writing pieces I wouldn’t have had the chance to create if I had stayed solely on the strategic communication path, including genres such as movie reviews. I also get to take part in an internship tailored to my strengths, helping to strengthen my skills and make my résumé stand out to future employers.
Business Minor
For those in strategic communications who want to focus more on the business side of things, Ohio State offers an overarching business minor. This minor allows students to gain knowledge and experience in all aspects of the business world by taking five required courses, which include:
- Accounting
- Finance
- Marketing
- Operations Management
- Human Resources
Students in this minor, including myself, are able to dip their toes into the business world, rounding out their skill set with knowledge on how to function in key areas of the business workforce. This knowledge will help a communication major stand out among competitors applying for the same job down the road.
Creative Writing Minor
For those in the strategic communications major with the desire to be more creative in their work, the creative writing minor could be for you. This minor presents students with the option to dive deeper into the art of creative writing. Students will be able to strengthen their critical reading skills and gain tools needed to create different genres of creative writing such as fiction and poetry.
This minor can help a strategic communications major stand out by enhancing their storytelling, adaptability, and originality—key qualities in marketing and copywriting. Brands thrive on narratives, and a creative writing background will help you craft compelling messages that emotionally connect with audiences, setting you apart from others in your field.
Media Production and Analysis Minor
Another great minor that will help strengthen your strategic communications degree is the media production and analysis minor. The minor provides students with the practical skills and analytical insights that enhance your ability to create, distribute, and evaluate media content effectively. You’ll learn how to assess content impact, audience perception, and media trends while gaining the ability to craft compelling visuals and narratives which strengthens your ability to create persuasive and engaging campaigns.
If you’re still unsure about adding a minor, consider how it could shape your future career prospects. Employers highly value versatility and adaptability—94% say these qualities are important, and 92% prioritize a well-rounded education with diverse academic exposure (Carlton, 2023). By pursuing a minor, you enhance both, giving yourself a competitive edge in the job market once you graduate. I have been able to strengthen my own skill set and build up my portfolio that will help me stand out in the professional world.