Why Be A Communication Major?

In the ultra-competitive world of television journalism, it takes getting your foot in the door to jumpstart your career. But you usually can't even get a first look without the proper foundation. Simpson can help you get there. I'm Tim Mapes, a Redding native and graduate of the class of 1999, who has the privilege of anchoring the news for KRCR-TV in Redding.

I decided on a Communication major because, maybe like you, I wasn't really sure what I wanted to do. During one of my classes we took a tour of KRCR and I learned about the opportunity for internships. I figured three credits to hang out in a TV station might be kind of fun. It turned into my passion.

Timing was on my side - a producer quit when my internship was wrapping up, and I started doing the news. I was promoted from weekend reporter to weekday reporter, then to weekend anchor, and finally to my current post as anchor of the 6:30 and 11 p.m. weekday news programs. I have enjoyed providing a service to the people of this community the past few years and becoming a part of the community.

Even if TV isn't for you, a communication degree prepares you for countless types of careers - from sales to law to journalism - so it's a great choice for people who aren't entirely sure what career path to take.