When you click “send” on a text message, your message turns into data and passes from a nearby cell tower to your mobile network’s short message service center (SMSC). The SMSC finds the intended recipient and sends your message to the closest cell tower. Finally, your message arrives.  

Communication, including verbal and written communication, has become one of the most highly valued skills by employers. However, “communication” is often confused with “communications,” which is an entirely different area of study.  

We’re here to define these terms and explain why communication is such an important skill for professionals of all experience levels. After all, the last thing you want is for your resume to be “left on read.”  

What Is Communication?  

Communication is the passing of information from one person to another. This process can take any form, from a symbol to a message to an idea. An impassioned speech, a string of emojis, or a student’s term paper—all are valid forms of communication. Anyone who’s received a wink from an admirer will tell you how a single gesture can often carry more meaning than a manifesto.  

If you want to get granular, communication can be broken down into three components: a message, sender, and receiver.  

Right now, we’re sending a message in the form of an online article to a receiver (that’s you). This entire exchange is an example of communication, but there’s more to it than that. Communication implies our intention to impart information; your motive to absorb information; and the existence of people, places, things, and ideas that are the subject matter of the message. All these elements are essential to our understanding of communication.  

Communication vs. Communications 

“Communication” and “communications” were initially synonymous. Over time, communications came to refer to the various ways to send a communication, including the transmitted message or the channel used to send it, such as a fiber optic cable.  

An email to a coworker or a text to a friend? That’s communications. The meaning conveyed by the messages you send? That’s communication.  

Consider how communications have changed over time. Historically, messages were written on parchment and delivered on foot, by horseback, or via carrier pigeons, which are still in use today. Then came the telegram, radio, and television. Today’s technology allows for almost instantaneous transmission of messages across the globe. In fact, you’re likely reading this on a supercomputer that can fit in the palm of your hand.  

The rapid development of information and communication technology has forever changed society, including how we work. About one-third of U.S. workers capable of working from home now do so, assisted by messaging apps like Slack and Microsoft Teams. Education has also undergone a facelift, and college students are now able to study from anywhere with a Wi-Fi connection (hint, hint, nudge, nudge).  

Why Is Communication Important? 

Communication is among the most highly sought-after skills in today’s job market, and the reason is clear. Many employees can be trained on the job, but employers aren’t looking to invest in someone who can’t collaborate with teammates, build positive relationships, or express their ideas. They’re looking for people who can communicate effectively, whether speaking with customers, sending an email, or leading a team.  

We’ve all encountered someone with charisma: a “social butterfly” who quiets a room whenever they clear their throat to speak. Although their talents seem innate, they share the same fundamental communication skills as everyone else. What sets these social butterflies apart is not their gift for gab but rather their ability to harness and refine these skills.  

Speaking, active listening, and empathy: You already possess the communication skills you need to succeed in your career, you need only hone them. The University of Texas Permian Basin can help.  

Communication Studies at UT Permian Basin  

UT Permian Basin offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication program with comprehensive instruction that provides you with skills highly sought-after in virtually any industry, including broadcasting, marketing, and education.  

No online communication program would be complete without an engaging learning experience accessible on mobile devices. Courses in this online bachelor’s degree program are offered through Canvas, a web-based learning management system. Within Canvas, students can watch lectures, submit assignments, and participate in discussions—everything you need in an undergraduate program, all in one place.  

Core courses like Introduction to Public Speaking, Interpersonal Communication, and Rhetoric in Western Thought will build up your verbal and written communication skills. You can also tailor your degree to your specific interests by choosing from one of our specialty tracks:  

  • Communication Studies 
  • Strategic Messaging 
  • Professional Communication 
  • Sports Media 

Ready to get started? Apply now and get ready to pursue an online Bachelor of Arts in Communication. 

Sources: 
https://simpletexting.com/sms-marketing/how-texting-works/
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/why-communication-communications-subhamoy-das/
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=AY7VCgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT2&dq=communication+vs+communications&ots=ccCYZS5XUj&sig=aGGQ1yQj4qnPhijl6agqdc2z8JQ#v=onepage&q&f=false
https://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=PlKgBAAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PP1&dq=communication+vs+communications&ots=n4JDmHEJMR&sig=mIiORqn7fOO3CQPSF-GcmwlS2-I#v=onepage&q&f=false