5 Basics Every Student in Communications Should Know
Breaking into communications isn’t just about being a good writer; it’s about mastering a mix of technical, strategic, and interpersonal skills.
University life is fast. You wake up, go to class, hustle through assignments, try to build a portfolio, and still stay relevant on social media. But in the middle of all this rush, some essential basics of the communication profession often get lost.
Whether you are studying PR, corporate communications, or digital media, these five fundamentals will set you apart before you even graduate.
1. Your Writing Is Your Identity
Writing isn’t just about proper grammar (though that’s essential). It’s about tailoring your message for different audiences, formats, and objectives.
Whether it’s a tweet, a campaign pitch, a press release, or your final year thesis, how you write will shape how people perceive your ideas. Learn to write with clarity, purpose, and a bit of style. Practice freewriting. Read more. Edit like your work depends on it (because it does).
Pro tip: Good grammar isn’t elitist - it’s a tool. Use it.
2. Strategy Is Not Just for the “Big People”
You don’t have to wait till you get a job to understand what strategy is. Learn to ask: Why are we posting this? Who are we speaking to? What do we want them to do? Strategy is just structured thinking. Learn to think beyond content, think impact.
Pro tip: Every project, even your department’s dinner, is a chance to think strategically.
3. Your Network Is Already Around You
You don’t have to “go out and network.” You’re already surrounded by people who will shape the industry with you. Your classmates, group members, the guy running the course group chat are your first contacts. Collaborate, connect, and grow together.
Pro tip: Start treating your peers like future partners — because they are.
4. Trends Fade, Skills Stay
Comms is increasingly digital. Knowing basic tools makes you efficient, while advanced skills (like data analytics) make you indispensable.
Must-Know Tools
Design – Canva (social graphics), Adobe Express (quick videos).
Writing – Grammarly (tone checks), Hemingway App (readability).
Project Management – Trello (content calendars), Notion (strategy docs).
Bonus Skills – Basic SEO (Yoast), email marketing (Mailchimp).
However, while it’s cool to know how to use the latest AI or the best TikTok transitions, the real power is in timeless skills: storytelling, listening, research, empathy, and insight. These will make you flexible no matter how the industry evolves.
Pro tip: Don’t just chase tools. Learn how to think.
5. Your Voice Matters - But Only If You Use It
There’s no need to wait until you are “certified.” You are already living inside a digital stage. Write that LinkedIn post. Start that Instagram page. Volunteer for that school campaign. The only way to find your voice is by using it.
Because if you can’t market yourself, why would anyone trust you to market a brand? Your online presence is your portfolio.
Key Steps
Audit Your Socials – Lock down private accounts; keep public ones professional.
Share Your Learning – Post a LinkedIn reflection on a comms lecture or internship takeaway.
Showcase Work – Even class projects (e.g., “My mock crisis comms plan for XYZ brand”).
Pro tip: Start messy. Start unsure. Just start.
The truth is, you don’t need to have it all figured out. But you do need to show up, stay curious, and put in the work. The industry will keep changing. The real flex is learning how to grow with it, from where you are, with what you have.
See you at the top.
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