Northwestern University in Qatar (NU-Q) has announced a new minor in strategic communication. The programme, which is designed to address the increased demand for skilled strategic communication professionals, is open to all NU-Q students.
Students who enroll in the programme will take courses that focus on the fundamentals of strategic communication, including corporate storytelling, media and audience insights, media planning, and social media marketing.
“Strategic communication refers to advertising, public relations, corporate and brand messages, but also includes not-for-profit communication such as public health campaigns or using multi-media channels to advance social causes,” said George Anghelcev, a strategic communication professor in Journalism and Strategic Communication Program.
“We developed this minor in response to high student demand and to meet the appetite of employers in Qatar and the region for graduates who have the skills that it offers. It is designed to get students ready to work as effective communicators on behalf of brands and organisations immediately upon graduation.”
The minor includes a capstone project that has students presenting a comprehensive strategic communication campaign proposal for a client.
“The capstone project offers students an opportunity to demonstrate their understanding of what is required in a strategic communication campaign and get a real-world experience by presenting their concept to a client,” said Ilhem Allagui, also a strategic communication professor in the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program.
Allagui pointed out that learning to communicate effectively is a highly sought-after skill for any professional — particularly with the rapid digitization of communication.
“Students enrolled in this minor will be prepared for successful careers in the strategic communication profession — whether they work in government, with a multi-national, or at an agency,” she said.
“The strategic communication minor,” she said, “distinguishes individuals when applying to graduate school or for jobs. It provides an opportunity for them to develop critical thinking skills in times of crisis as well as ways to effectively deliver messages within our society,” said Ilhem.
Students who are majoring in journalism also have the opportunity — through the school’s Residency Program – to work alongside strategic communication professionals in top organisations.