What do I say to people who call my college major "fluff"?

Question

I am a communications major and have had multiple people over the years call it a "pseudo" or "fluff" major to my face. I never know what to say to them. How do I make myself appear credible in their eyes?

Answer 1

Don't tell them you're majoring in Communications, tell them you're studying whatever specific interest you have within communications. For example, if you are interested in going into the publishing world, tell them you are studying for a career in publishing. If you are interested in becoming a newspaper reporter, tell them you are studying to become a newspaper reporter. That way it sounds more tangible and less like fluff. Good luck!

Answer 2

If you care about your classes and are learning things that will be useful in your future career, it doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. The people making the put-downs probably aren't even aware of what the major entails. No, communications probably isn't as challenging as something like engineering, but, on the other hand, you're probably getting more breadth in your courses than an engineering student does. Many of my fellow computer science majors in college liked to call business a "fluff" major, but then again, once I got out into the working world, many of my bosses turned out to have been business majors or something similar. "Soft" abilities can be as useful as "hard" ones.

It's hard to convince bullies that they're wrong, but you can try these arguments and tell them that you don't appreciate being put down to your face. If they don't listen, then walk away. Some people have fragile egos and will compensate by being childish.

Answer 3

Much of it may have to do with the major drop in the credibility of the media over the past few years. However the major in and of itself is no less vital that any other. To those who would think it otherwise ask them how much information they would get, or have without it? Everything they read, every ad they see and every topic they choose to discuss is the result of communications and therefore can be used to validate your efforts. People will always think what they will, and your choice of career is not for them to debate, just as theirs is not a reason to ridicule them. I would however remind you that it is the responsibility of the media i.e. communications to guard the public trust rather than use it. Too many crimes have been perpetrated in the name of public information with the idea that everyone has the right to know all about everyone. There are things that should be made public, and many others that should not. Sorry to preach.

Answer 4

Communications is a good major for someone who wants to go into anything from human resources to television, I was advised to take a couple of communications courses and I want to go into advertising. It is not a "fluff" major because so many jobs need people who are able to communicate, in various ways, to people.

I suggest that you just tell the people who ask what your major is that you're planning on going into whatever career, and you will successfully avoid the question that way.

And as far as "fluff" majors go, communications is pretty hardcore compared a double major in french and music (I know a senior with that major)...that's just my opinion

Answer 5

you won't those people were probably engineering or science majors who think anything else is fluff--you won't convince them otherwise. Take it from a girl with her fashion degree, if you love it and its what you want to do with your life then screw them. You are working hard at it and it take special people to pull off certain degrees. They may be better at crunching numbers than you or me (hell you may be great at it!) but I want to see an accountant or a civil engineer put on a fashion show or be in front of the camera for a news broadcast (or whatever you plan to do with your degree) Most of the time it won't happen. You have special abilities as does everyone and if you are using those abilities to make this world a better place then by all means....your doing a lot better than a lot of those people who live to make others feel bad about not being just like them!

Answer 6

Sometime communication majors get a lot of crap in college, but it can be hard to find a job once you're done with college (many of my friends were communications majors). Tell them it's what you're interested in and ask why they chose theirs.

Btw...business majors usually choose it because they know business will always be around. Now who has the "fluff" major?

Answer 7

Yes, there is a general feeling that communications is a major that people take when they can't handle other majors. I think it might be because people think student athletes take that major, and student athletes aren't always known for being bright (although they often are). I also study a field that people don't really understand (linguistics) and mostly I just know that people don't get it, so I talk to other linguists about linguistics and discuss other stuff with other people.

As for trying to make yourself appear credible, there's no need to seek the approval of others if you know that what you are doing has value.

Answer 8

Do u have another major or minor? U have to stop them in their tracks when they r putting u & your degree major down! Where do u plan to go with this degree? College is not fluff, the ones who usually make fun of something, r insecure. College drop outs who couldn't handle the demand. If u don't know what to do with this degree, go see ur campus career counseling services. There are plenty of test, internships to give u creditablity. Don't let anyone walk on u. Get the desire, the determination & make ur future. Believe in U, what skills, knowledge and trends of the workforce market. Make ur dreams happen & stop the naysayers in their tracks. Use your communication abilities.

Answer 9

I got that all the time...This is a fluff major...Interior Design. People thought that the only think that I was doing was fluffing peoples houses and making them pretty...It's a lot more than that... Anyway if someone says that too you they have no credibilty or class. If you must explain it, go into what you are interested in doing with the major. Good Luck, pay no attention to them.

Answer 10

Well, it doesn't sound like you are commincating very well for someone who communications as a major. Maybe you could tell them the job you are planning to get when you get out of college that requires a communications degree.