Abstract
Purpose. The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore and describe the educational and postgraduation experiences of recent graduates from industry-specific undergraduate mass communications university programs and concentrations. Due to the uniqueness of such specialized programs and the lack of existing research on this particular topic, the study provided reflections from a unique segment of undergraduate communications alumni regarding satisfaction with program selection, coursework, employment opportunities, and levels of knowledge. Methodology. In-depth telephone interviews with 19 participants were conducted. Participants were selected via purposeful sampling from information posted in accessible online profiles. Participant criteria included graduation within a particular time span and completion of an undergraduate degree from a domestic institution that offered industry-specific communications programs or concentrations. Responses were personally transcribed and coded by the researcher, and validated via member checking of transcripts. Findings. Several themes emerged, each with their respective subcategories, including program experience, selection of program, professional pursuits, satisfaction with concentration choice, and key terminology. Most participants were content with their communications program or concentration experience, selected programs based on personal interests or external factors, interned and/or attained employment within their field of study, and would have selected their concentration again. Conclusions. Results indicated that industry-specific communications programs/ concentrations were generally satisfying and provided a detailed view of the industry that many participants entered professionally. An "entry-experience-exit" model outlined pathways of how most participants selected their programs, their educational experiences within the programs, and experiences postgraduation, whether professionally or academically, as related to their undergraduate education. Recommendations. Four recommendations were made for institutions with industry-specific communications courses of study (or planning such courses), including recognition of personal interests in potential students' concentration/program selections, ensuring access to employers in the institution's vicinity for potential internship and employment sites, incorporation of additional hands-on coursework, and advertising such programs/concentrations in detail, especially online and via faculty advisors who are well-informed about the curriculum and career objectives.