Communication majors will have the chance today to “focus” on their careers when they listen to speakers from different fields.

The program is called Future Opportunities for Communication Undergraduate Students (FOCUS) and begins today at 9:30 a.m. at the Newman Center Community Room.

Ellen Bonaguro, professor of communication studies, began the program last year.

“I think it’s very nice to teach students theory, but I think it’s excellent to be able to apply that,” Bonaguro said.

“I think theory and practice go together,” she added.

The program was begun by students last year, Bonaguro said.

“It’s something for them to really learn from,” she said.

Bonaguro’s small group communication and organizational communication classes and the Careers in Communications committee helped with the organization.

“FOCUS is an opportunity for communication students to come and find out exactly what to do with their degree,” said senior Mary Ann Murray, president of the Careers committee and coordinator for FOCUS.

“It’s a day for (communication majors) to look at their major and what to do with it,” Murray said.

“We had about 225 people that showed up last year,” Bonaguro said. Bonaguro said she would like to see another 225 students come out this year.

Thomas Camden, keynote speaker and author of the book “How To Get A Job In Chicago,” will start off the FOCUS program with a speech.

There will be nine speakers for FOCUS in addition to the keynote speaker, seven of which are NIU alumni, Bonaguro said.

“I would recommend (the program) because students can learn about other people’s practical experience and I think it gives a broader perspective on what to do with your major,” Murray said.

“I feel it gave me a lot of different ideas where I could look for a job. There are jobs out there for students with a communication degree,” Murray added.

Bonaguro said the program is a teaching experience.

“Any advice you get from people out there will give you the edge,” she said.

The communication department also will hold Job Bank, which will run on Wednesday. The goal of Job Bank is to orient students to the job-seeking process by presenting about 40 employers to conduct mock interviews, Bonaguro said.

She would like to see Job Bank be successful and encourages students to attend. Job Bank also will be held at the Newman Center.