Episode 7: Communication: The Most Sought-After Skill?
Communication. More than a method, it’s a set of highly desirable skills for any employer. Mastering communication means knowing how to connect ideas and action and turn information into impact. Dr. Christopher Cwynar, assistant professor of Communications at Trent University Durham GTA, joins President Cathy Bruce to discuss the foundations of strong communication skills and why such skills are essential across every field and career path. This episode of Making Strides explores why communication is more than a “soft skill” and how effectively expressing ideas means cutting through a world saturated with (mis)information to inspire people to lead change.
Featured Expert
Dr. Christopher Cwynar
Professor of Communications
Dr. Christopher Cwynar is an assistant professor of Communications at Trent University Durham GTA. Through his research and teaching, Professor Cwynar examines how digital platforms, media, and culture influence the way people communicate and lead. In his courses, students learn to craft compelling messages, think critically about information, and navigate an evolving communications landscape. At Trent, Prof. Cwynar empowers students to see communication as a creative, strategic, and human skill that shapes careers, organizations, and communities alike.
Skills in Demand
Across every industry, communication stands out as one of the most in-demand skills in Canada’s workforce. According to a recent Employer Survey Report conducted by the Durham Workforce Authority (DWA), 91% of employers listed communication as a required skill for current and future employees. The 2025 DWA Local Labour Market Plan further found that one in four businesses identified communication as a skills gap in need of improvement. As labour markets evolve, the ability to understand, craft, and share ideas effectively is what distinguishes adaptable professionals and future leaders.
Storytelling Drives Climate Action
Trent researchers are using the power of communication to drive meaningful change. In his Climate Storytellers project, Dr. Neil Osborne, associate professor in Environmental & Climate Communication, explores how storytelling can inspire action on climate issues. He writes that communication is critical to tackling the climate crisis in our communities – not only conveying facts, but motivating people to care. At Trent, students learn that effective communication isn’t just about what you say, but also how to create empathy and advance collective progress.
Communications Sets Career in Motion
Fourth-year Communications student, Jade Gauthier put her skills to work on one of the region’s most pressing challenges: climate change. Through the Communications Field Placement course, Jade secured a placement — and then a summer job — with Durham Region’s Sustainability team focused on developing climate-focused content and supporting industry research to inform the public and the region, including its electric vehicle strategy. The experience shows how studying Communications at Trent Durham is a pathway to professional learning and employment, ensuring students step confidently into careers that matter.
Featured Program: Communications B.A.
The Communications program at Trent University Durham GTA prepares students to thrive in a world built on connection. Through courses that blend theory and practice – including a hands-on capstone project – students explore why strong communication skills are essential across every field and career path. work with community and campus partners to develop real-world communications solutions to local challenges. This collaborative experience helps students build a professional network, gain practical skills, and graduate ready to lead in careers across business, government, media, and non-profit sectors. At Trent, communication is more than a subject – it’s a skill for life.
