Are you interested in communication? Creative with words or pictures, or both? consider a career in the media!
We live in an era of instant news, digital marketing and online influencers. From print journalism and social media to news broadcasting and multimedia PR, it’s now possible to reach an audience through many different channels. If you have a passion for communication and a creative flair, here are some of the roles you can pursue.
Broadcast Journalist
If you’d like to report on the news for radio and television, broadcast journalism might be for you. As well as hard news, you may have opportunities to present general interest programmes or specialise in a particular area such as politics, food or science.
What skills do I need? Journalists need good research, writing and presentation skills. A qualification in broadcast journalism is an advantage, although employer training schemes exist. Voluntary experience, such as in student or hospital radio, is helpful.
How can I progress? You can move into management or production.
How much can I earn? Salaries start at £13,000, rising to £80,000 for highly experienced broadcasters. Hours can be long and irregular.
Social Media Manager
An organisation’s communication with its customers through its websites and social media channels is run by a social media manager. You’ll monitor and upload content, write blogs, make videos and respond to comments, and use tools to analyse the responses.
What skills do I need? Having a qualification in media and communications, marketing or public relations will help, but experience of social media – including managing your own pages, blogging and vlogging – can demonstrate your skills. You’ll need knowledge of social media software and SEO (search engine optimisation).
How can I progress? You can move into senior roles in larger companies.
How much can I earn? Salaries start around £23,000, increasing to £75,000 for a head of social media.
Print Journalist
As a print journalist, you’re responsible for writing news stories and features for magazines, newspapers, websites and press agencies (which sell them to national publications and broadcast outlets). You may be employed or freelance, and you may specialise in an area such as sport, finance or health.
What skills do I need? You’ll need a journalism qualification, although some trainees learn on the job. A good command of the English language is essential, as is an ability to write quickly to strict deadlines and a tenacious attitude to uncovering facts.
How can I progress? You can become a section editor or editor.
How much can I earn? Salaries start at £18,000, rising to £30,000 with experience, and £60,000-plus for a national newspaper editor.
Multimedia Specialist
A person in this role uses audio and visual media to reach an audience through digital channels to inform, entertain or advertise. Clients are often companies and organisations that want to create a particular image for their brand. The job may involve designing software and creating websites, apps, short films and games.
What skills do I need? People in this role often have a qualification in computer science, film-making, digital photography or animation. You’ll also need to be creative and have good project-management skills.
How can I progress? Development courses allow you to move into senior roles and studio management.
How much can I earn? Salaries start from £21,000, rising to over £50,000 with experience.
Advertising Executive
This person is the link between an advertising agency and its customers. Their job is to ensure the client’s advertising needs are met through print, broadcast and digital media. You may meet clients to discuss their requirements, devise campaigns, brief the creative staff and manage a budget. You’ll also be pitching to win clients.
What skills do I need? A degree in advertising, marketing or business is useful. You’ll need good communication skills, a strong business sense and the ability to lead a team confidently.
How can I progress? You can become an account manager, agency director or start your own agency.
How much can I earn? Salaries start at £18,000, rising to £60,000-plus for a highly experienced manager.
PR/Marketing Officer
The job of a public relations (PR) officer is to manage the public image of a company or organisation. A marketing executive promotes the company’s services, products and brand. Both jobs involve market research, campaign planning and liaising with staff.
What skills do I need? Good communication, organisational skills and creative flair. Most people have a relevant qualification, although some move from journalism or advertising.
How can I progress? You can move into management, go freelance or start your own business.
How much can I earn? Salaries start at £18,000, rising to £50,000-plus for a highly experienced manager.
