If you have a talent for writing, a passion for storytelling or a knack for persuasion, then a career in media could be your calling. Businesses are constantly looking for communication experts, especially with the rapid changes brought about by social media growth and technological innovations. This opens up numerous opportunities in many industries.
Job prospects are endless in the media and communications field. From MC presenters, copywriters and journalists to social media managers, content developers and PR specialists, there is no shortage of roles where you can expand your talents and creativity.
What’s more, the skills and expertise people acquire in such positions can easily be transferred across various sectors like corporate communications, public affairs, new business development, and event management.
7 Popular PR and Media Careers Options
Communication skills are highly in demand today. Here are some of the most exciting and rewarding choices in the world of media and communication:
1. Public Relations
Becoming a public relations expert will involve effectively managing communication methods and shaping public perception. This includes crafting compelling messages, handling media relations, organizing events and securing positive exposure for people, products, organizations and specific issues.
Because PR professionals often act as spokespeople for organizations when interacting with members of the press, if you were to pursue this path, you’d likely need to undergo media training to hone certain capabilities, such as:
- Dictating and modulating your voice to deliver your message clearly, maintain control of the narrative and capture your audience’s attention.
- Managing your on-camera presence.
- Using body language and posture to display confidence and authority.
- Overcoming self-consciousness and nerves.
A career path in PR is best suited for extroverts who love writing, public speaking, problem-solving, organizing and research.
2. Publishing
If you have an eye for detail and often get excited by beautiful fonts and correct punctuation, a career in book or magazine publishing, editing or online content management could be an excellent choice.
Magazine publishing is probably the hardest field to crack. One of the ways to break into this industry is to get plenty of work experience. This can mean interning for a year without pay to secure a fulfilling job in publishing.
Book publishing, on the other hand, will involve initial research and proposal to the management, working with editors, authors and designers and putting all the elements together in its final form. The best part of becoming a book publisher is seeing the finished product on bookshelves or in e-stores — the culmination of all your hard work.
3. Journalism
Media addicts have always been attracted to a career in freelance writing or journalism. It is hard to beat for translucent dynamism and variety, with different opportunities in radio, TV, online and print, along with different genres like sports writing and travel writing.
However, you must be a resourceful go-getter to get a good story. If you thrive on creating content under tight deadlines, then journalism might have found its next recruit.
4. Advertising and Marketing
Careers in marketing are constantly evolving because of the growth of online and new media opportunities. Also, the world of advertising is moving towards greater use of digital tools.
However, despite these different technological shifts, effective advertising remains rooted in good old-fashioned communication. At its core, communication is about selling. Regardless of the medium used, being persuasive, making sense and being likable are essential.
People come and go in the marketing and advertising world, and that’s why persistence is critical to making it in this field. At each level, you must be up against yourself – always practicing to get better. Throughout this career, you need to be persistent and alert.
5. Technical Writing
Another career path in the PR and media industry is technical writing, which is a form of documentation in the fields of health, biotechnology, law, finance, software and hardware. To become a technical writer, you do not have to be an expert – you just need to understand and use technical language and translate it into plain English.
6. Video Editing
The explosion of mobile and online video content led to increased demand for video and film editors. This entails taking raw footage and converting it into a finished product. Video editors must be proficient at utilizing film editing software programs and possess a degree related to broadcasting or film.
7. Blogging
Companies today are employing bloggers as a crucial part of their marketing strategy. An engaging blog will provide a friendly public face for the company. This also helps the firm’s ranking on search engines. Bloggers must come up with a striking copy that will adhere to the voice and style guidelines of the company.
Jumpstart Your PR and Media Career
Formal training is not an absolute necessity to succeed in the media and communications foray.
But this is a competitive landscape, so anything that will give you an edge will surely help, such as getting event jobs and enrolling in art courses. Attending college provides a great experience that will help launch a career in today’s competitive PR and media industry. So, invest in yourself and learn the skills you need to excel in this field.
