All You Need to Know About a Career in Media

Over the years, creative industries such as media have become a popular career choice and with new pathways emerging more than ever, you can show off your talents and get involved in amazing projects. While traditional broadcasting and print advertising are still powerful, today’s media landscape is rapidly developing.

What is media?

Everybody interacts with media in some way or another. Media is a broad term for information that is conveyed from one group to another (via TV, radio or social media) and this can be for entertainment purposes or business. There are many different roles and contributors to media such as marketers, journalists or photographers and each position play a vital role in the production of media.

Starting your Media career

Since media is a competitive industry it’s a good idea to gain qualifications or training in a media-related subject. Not only will this put you ahead of other applicants but having this on your CV will open up more options.

You can start your media career by doing the following:

● Studying for a degree in a media-related subject such as advertising, TV and film, journalism, broadcasting, marketing or radio production.

● Starting a media apprenticeship so you can train on the job.

● Creating a portfolio of work.

Although these are some of the most common ways of starting your career in media, if you do not have formal qualifications becoming a runner or seeking work experience in the industry will help you get started and put your name out there.

Which pathways can you take?

Media offers pathways both in front and behind the camera. Perhaps you enjoy entertaining people and would love to host a radio show or maybe you’re better suited to planning content as a copywriter. Either way, there are plenty of opportunities to be creative.

Some of the most common pathways in media include:

● Digital marketer

● Video editor

● Media researcher

● Public relations officer

● Copywriter

● Radio broadcaster

The great thing about media is that you can work for small businesses, cooperations and organisations which leaves plenty of room to get involved with a whole range of projects. Media is one of the most diverse industries so there are plenty of avenues that you can choose from.

Media salary expectations

Like most industries, salaries in media and dependent on your responsibility level and experience. If you have a degree or relevant qualifications this may increase your starting salary, however, there is a lot to learn in media so the more experience you gain the more you can earn.

Below are some of the average salaries for common media positions:

● Magazine editor - £20,000 +

● Copywriter - £18,000 +

● Broadcast journalist - £25,000+

Meet with some of the best media employers by signing up for The UK Careers Fair. We welcome everyone aged 16-65 to explore their options and kickstart a career that they love. Keep up to date with our events page for all the latest information.

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