Jobs and Careers Autumn 2017 - 183

FOCUS ON

MEDIA

W

e 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.

Words: Catherine Francis. Photography: Shutterstock

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

Journalists may
be employed or
freelance, and
specialise in
certain subjects
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.

FIND OUT MORE
Broadcast Journalism Training Council
bjtc.org.uk
C
 hartered Institute of Public Relations
cipr.co.uk
I nstitute of Practitioners in Advertising
ipa.co.uk
National Council for the Training of
Journalists nctj.com

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Jobs and Careers Autumn 2017

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