Area
Employer
Information/Strategies
Area:
Television
Sub-Area:
- Programming
- Producing
- Promotion
- News Reporting
- News Producing
- News Videography
- Sportscasting
- Weather Forecasting
- Anchoring
- Editing
- Directing
- Casting
- Research
- Management
- Sales
- Public Relations
Employers:
- Major networks
- Local commercial television stations
- Public television stations
- Cable television
- Private production companies
- Government
- Business corporations
Strategies & Information:
- Participate in campus media including student television and cable stations.
- Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
- Complete practicums at local television stations and internships at local or national TV stations, networks, or cable systems.
- Join student broadcasting organizations.
- Develop excellent writing, reporting, researching, and editing skills.
- Volunteer to announce sporting events on campus or at local high schools.
- Consider taking courses in political science, economics, sociology, or any applicable field for news broadcasting careers.
- Read trade publications.
- Be willing to start in smaller markets and work your way up the ladder. Professionals often move frequently for career advancement.
- A greater number of opportunities exist in larger cities.
Area:
Radio
Sub-Area:
- News
- Programming
- Production
- Promotion
- Management
- Announcing
- Research
- Sales
Employers:
- National networks
- National public radio
- Digital stations
- State or regional networks
- Major, medium, and small market stations
- Local commercial stations and groups
Strategies & Information:
- Work at the student radio station. Join radio or music organizations on campus.
- Complete an internship at a station.
- Announce sporting events for your university.
- Host music programming for parties and social events.
- Coordinate, program, and promote musical events.
- Gain performance experience through music, drama, or public speaking.
- Create a demonstration tape to be used as a sample of vocal and speaking talent.
- Enhance public speaking skills by practicing with a handheld recorder.
- Radio job markets are known to fluctuate, be prepared to weather the changes.
Area:
Internet
Sub-Area:
- Webcasting
- Podcasting
- Web Design/Development
- Website Maintenance
- Management
- Administration
- Sales and Marketing
Employers:
- Internet based companies, e.g., Yahoo or Google
- Companies specializing in webcasting services and technology
- Businesses in a variety of industries
- Colleges and universities
- Nonprofit organizations
Strategies & Information:
- Gain expertise in computer and Internet technology.
- Learn how to design websites.
- Become familiar with a variety of languages and software packages on various platforms.
- Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.
- Volunteer to create or maintain websites for student organizations or local nonprofits.
- Assist in campus webcasts if possible.
Area:
Video Production
Sub-Area:
- Directing
- Management
- Production
- Writing
- Post-Production/Editing
- Videography
Employers:
- Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
- Large corporations
- Universities and colleges
- Post-production companies
- Professional associations
- Non-profit organizations
Strategies & Information:
- Obtain entrepreneurial knowledge and experience through starting a small business or taking business courses.
- Volunteer to do video editing/production for campus videographers or television stations.
- Gain contacts in the specific industry of interest (e.g. develop relationships with wedding photographers in order to build wedding videography business).
- Enter video contests.
- Cultivate artistic talents.
Area:
Education
Sub-Area:
- Broadcast Management
- Production
- Journalism
- Script Writing
- Mass Communications
- Media Arts
- Digital Communication
Employers:
- Colleges and universities
- Technical schools
- Public and private high schools
Strategies & Information:
- Obtain a PhD for college and university teaching opportunities.
- Obtain state teacher certification for high school teaching opportunities. You will need certification to teach additional subjects such as foreign languages, English, theater, social studies, or art.
- Volunteer to assist local high school students with productions.
- Actively participate in campus radio, television, or theatrical organizations.
General Information and Strategies
- Internships are crucial for breaking into the field of electronic media and broadcasting. Complete several internships if possible.
- Develop excellent technical and computer skills, especially internet proficiency and knowledge.
- Seek opportunities for experience in any performance situation such as drama, debate, public speaking, music or athletics in order to demonstrate talent as well as ability to handle pressure.
- Demonstrate curiosity, confidence, assertiveness, creativity, initiative, organizational skills, competitive spirit, enthusiasm, persistence, and diplomacy.
- Display appropriate talents for public performance and appearance such as sense of humor, verbal and written communication skills, imagination, showmanship, and an outgoing personality.
- Consider shadowing or informational interviewing as a means through which to gain information, develop contacts, build mentoring relationships, and gain entry into a competitive field.
- Be willing to start at the bottom doing entry level tasks before moving up to larger markets or organizations.
- Understand that geographic flexibility and a willingness to relocate are important in finding job opportunities.
- Study all aspects of the industry and stay up-to-date through continuing education or training.