Is a career in media and communications a good idea?

In the context of media and communications, the world is an exciting place to live in today. Media and communications hold a global relevance in the world dynamics now, thanks to the introduction of digital media. Though the field picked pace slowly as compared to other prominent industries, the industry is gradually witnessing global acceptance.

Read this blog to know more about a career in media and communications and whether it is your calling or not.

What is media and communications?

Media and communications, often clubbed together as “communications media”, refers to the means of collecting and delivering information. Even though traditional media such as television and radio still holds significance, media has experienced a paradigm shift with the dawning of the digital age. Now, the world has become more accessible. This has been particularly beneficial for media and communications as a whole.

Reasons to study media and communications

If you are considering a degree in media and communications, here is a list of reasons to go ahead with the decision:

• It is a course of study which is in alignment with the world today. Since the world is becoming more accessible, you can now know what’s happening at the other end of the world in just a click. Social media plays an important role in communications dynamics today.

• You have an array of optional modules to choose from. You will have practical education as well as theoretical education in your curriculum. You can research areas that interest you and inculcate them into your study course. 

• Media courses work great single-handedly. However, you can also pursue a dual degree in an area of interest. Many institutes offer dual degrees, wherein, students can pursue two strands of learning in greater detail. 

• Media courses are a thing of today and are internationally acclaimed too. In fact, journalism degrees are one of the few degrees that are popular globally. 

• It encompasses a multicultural environment. A communications degree attracts people from all communities, irrespective of ethnicity and gender.

What can you do with a media and communications degree?

While people might think that a degree in media and communications limits your options, this is a myth. Mass media courses are as diverse as they get. If you go on to pursue a degree in communications media, you have the option of taking up any of the following careers:

• Journalist: journalism is a natural career for media graduates. As a journalist, you will have to collect, write and deliver news or current information to the masses. You can choose a specialisation or work in the general context. Journalists often have to work under pressure and work in sync with a deadline. However, where is the excitement without challenges?

• Media Planner: a media planner is responsible for producing action plans that aid advertising campaigns. They choose media platforms that are apt and beneficial for promoting a brand or product. 

• Multimedia Specialist: the designing and creation of IT-based multimedia products are handled by a multimedia specialist. They are responsible for the designs of websites, video games, etc. 

• Public Relations Officer: a public relations officer’s job role includes building and sustaining the company’s image through planned media campaigns and PR activity. 

• Social Media Manager: social media managers are responsible for managing social media campaigns and other social media-related daily activities such as –developing and curating relevant content to connect with the organisation’s target customers and managing the content published on social media platforms.

• Web Content Manager: the work of a web content manager, typically, is to oversee the content published on websites. Their job role also requires them to monitor traffic on the website, engage the audience through interactive content, ensure the proper functioning of the website, and respond to the queries or feedback on the website. 

• Translators and Interpreters: while the essence of both jobs is the same, translators translate the written word to another language, whereas interpreters do the same with spoken words. This career is not very popular yet, however, holds a lot of importance and can land you jobs at embassies. 

• Filmmaking: a rather interesting and sought-after career option, filmmaking is the most glamorous media courses can get. It is a profession that blends creativity, teamwork and technicality together. Moreover, filmmaking does not always have to be mainstream; you can also go for documentaries, short films, advertisements, etc. 

• Copywriter/Content Writer: the job description of a copywriter and a content writer is quite similar. Both are responsible for curating and creating engaging content for the company’s website or relevant platforms. This is an interesting career born out of the media industry and is keeping pace with the modern world. 

• Radio Broadcaster: though it is now a traditional media profession, radio broadcasting has not lost its charm. Delivering news related to current affairs (sport, entertainment, music, politics, etc.) over the radio is the primary role of a radio broadcaster.

How much can you expect to earn with a degree in media and communications?

According to Payscale, the average income per annum with a degree in media and communications is as mentioned here:

• Journalist: £23,594
• Media Planner: £25,222
• Public Relations Officer: £24,416
• Social Media Manager: £25,287
• Web Content Manager: £29,048
• Translators:  £22,614
• Interpreters: £21,955
• Copywriter: £23,952
• Content Writer: £20,407

What are the course requirements to become a media and communications professional?

The course requirements for each of the job roles are mentioned below:

• Journalist: an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in journalism.

• Media Planner: this area of work is open to all graduates, however, a degree in advertising, business or management, communications and media studies, English, journalism, or marketing is preferred.

• Multimedia Specialist: at least a diploma degree in multimedia as well as in computer studies.

• Public Relations Officer: an undergraduate or post-graduate degree in any PR-related course.

• Social Media Manager: at least an undergraduate degree in communications, journalism, or marketing.

• Web Content Manager: there is no fixed set of qualifications required to assume the role of a web content manager, however, a degree in communications, journalism, or marketing is preferred.

• Translators And Interpreters:  a post-graduate degree in translation.

• Filmmaking:  at least an undergraduate degree in filmmaking.

• Radio Broadcaster: an undergraduate degree in broadcasting, journalism, communications or any other relevant field.

What are the entry requirements for a media and communications degree?

The entry requirements for enrolling for a post-graduate media and communications degree are:

• An undergraduate honours degree;
• IELTS score of 5.5 in all bands;
• If you cannot meet the academic requirements, some institutes also accept applications on the basis of relevant work experience.

With the increasing demand for media communications professionals, universities are introducing high-quality education through relevant courses.

One of the reputed colleges offering a course in this field is the London College of Contemporary Arts (LCCA). They are offering a course in BA Fashion Media and Promotion to help students make it big in the industry.

If you want to ace the media and communications industry, enrol for the course now!

This text was written by Meghdeep Patnaik and edited by Anisa Choudhary