Canada
Media Career Guide
Twelfth Edition©2019 Sherri Hope Culver
Updated every year, the Media Career Guide can help you land a job in the media industries and build a successful career. You’ll find the latest information on tips on how to prepare for your career; start your job search; nail your cover letters, resumes, and thank-you notes; and succeed once you’re in—everything you need to get your career off on the right foot.
Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION
1. Considering a Career in Media or Communications
What Are the Trends and Career Opportunities in Media and Communications?
Trends in Media and Communications
Opportunities in Media and Communications
What Are Employers Looking for?
Where Do Recruiters Find Qualified Candidates?
2. Where the Jobs Are
Six Common Media Job Types
Media and Communications Industries
Related Industries
Eight Common Media Business Areas
Advertising
Institutional Communications and Training (Corporate, Government, Nonprofits)
Magazine Publishing
Online/Apps/Mobile Media
Radio Industry
Television Industry
Video Games
Video Production Company
3. Preparing for a Career in Media
1. Start Career Planning Early
2. Keep a Notebook or Journal
3. Be a Critical Consumer
4. Learn to Network
5. Start a Professional Contact List
6. Be a History Buff
7. Learn as Much as You Can about Computers and Software
8. Become a Research and Job-Search Expert
9. Learn to Speak and Write a Foreign Language
10. Take a Business Course
11. Write Your Ideal Résumé
12. Write a Real Résumé and Cover Letter, and Have Both Ready at All Times
13. Keep a Portfolio
14. Create a Personal Web Page and Social Media Presence 45
15. Clean Up Your Online Life
4. Getting Started in Your Search
16. Learn the Terminology
17. Team Projects Yield Team Players
18. Promote Yourself without Being Obnoxious
19. Join a Professional Organization
20. Volunteer
21. Conduct a Personality Assessment and Develop Your Skill Set
22. Attend Career Workshops and Fairs
23. Surf the Net (and Bookstores) for Inspiration
24. Seek an Internship . . . or Two or Three
25. Get a Part-Time Job in Your Field
26. Get Over Your Fear of the Cold Call
27. Set Up Informational Interviews
28. Use Class Assignments as Opportunities to Meet Leaders in Your Field
29. Learn about the Company Before You Ask for the Job
5. Succeeding Once You’re In (Your Internship or First Job)
30. Read What the Pros Read
Sample Headlines
A. Newspapers (print and online)
B. Business and General-Interest Magazines
C. Industry and Trade Publications
D. Online News Web Sites
31. Learn about Company Budgets
32. Small Tasks Can Equal Big Rewards
33. Develop a Positive Attitude and Passion
34. Be Trustworthy
35. Don’t Burn Your Bridges
36. Become Aware of Corporate Culture
37. Develop Mentors
38. Be Indispensable
6. Seize Your Entrepreneurial Spirit
39. Apply for Grants Available to Students
40. Take an Independent Study
41. Use the Web to Experiment with a New Business Idea
42. Start Your Own Business
7. Cover Letters, Résumés, and Thank-You Notes
Tips for Writing Cover Letters, Résumés, and Thank-You Notes
Cover Letters
Résumés
Résumé Categories and Tips
Résumés Submitted Online
Résumé Writing Style
Résumé Visual Style
Résumé References
Résumé Form versus Content
Thank-You Notes
Sample Résumés
Public Relations
Corporate Communications
Video Animator
Television Producer
Social Media Producer
Sample Cover Letters
Sample Thank-You Notes
CONCLUSION
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
INDEX
Sherri Hope Culver
Sherri Hope Culver is an associate professor of Media Studies & Production at Temple University and serves as Director for the university’s Center for Media and Information Literacy. She also has extensive experience as a television producer and consultant to public media and children's media companies.
Find Your School
Select Your Discipline
Select Your Course
Find Your Course
Confirm Your Course