Caldwell College, New Jersey » Career Planning and Development » What Can I do With This Major? » Electronic Media and Broadcasting

Electronic Media and Broadcasting

What can I do with this major?

Area Employer Information/Strategies

Television

  • Programming
  • Producing
  • Promotion
  • News Reporting
  • News Producing
  • News Videography
  • Sportscasting
  • Weather Forecasting
  • Anchoring
  • Editing
  • Directing
  • Casting
  • Research
  • Management
  • Sales
  • Public Relations
  • Major networks
  • Local commercial television stations
  • Public television stations
  • Cable television
  • Private production companies
  • Government
  • Business corporations
  •  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.

Radio

  • News
  • Programming
  • Production
  • Promotion
  • Management
  • Announcing
  • Research
  • Sales
  • National networks
  • National public radio
  • Digital stations
  • State or regional networks
  • Major, medium, and small market stations
  • Local commercial stations and groups
  • 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.

Internet

  • Webcasting
  • Podcasting
  • Web Design/Development
  • Website Maintenance
  • Management
  • Administration
  • Sales and Marketing
  • 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
  • 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.

Video Production

  • Directing
  • Management
  • Production
  • Writing
  • Post-Production/Editing
  • Videography
  • Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
  • Large corporations
  • Universities and colleges
  • Post-production companies
  • Professional associations
  • Non-profit organizations
  • 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.

Education

  • Broadcast Management
  • Production
  • Journalism
  • Script Writing
  • Mass Communications
  • Media Arts
  • Digital Communication
  • Colleges and universities
  • Technical schools
  • Public and private high schools
  • 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.

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