Author Names:
Richard Campbell, Christopher R. Martin, and Bettina Fabos
Activity Objective:
Students will explore and learn more about career paths in the sounds and images industries.
Click the forward and backward arrows to navigate through the slides. You may also click the above outline button to skip to certain slides.
The jobs highlighted below show just a small sample of the many opportunities available in the digital media industries. Many of the positions in these areas, such as social media specialist, app developer, and search engine optimization (SEO) manager provide experience that can be carried to different industries. The job descriptions below are just examples. Use career search sites or company job opportunity pages to search for current listings in these fields.
Newspaper Copy Editor, Multi-Media: Major responsibilities include editing local stories; publishing breaking news to the web; making wire selections; writing headlines; and communicating with the design team that lays out the newspaper.
“To be considered for this position, you should have: a love for the written word; a bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or similar field (relevant work experience may substitute); writing or editing experience; strong organizational skills.”
News Reporter: Major responsibilities include writing compelling, in-depth stories; meeting deadlines; and writing basic news or breaking news stories quickly as well as in-depth articles on a variety of topics.
“Candidates must be able to generate compelling and accurate content very quickly as well as have the ability to report on a wide range of subjects covered by our community newspapers. This position requires the ability to juggle multiple deadlines for several publications so multitasking is required.”
Magazine Audience Development Manager: Major responsibilities include creating strategic audience development plans; overseeing the creative production process of marketing materials; generating new business partnerships; managing monthly circulation of the magazine; and working with editorial and events departments to ensure consistent branding and messaging.
“The Audience Development Manager will develop and execute creative business promotions including email blasts, social media and website content, direct mail, and renewals. These promotions should speak to our already existing readership as well as target new audiences who are interested in [the magazine].”
Editorial Assistant for Trade Book Publisher: Major responsibilities include administrative support; maintaining professional relationships with authors and agents; tracking submissions, evaluating manuscripts, and generating editorial notes; preparing and routing all manuscripts; drafting catalog copy, tip sheets, launch sheets, jacket copy, and reading group guides; and researching comparative titles.
“Editorial assistant will assist the Editorial Director/Associate Publisher with the acquisition, development, and publication of fiction titles and administrative tasks. Candidates should be exceptionally well-organized, detail oriented, proactive, and able to multitask and prioritize effectively. We are seeking a strong writer who has a broad reading sensibility, and a passion for the publishing industry.”
Marketing Coordinator for Academic Publisher: Major responsibilities include implementing email and online promotional activity; updating marketing content; creating and maintaining email marketing programs; managing updates to marketing content; and supporting large scale marketing site projects.
“The Marketing Coordinator will support the Director of Marketing, Institutional Solutions and the department with the execution and ongoing maintenance of websites, microsites, email programs and digital marketing campaigns.”
The words and pictures industries of newspapers, magazines, and books, which are undergoing changes to keep up with the digital world in which we live, are fantastic places to embark on a career in the media. The activity on the slides that follow will help you begin to get an idea of where you might look to start a career in these fun and exciting industries.
Here are some tips from professionals working in words and pictures:
Reading about industries that interest you is a great way to learn more and to help narrow your career goals. The resources and event sites for the words and pictures industries listed below are a good place to start your research.
Newspapers/Journalism
American News Women’s Club (ANWC): anwc.org
“The Mission of the Club shall be to:
(a) Expand the advancement of women in journalism and the media professions;
(b) Raise public awareness of the contributions made by women in journalism and related professions;
(c) Award scholarships to outstanding journalism students through annual fund-raising activities;
(d) Honor and recognize the achievements of media professionals;
(e) Provide a congenial place for networking and mentoring opportunities; and
(f) Support community activities in cooperation with other non-profit groups with complementary missions and goals.”
American Society of Journalists and Authors (ASJA): asja.org
“Founded in 1948, the American Society of Journalists and Authors is the nation's professional organization of independent nonfiction writers. Our membership consists of outstanding freelance writers of magazine articles, trade books, and many other forms of nonfiction writing, each of whom has met ASJA's exacting standards of professional achievement.”
American Society of News Editors (ASNE): asne.org
“The American Society of News Editors is dedicated to the leadership of American journalism. It is committed to fostering the public discourse essential to democracy; helping editors maintain the highest standards of quality, improve their craft and better serve their communities; and preserving and promoting core journalistic values, while embracing and exploring change.”
Investigative Reporters & Editors Job Center: ire.org/jobs
“Investigative Reporters and Editors and the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting host an active website for some of the best-trained and highest-profile journalists in the world. You can't afford to miss our more than 5,000 members or thousands of other reporters and editors when trying to fill a special job in your media organization.”
Magazines
American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME): magazine.org/asme
"The American Society of Magazine Editors is the principal organization for magazine journalists in the United States. The members of ASME include the editorial leaders of most major consumer and business magazines published in print and on digital platforms. Founded in 1963, ASME works to defend the First Amendment, protect editorial independence and support the development of journalism. ASME sponsors the Ellie Awards in association with the Columbia Journalism School and publishes the ASME Guidelines for Editors and Publishers."
Association of Magazine Media (MPA): magazine.org
“MPA – The Association of Magazine Media is the primary advocate and voice for the magazine media industry, driving thought leadership and game-changing strategies to promote the medium’s vitality, increase revenues and grow market share. Established in 1919, MPA represents 150 domestic, associate and international members. MPA is headquartered in New York City, with a government affairs office in Washington, DC.”
Books/Publishing
Independent Book Publishers Association (IBPA): ibpa-online.org
“IBPA's MISSION is to lead and serve the independent publishing community through advocacy, education, and tools for success.”
Association of American Publishers (AAP): publishers.org
“As the voice of American publishers, AAP is dedicated to representing American publishing priorities worldwide and advancing the role of publishers in contemporary society. Our work focuses on:
Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP): sspnet.org
“The Society for Scholarly Publishing (SSP), founded in 1978, is a nonprofit organization formed to promote and advance communication among all sectors of the scholarly publication community through networking, information dissemination, and facilitation of new developments in the field.”
Watch the video, then use the space below to answer the following questions.