MEDIA STUDIES – IS IT FOR ME?

Media studies is a well-known and loved subject chosen by students in the US, because of the diverse topics it teaches and the pathways it offers after graduation. You'll be looking at the unique way different forms of media operate daily; this includes film, print and TV, and the way it impacts our society. We see media every day, and it is such an important tool and method of communication, that we often forget about the finer points of it. In media studies in the US, you'll be learning about major influences that affect society and how the media conveys information to the public.

This is a degree subject that is more on the creative side and requires critical thinking and an open mind, so if these qualities fit you, then read on! Many employers value the skills obtained in this degree very highly and are often underestimated by others due to stereotypes. But in fact, there are many lucrative jobs that people work towards that are media studies graduates.

WHY A CAREER IN MEDIA STUDIES?

A career in media studies as an international graduate would be greatly beneficial, as it expands on your strengths and lets you evolve into your role. Unlike many other careers in the working world, this career path has no such restrictions and allows you to stretch the boundaries of your job with a freedom that is often not given in other sectors.

In the current world today where technology and innovation increase, skills such as these have become more popular and in demand. Media studies give you the opportunity to develop these sought-after skills and ultimately be successful in the world of work. You'll learn how to think critically about the media and different perspectives around us, as well as the interactions of other subjects with each other.

WHAT KINDS OF JOBS CAN I DO WITH A MEDIA STUDIES DEGREE IN THE US?

As an international graduate, you have plenty of options after university when looking for employment in the US. Some of these amazing career paths you might find ahead of you are:

• Film Producer
• Public Relations Officer
• Digital Marketer
• Editorial Assistant
• Magazine Journalist
• Marketing Executive
• Photographer
• Writer
• Event Manager
• Arts Administrator

If any of these sound interesting and you would like to know more, have a look below where you'll find helpful tables with earning potentials and hiring employers for international graduates in the US.

TOP EMPLOYERS and WHAT THEY WANT

Media studies is a common degree international students and students in the US do, and consequently, so are careers in this sector. It is such a creative and vibrant subject and allows the jobs directly associated with it to be just as creative. This means that employers know this and want people who can think outside the box and who are not afraid to take the initiative. Even though a background with education and a solid amount of work experience is very important in the working world, personal qualities are even more so in this case. Employers want to find people who are not necessarily fully experienced, but willing to go that extra mile and show enthusiasm in all areas of their work. This means that they will only continue to grow and be successful in the roles they’re given in the future.

In conclusion, while working on your personal qualities and improving them is crucial – such as time management and self-confidence, you should try to do as much as possible that shows your passion for your work. This would include work experience, even unpaid indicating that this isn’t just another job for you. So, talk to your friends and family, and see if they know anybody willing to give you the opportunity to do some voluntary work at their workplace, and use it to learn about what makes an employee successful, and how you can be one too.