Broadcasting/Electronic Media
AREAS
TELEVISION
- Programming
- Production
- Promotion
- News Reporting
- News Producing
- News Videography
- Sportscasting
- Weather Forecasting
- Anchoring
- Management
- Sales
EMPLOYERS
- Major networks
- Commercial broadcast stations
- Public television stations
- Cable television
- Private production companies
- Government
- Business corporations
STRATEGIES
- Gain work experience with campus or local television stations.
- Seek part-time or volunteer opportunities with independent production companies.
- Participate in drama club – directing, acting or technical crew.
- Develop excellent writing, reporting 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.
AREAS
RADIO
-
News
-
Programming
-
Production
-
Promotion
-
Management
-
Announcing
-
Sales
EMPLOYERS
- National networks
- National public radio
- State or regional networks
- Major, medium, and small market stations
STRATEGIES
- Gain campus or local radio experience. Secure internships.
- Announce sporting events.
- 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.
AREAS
INTERNET
- Webcasting
- Web Design/Development
- Website Maintenance
- Management
- Administration
EMPLOYERS
- Internet based companies (e.g., Yahoo)
- Large corporations
- Colleges and universities
- Companies specializing in webcasting services and technology
STRATEGIES
- Gain expertise in computer and internet technology.
- Learn how to design websites.
- Seek certifications in networking, website design, or related areas.
AREAS
ADVERTISING
- Media Planning
- Media Buying
- Account Services
- Print Production
- Marketing
- Administration
- Copywriting
- Art/Creative Directing
- Research
- Announcing
EMPLOYERS
- Television and radio stations
- Newspapers and magazines
- Internet based companies
- Advertising agencies
- Corporate advertising departments
- Media (research, marketing)
- Specialty advertising firms
STRATEGIES
- Obtain sales experience through part-time work or internships.
- Volunteer to sell advertising space for campus newspaper, radio, or television station.
- Take courses in business to increase financial knowledge base.
- Complete internship with advertising agency or market research firm.
- Compile portfolio of writing, graphics, and ideas for creative development.
- Gain knowledge/experience with software and technology applicable to media.
- Take course in statistics, data interpretation, writing, and advertising.
AREAS
NON-BROADCAST VIDEO SYSTEMS
- Directing
- Management
- Production
- Writing
- Post-Production/Editing
- Videography
EMPLOYERS
- Freelance or private video production companies or videographers
- Large corporations
- Universities and colleges
- Post-production companies
- Professional associations
- Non-profit organizations
STRATEGIES
- 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. Seek internships with post-production or editing companies.
GENERAL INFORMATION
- Internships are crucial, if not imperative, for many areas of broadcasting.
- 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, tact, 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.
Prepared by the Career Planning staff of Career Services at The University of
Tennessee, Knoxville. (2005) UTK is an EEO/AA/Title VI/Title IX/Section 504/ADA
/ADEA Employer
