Media studies : Your skills

Degrees in media studies cover a broad range of subjects from the highly practical to the theoretical. You can develop a variety of skills that are extremely useful in many employment areas. These skills include:

• critical analysis;
• research;
• a broad commercial and cultural awareness of the media and creative industries;
• teamwork;
• initiation and development of creative work in writing, audiovisual or other electronic media;
• a flexible, creative and independent approach to tasks;
• the ability to work to a brief and meet deadlines.

All courses focus on the communication of information across a variety of mediums. Graduates with the ability to communicate information clearly and effectively are beneficial to any organisation.

If your aim is to work directly within the media industry, it is important to build up a portfolio of work, gaining as much experience as possible. Think about contributing to your university paper or other publications. You can also gain experience working for TV production studios, radio outlets, newspapers, PR firms or advertising agencies.

Persistence and motivation are vital due to the popularity of this sector.

Consider the skills developed on your course as well as through your other activities, such as paid work, volunteering, family responsibilities, sport, membership of societies, leadership roles, etc. Think about how these can be used as evidence of your skills and personal attributes. Then you can start to market and sell who you really are, identify what you may be lacking and consider how to improve your profile. Take a look at job application advice for some useful tips.