Career Definition for a Media Communications Professional
According to the Media Communications Association, professionals employed in this field use their creative and technological abilities to develop content and promote products or services to potential customers. Media communications professionals work with companies to influence, educate, motivate and inform customers and employees about practices, products and services.
| Education | Bachelor's degree in mass media studies, communications, graphic design or a related major |
| Job Duties | Develop content and promote products or services to potential customers; work with companies to influence, educate, motivate and inform customers and employees about practices, products and services |
| Median Salary (2021)* | $62,340 (media and communication workers) |
| Job Outlook (2021-2031)* | 6% growth (media and communication workers) |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Education Required
A position as a media communications professional usually requires a bachelor's degree in mass media studies, communications, graphic design or a related major. Depending on the program, students may take courses in mass media, graphic design, multimedia studies and project management. Aspiring professionals may also pursue internships or participate in on-the-job training. Continuing education that emphasizes the latest business trends and technology is also required to remain current in the field.
Skills Required
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), media communications professionals must understand how computers work and be able to use common industry software to create and disseminate content. Media communications professionals must be organized and have the ability to pay special attention to details. They must have excellent research, communication and problem-solving skills (www.bls.gov).
Economic and Salary Outlook
The BLS states that job opportunities for reporters, correspondents and broadcast news analysts, a category that includes media communications professionals, are expected to decline by 9% from 2021 to 2031. As of May 2021, media and communication workers were paid median wages of $62,340 per year, according to the BLS.
Alternate Career Options
Similar career choices within this field include:
Editors
In general, editors are responsible for reviewing content for accuracy, clarity and grammatical correctness. Some editors may also develop and style digital media and online content. Professional requirements include a 4-year degree in communication studies, English or journalism, along with an understanding of computers and common industry software programs. As reported by the BLS, the employment of editors is expected to decrease by 5% from 2021 to 2031. Editors who were employed in May 2021 were paid median yearly salaries of $63,350.
Writers and Authors
Most professional writers and authors, including those who produce online content, have a 4-year degree in communication, English, journalism or a related field of study, as well as training in the use of computers and software. Formal training can also provide aspiring professionals with the opportunity to work for a college publication, radio station or television studio, or pursue an industry internship. The BLS reported average employment growth of 4% nationwide for writers and authors from 2021 to 2031. Those employed in the field in May 2021 received median annual wages of $69,510 (www.bls.gov).
