Mass Communication and Media

Communication and Media made an impressive development throughout the years. Traditional media such as television, radio, and print has not been complemented by other mediums such as blogs, social media sites such as  Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram among others. These two outlets have complemented each other, as well as spurred a lot of opportunities for people to engage and be informed. 

The innovations have made Mass Communications and Media an exciting field of study. No wonder, it has become popular among students. It has also become as fastest growing industry. The creation, editing, translation, and dissemination of information is more in-demand than ever, that is why a career in the Mass Communication and Media is very promising. And maybe just the right one for you. 

What is Mass Communication and Media?

Why Should you Study Mass Communication and Media?

Mass Communication and Media is a broad course, so there will be tons of career opportunities for you. Through your work, you will get to know a lot of people and companies and therefore broaden your network in a way that can be beneficial to your career later on. In addition, you will learn while you work in this industry. Environment is fast-paced, multi-faceted, and at times multicultural. No day will be the same and the jobs can get very dynamic.

What Skills do You Need?

• An Eye for detail
  As a journalist, you will have to look into details to produce a powerful story. An extra detail in your story, picture, or news can be an advantage among your peers.
• Inquisitive
  You cannot come to class or to your job with zero knowledge about the current events happening in the world. You have to be aware of everything; political news, economic issues, social issues, cinema, sports, fashion, and more! You have to ask a lot of questions and get the answers to make your story more impactful.
• Communication Skills
  Verbal and written communication skills are the most important things you have to master. Communication skills will help you make contacts and build relationships with clients. 
• Curiosity
  You need to be open minded and curious to create new ideas. Reading is a must-—the more you read, the more open minded you will get.

What are the Job Opportunities?

Editor
Editors are a necessity in the media industry. They are the ones who do grammar and spelling checks, and refine the writing style. Editors will change the style of content to the type of audience reading it.

Journalist
A journalist will do a lot of research, observation, and interviews to write news articles and stories.

Broadcaster
Broadcasters make it possible for journalist to present their news on the television or radio. They present traffic, weather or news summaries, choosing music for the radio, and attend important meetings with programme directors

Film and TV Producers
Film and TV producers have a lot of tasks they need to fulfill. They need to make sure everything and everyone is in motion; they read and edit scripts, create television programs and commercials, plan the filming schedules, manage the finances, and work with other companies to raise brand awareness for their company.

Content Manager
They write a lot of content for their company’s website, a magazine or sometimes sound content as well. They work with editors a lot and they could even be responsible for the graphic outline of the website. Their responsibilities include the promotion of information about the website to clients and partners, reporting technical problems, and write reports for senior managers and their partner organisations.

Public Relations Manager
A PR Manager could be one of the most important jobs within a media company. They need to make sure how the company is seen in the eyes of the public and that their corporate reputation is excellent. If a scandal has happened and the company has been put in a bad position, the PR manager needs to fix it. They reach out to the press, represent the company, create publications, and train PR specialists.

Media Director
These directors are responsible for everything concerning the media department. When an organisation wants to send out a message to the public, mass media is usually used. In order for this to happen, a media director needs to coordinate the production and the broadcast. A media director will discuss projects with other companies, decide how to communicate a message that will reach the public successfully, build relationships, and be able to use different kind of media platforms.

Advertising Manager
Advertising Managers are in charge for advertising programs, media buying, TV, radio and film, and they also develop advertising campaigns. Advertising managers need to be good at planning because the development of campaigns and advertising programs takes a lot of time.

What is the Expected Salary?

Source: (Payscale, n.d.)

Top 10 Mass Communication and Media Schools

According to the QS World University Rankings, these are the top 10 Mass Communication and Media schools worldwide.