Canisius College

Communication Department Home

Graphic and Media Designers
Multimedia Artists and Animators
Desktop Publishers
Publishing, Except Software
Telecommunications
Advertising
Advertising and Public Relations Services
Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
Motion Picture and Video Industries
Television, Video, and Motion Picture Camera Operators and Editors
Broadcasting
Broadcast and Sound Engineering Technicians and Radio Operators
Writers and Editors
News Analysts, Reporters, and Correspondents

Sources

Graphic and Media Designers
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos090.htm

Median annual earnings: $36,680 in 2002
212,000 jobs held in 2002
Jobs are expected to grow about as fast as the average
Demand for graphic designers should increase
1/3 are self-employed
Expected to face keen competition for available positions
Graphic designers expected to provide most new jobs
Most need a bachelor's degree
Master's degree holders have an advantage
Liberal arts education and business training is recommended for freelancers
Need excellent communication and problem-solving skills
Sketching ability gives an advantage
Good portfolio is deciding factor on a job
Must be able to change with the times easily
Need to be able to work independently and be self-disciplined
Creativity is a crucial character trait to have

Multimedia Artists and Animators
http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos092.htm

Median annual earnings of salaried multimedia artists and animators: $43,980
Median annual earnings in motion picture and video industries: $58,840
Employment opportunities to grow about as fast as average
More than half are self-employed
Keen competition is expected
Work in fine- or commercial-art studios located in office buildings, warehouses, or lofts
Generally work a standard workweek but may work overtime to meet deadlines
Go through a bachelor's degree program or other postsecondary training
Programs lead to Bachelor in Fine Arts (BFA) and Master in Fine Arts (MFA)
Knowledge and training in computer graphics and other visual display software is a must

Desktop Publishers
http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos276.htm

Median annual earnings: $31,620
Job outlook expected to grow faster than the average
Most employers prefer to hire experienced desktop publishers
Most work in firms that handle newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing
Work in clean, air-conditioned office areas with little noise
Are subject to stress and pressure of short deadlines and tight work schedules
One of the most geographically dispersed industries in the United States, job found throughout the country but mainly in large metropolitan cities
Work 8-hour days, 5 days a week
Formal training is not always required, those with certificates or degrees have the best opportunities
Employers prefer people with at least a high school diploma and have good communication skills, basic computer skills, and a strong work ethic
Expect to be retrained from time to time
Should be able to deal with people courteously, add, subtract, multiply, divide, and compute ratios to estimate job costs, and know the basics of electronics and computers
Should have good manual dexterity, pay attention to detail, work independently, good eyesight, visual acuity, depth perception, wide field of view, color vision, ability to focus quickly
Artistic ability is a plus
Should have an even temper, and are adaptable

Average weekly earnings: periodical publishing ($595), book publishing ($585), newspaper publishing ($483)
In 2002, 714,000 wage and salary jobs existed
Mergers in this field will limit employment growth
Job outlook expected to decline by 1%
Efficiencies in production and a trend towards using freelancers will cause wage and salary employment to decline overall
Need for workers in this industry depends on the economy
Keen competition among writers and editors
Computerization will decrease printing job availability
Part-time employment is prevalent
Newspaper publishing companies employ the largest number of people
This industry is concentrated around New York City
Four categories of jobs in publishing: writing and editing, production, advertising sales and marketing, and general administration
Art directors determine the overall look of a publication overseeing the layout of the piece
Meeting deadlines is an important condition to this area
Environment is chaotic and stressful and overtime is frequent
Writers, editors, reporters, and correspondents can work from home and may travel a distance to perform research or get a story
Publishing workers work in comfortable, private offices while others may work in large, noisy, cubicle-filled rooms that may be dangerous
Most have bachelor's degrees and majored in English, communication, or journalism
Some prefer those with a liberal arts degree or background in a specific technical subject matter
Employees must be able to communicate well, be computer literate, have ability to meet tight deadlines
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Self-motivated, well-organized, persistent, independent, able to handle rejection, enthusiasm, sense of humor
Best job opportunities are for those who have good computer skills and can work in multiple mediums

In 2002, average weekly earnings: $761, significantly higher than the average earnings of $506 in private industry
Average earnings in telecommunications greatly exceed average earnings throughout private industry
In 2002, 1.2 million wage and salary jobs
Job growth will be limited by overcapacity, technological advances, mergers, and contracting out
Employment is expected to increase 7% over the 2002-2012 period
Employment growth will differ among the various occupations due to technology change
Includes voice, video, and Internet communications services
Industry offers steady, year-round employment
Number of small contractors has been increasing
Industry is among the most rapidly changing in the economy
Communications equipment operators will lose jobs to automation
Overtime is sometimes required
Rapid pace of job and close supervision may cause stress
Most people work in large establishments in cities that have large concentrations of industrial and business establishments
This industry offers jobs requiring a variety of skills and training
Require high school education and on-the-job training
Computer literacy and keyboarding skills are important
Workers must keep their job skills up to date
Those with up-to-date technical skills will have the best opportunities
Communications equipment operators should have clear speech and hearing
People with up-to-date technical skills should have the best employment opportunities

Entry level salaries for those with a bachelor? degree: $24,500-32,000
Advertising managers work with promotions and public relations managers
Advertising jobs also include copy writers, artists, graphic designers, and other creative talent
Jobs are highly coveted and there is substantial competition
Employers prefer a broad liberal arts background
Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, literature, or philosophy is acceptable
Graphic design and art positions typically require a graphic design, art, or related degree
Courses in management and completion of an internship are highly recommended
Familiarity with word processing and database applications is important
Computer skills are very important
To accelerate in this field, take the management training programs offered by your company
Some associations offer certification programs which are going to be sought after in the future
Must be mature, creative, highly motivated, resistant to stress, flexible, yet decisive, communicate persuasively, tact, good judgment, and exceptional ability to establish good relationships with other professional clients and firms
College graduates with extensive experience, a high level of creativity, and strong communication skills should have the best job opportunities

In 2002, weekly wage: $602
Employed 442,000 workers in 2002
Employment expected to grow 19% over the 2002-2012 period
Competition is great due to the glamour of the industry
Layoffs are common when accounts are lost, major clients cut budgets, or agencies merge
Few opportunities for part-time work exist
Relatively easy to open a small agency
Art directors develop the visual concepts and designs of advertisements
Graphic designers develop the overall layout and design of print ads for magazines, newspapers, journals, corporate reports, and other publications; also produce promotional displays, marketing brochures, company logos, develop signs and environmental graphics
Jobs are centered around California and New York
Work in comfortable offices operating in a teamwork environment
Long hours, including evenings and weekends, are common
Fast-paced and exciting atmosphere, can be very stressful
Hard to be creative on a tight schedule
Frequent meetings with clients and media representatives involves traveling
Work 34.2 hours per week
Firms are concentrated in the largest states and cities and vary greatly in size
More than half of all jobs are in establishments with fewer than 50 employees
Many workers receive additional compensation: profit sharing, stock ownership, or performance-based bonuses
Unions are not popular: only 2% or workers belong to one
Encouraged to attend employer-paid time-management classes
Bachelor's degree required, preferably with a broad liberal arts experience
Advertising-related internships are becoming a necessary step to obtaining permanent employment
Courses in marketing, psychology, accounting, statistics, and creative design are also helpful
Must have good people skills, common sense, creativity, communication skills, and problem-solving ability
Foreign language skills are always helpful as well
Keeping pace with technology is important, as well as with the changing values, cultures, and fashions of the nation

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Advertising, Marketing, Promotions, Public Relations, and Sales Managers
http://www.bls.gov/oco/print/ocos020.htm

Median earnings in 2002: $72,630
Starting salaries for marketing majors averaged $34,038 in 2003
Starting salaries for advertising majors averaged $29,495 in 2003
Held 700,000 jobs in 2002
Job market is expected to grow faster than average because of intense domestic and global competition in products and services offered to consumers
Keen competition expected
High earnings, substantial travel, and long hours are common
Working under pressure is unavoidable
College graduates with related experienced, high level of creativity, and strong communication skills should have the best opportunities
Wide range of educational backgrounds is suitable but prefer those with experience in related occupations plus a broad liberal arts background
Bachelor's degree in sociology, psychology, literature, journalism, or philosophy is acceptable
Advertising management positions prefer a degree in advertising or journalism with courses in marketing, consumer behavior, market research, sales, communication methods and technology, and visual arts
Courses in management and completion of an internship while in school are highly recommended
Familiarity with word processing and database applications and other computer skills are vital
Knowledge of a foreign language may open up employment opportunities
Certification as a sign of competence and achievement is becoming increasingly valuable in the competitive job market
Employers like those with computer skills to conduct advertising, marketing, promotions, public relations, and sales activities on the Internet
Experience, ability, and leadership are emphasized for promotion, as are participation in management training programs conducted by large firms
Mature, creative, highly motivated, resistant to stress, flexible yet decisive, communicate persuasively, tact, good judgment, exceptional ability to establish and maintain relationships with clients and other firms

2002: $653 median weekly earnings
2002: 360,000 wage and salary jobs
Employment to grow 31% by 2012 because of explosion of programming needs
Keen competition is expected for the more glamorous jobs
Multimedia artists and animators, and film and video editors will have better job prospects
Industry centered around New York and Los Angeles
Many people work as freelance, contract, or part-time basis; many are self-employed; many cannot earn a living off of solely freelancing
Small or independent filmmakers may provide the best job prospects
Many people work in clean, comfortable surroundings; those who shoot on location may work in adverse weather and unpleasant conditions
Unions are crucial in this industry
Cinematographers, camera operators, and sound engineers should have either a college or technical school education
Computer skills are required for editing, special-effects, and cinematography positions
Experience, talent, creativity, and professionalism are very important
Many need stamina to withstand heat of studio and stage lights, long and irregular hours, and travel
Producers and directors work under stress because of tight schedules, budget concerns, and production problems
Must be able to face the anxiety of rejection and intermittent employment
Ability to deal under stress with many different kinds of people is essential

Earnings in 2002: $32,720 for camera operators; $38,270 for film and video editors
2002: 28,000 camera operator jobs; 19,000 film and video editing jobs
Employment expected to grow about as fast as average; tempered growth due to increase in off-shore production
Keen competition for job openings is expected
1 in 5 camera operators are self-employed
Most work in large metropolitan areas
Camera operators usually hired on the basis of recommendations by others
Working conditions vary considerably: 5-day, 40 hr week or irregular hours on short notice
Frequent travel locally and to distant places for longer periods
Many operators must wait long hours in any type of weather for an event to happen
Acquire skills through on-the-job or formal postsecondary training
Bachelor's degree programs, especially those with business courses are appreciated
Prospective camera operators should subscribe to videographic newsletters and magazines, join clubs, and seek summer or part-time employment in cable and TV networks, etc.
Technical expertise, a "good eye", imagination, and creativity are essential
Must be able to stand or walk for long periods of time with heavy equipment
Camera operators should have good eyesight, artistic ability, and hand-eye coordination as well as be patient, accurate, and detail-oriented

Weekly earnings in 2002: $642; earnings are highest in large metropolitan areas
2002: 334,000 wage and salary jobs; most in large establishments
Employment to grow 9% by 2012; lower than the average
Slow rate of growth due to industry consolidation, introduction of new technologies, and competition from other media outlets
Keen competition expected due to glamour of the business
Broadcasters are less willing to provide on-the-job training, and seek people who can perform the job immediately
Job prospects will be best for applicants with a college degree in broadcasting, journalism, or a related field, as well as relevant work experience
Workers must often change employers, and sometimes relocate, to advance
Work in clean, comfortable surroundings in broadcast stations and studios
Some travel in electronic news-gathering trucks to various locations
May require outdoor work under adverse weather conditions
The excitement of working in broadcasting compensates for the demanding nature of the job
This type of work is noted for its high pressure and long hours
Job prospects will be best for those with a college degree in broadcasting or a related field, as well as relevant work experience
Entry-level jobs increasingly require a college degree and some broadcast experience
Individuals should gain initial experience through work at their college television station or through internships at professional stations
More important to understand computer networks and software as industry changes more and more to digital technology
Camera operators require physical stamina for their heavy equipment

Median annual earnings in 2002: $27,760
2002: 93,000 jobs held
Jobs are expected to grow about as fast as average because some growth will be limited by consolidations of ownership of stations and new technological advances in automation
Job openings will result from the need to replace experienced technicians who leave the field
Strong competition for jobs in major metropolitan areas where pay is higher; prospects better in small cities and towns
Highest paying and most specialized jobs are concentrated in New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Washington, D.C.
Reputation and determination are important in getting jobs
Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common
Most employees work indoors in pleasant surroundings but those who broadcast news may work outside in all kinds of weather
Large stations and networks usually work 40-hour weeks with great pressure of deadlines
Small stations work more than 40 hours a week
Best preparation is technical school, community college, or college training in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology
Beginners learn skills on the job from those more experienced; working in a studio as an assistant is a great way to gain experience
Certification by the Society of Broadcast Engineers is a mark of competence and experience
Recommended to work in college television stations
Manual dexterity and an aptitude for working with electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems and equipment

Median annual earnings for 2002: $42,790
2002: 319,000 jobs held; 1/3 were self-employed
Employment expected to grow about as fast as the average growth by 2012
Supposed to be a competitive market
A demand for writers and editors with web experience
Jobs with major book publishers, magazines, broadcasting companies, advertising agencies, and public-relations firms are concentrated in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia, and San Francisco
Opportunities should be best for technical writers and those with specialized field training
Work in comfortable private offices or noisy rooms filled with sounds of electronic equipment and other voices
May travel to diverse places to get the story or find material through telephone interviews, the library, and the Internet
Workweek runs around 35 to 40 hours but because of deadlines and erratic hours, stress, fatigue, and burnout are common
Those who use computers for an extended period of time may experience neck pain, eyestrain, or fatigue
Most jobs require a degree in communications, journalism, or English although technical degrees are helpful as well for technical writings
College degree is generally required as a writer or editor
Knowledge of a second language is sometimes helpful
Technical writing requires a degree in, or some knowledge about, a specialized field
Experience with high school and college newspapers, literary magazines, internships, community newspapers, and radio and television stations all provide valuable experience
Should be able to express ideas clearly and logically and love to write
Creativity, curiosity, a broad range of knowledge, self-motivation, and perseverance are valuable qualities to have; tact and ability to guide and encourage others in their work; be able to concentrate amid confusion and to work under pressure
Must demonstrate good judgment and a strong sense of ethics in deciding what material to publish

Bachelor's degree in journalism or mass communications is preferred
Competition is keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines
Entry-level openings can be found at small broadcast stations and publications
Work irregular hours, nights and weekends, and have pressure to meet deadlines
Hectic schedule
Some can work in comfortable, private offices, others work in large rooms filled with equipment noise and other people
Working hours vary
Long hours, irregular schedules, and travel
2002: 66,000 jobs: 60% in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishing;
25% in radio and television broadcasting
4,100 were self-employed
Experience on school newspapers or broadcasting stations and internships with news organizations are helpful
Examples of journalism classes: introductory mass media, basic reporting and copy editing, history of journalism, press law and ethics
Liberal arts courses: English, writing, sociology, political science, economics, history, psychology
Other useful courses: computer science, business, speech, foreign language on occasion
Need good word processing skills; computer graphics and desktop publishing skills are also useful
Knowledge of news photography is useful for entry-level positions
Practical experience is of utmost importance
Work on high school and college newspapers, as well as broadcasting stations community papers
Journalism scholarships, fellowships, and assistantships awarded to college journalism students are helpful
Experience as a stringer/freelancer is advantageous
Must be dedicated to provide accurate and impartial news, have a nose for news, persistence, initiative, poise, resourcefulness, good memory, physical stamina, emotional stability to deal with pressing deadlines, irregular hours and dangerous assignments
At ease in unfamiliar places with a variety of people
Most reporters start at small publications or broadcast stations as general assignment reporters or copy editors
Expected to grow more slowly than the average due to mergers, consolidations, and closures of newspapers, decreased circulation, increased expenses, decline in advertising profits, as well as increasing competition with cable networks
Job growth is expected in new media areas, such as online newspapers and magazines
Most opportunities will be with small-town and suburban newspapers and radio and television stations
Talented writers who handle highly specialized scientific and technical subjects have an advantage
Number of job openings is sensitive to economic ups and downs
Salaries vary widely: 2002: $30,510; $33,320 in radio and television broadcasting; $29,090 in newspaper, periodical, book, and directory publishers

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Compiled 2004 by Kirsten Jahn

Department of Communication Studies