We live in a world dominated by various kinds of media. Every day, people engage with and consume information from many different mediums using various devices, sometimes at the same time. For instance, they may listen to a podcast or the radio while checking social media on their phone or watch TV while looking for recipes on their tablet.
Media actually refers to any kind of communication whose purpose is to inform, educate or entertain a wide audience. It can be anything from web content to social media to TV, video and radio content.
The media trends are always changing and evolving, but one thing is certain: The role of media in people’s everyday lives and its impact on our personal, social and political circumstances is enormous. A huge protest march can be organized through social media within days. A homemade video can go viral and spark a worldwide debate or simply amusement. A well-crafted ad or promotional website will convert a skeptic into a faithful customer of a brand.
Students undertaking a career in media production will learn to understand the development and impact of various media trends, as well as produce different kinds of content and manage various media industries. Students pursuing a career in media production can choose from several streams:
Multimedia Production
Many colleges offer a degree in multimedia production. Students achieving this degree will be perfectly equipped to produce and manage multi-platform media content suitable for the modern audience. Students will likely have to complete coursework covering areas such as website design and construction, audio and video production and social media.
Creative Media Production
Another popular degree to pursue is a degree in creative media production, which is a good education stream for anyone who has an interest in radio and television, writing, editing, producing and other kinds of creative expression. Usually, in these programs, students learn professional creative storytelling using a variety of digital media. Possible areas of specialization may include audio and video production, commercial production, documentary, filmmaking, writing or interactive multimedia.
Some departments offer students an opportunity to work at the university’s radio and television stations or produce independent films, documentaries or similar projects.
High School Preparation
To prepare for a college degree in media production, universities recommend that high school students earn credits in areas such as journalism, broadcast production or digital design and production.
Careers in the Field
There are numerous career options for a graduate of a media studies program. These include, among others, media planner, multimedia specialist, program researcher for broadcasting/film or video, social media manager, television/film/video producer or web content manager.
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Writer Bio
Tanya Mozias Slavin is a former academic and language teacher. She writes about education and linguistic technology, and has published articles in the Washington Post, Fast Company, CBC and other places. Find her at www.tanyamoziasslavin.com