Career Options After Media Studies

What is Media Studies?

Media Studies is one of the Humanities. Contemporary society has become so mediasaturated that every sphere of human experience – personal, social, economic, political, cultural, moral, and aesthetic – is mediated. The Media Studies program helps students develop a deep understanding of the role of media in contemporary societies. It provides students with theories and methods that help them analyze the constantly changing media phenomena – texts, practices, policies and institutions. It lays crucial intellectual groundwork for students who hope to find meaningful employment in media industries and media-related sectors.

 

What makes Media Studies at UTSC unique? 

Media Studies at UTSC is the only academic unit in the U of T system that gives you the opportunity to systematically study contemporary media cultures. We advocate a comparative perspective in media studies. This perspective is attentive to how media cultures are shaped by and interact with forces of globalization.

Skills of Media Studies Grads

  • Analyze and critique media texts (news, movies, TV dramas, lifestyle programs, advertisements, animations, YouTube videos, social networking sites, and all other forms of media culture) 
  • Articulate and analyse the complex relationship between media, politics, and economy 
  • Formulate ideas about how each sphere of human activity is mediated and transformed by media, especially digital media 
  • Articulate abstract ideas and complex information in speech and in writing 

Entry-Level Jobs for Media Studies Grads

Common employment destinations include:

  • Writer, Critic, and Analyst in Media, Government, Think-tanks, and other institutions
  • Production Assistant in Publishing (print/electronic and online publishing) 
  • Project Assistant in Media Buying, Marketing, Advertising, Public Relations, Event Planning 
  • Project Assistant in New Media firms (cloud computing, online advertising and online gaming) 
  • Coordinator of Cross-Cultural/International Media Business Development 

The Career Directory

 

Graduate & Professional Studies

Popular further education opportunities include:

  • Media Studies – Master of Arts 
  • Information Science – Master 
  • Journalism – Master 
  • Communication – Master of Arts 
  • Digital Media – Master 
  • Digital Experience Innovation – Master 
  • Public Relations/Corporate Communication – Post-Graduate Certificate 
  • Marketing or Brand Management – Certificate 
  • Advertising – Diploma 
  • Interactive Media Design – Diploma

Media Studies grads from UTSC have gone on to:

  • University of Toronto (Web Content Editor)
  • Mike Agency (Ditigal Marketing Intern) 

Examples of Fields that "Fit" the Skills of Media Studies Grads

  • Art and Design
  • Operations
  • Education
  • Sales and Marketing
  • Media and Communication
  • Marketing
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Administration

Your 4-Year Career Exploration Action Plan

1. Do Your Research

The databases below provide you with details about job prospects, nature of work, educational requirements, working conditions, pay and related career paths:

  • Career Cruising: Log into CLN, click on Resources, and click on Career Cruising to be logged in automatically
  • O*Net: (U.S. site)

Attend our workshop Discover Your Skills and Career Options, meet with a Career Counsellor, and use our resources to get to know your skills, values, personality and interests.

Use the advice on our tip sheets for gathering information:

  • Information Interviews
  • Working On-Campus
  • Internships
  • Volunteering

2. Explore Career Options & Get Experience

Gain exposure to your options in the world of work and make connections while you’re a student via campus events and programs listed on cln.utoronto.ca and ccr.utoronto.ca:

Apply for Work Study jobs in CLN in Fall and Spring! You might also find work via the SCSU.

Find networking opportunities, internship programs and entry-level jobs via websites like TalentEgg and Charity Village.

As an upper year student (14+ credits), attend UTSC’s Get Hired conference and participate in Jobs for Grads.

As a graduate, explore internships and other trainee programs like Career Edge.

3. Build Your Network

Explore Student Clubs and Professional Associations and get involved: volunteer for their events and conferences, and get to know people in your industry of interest. These are your future mentors, supervisors and colleagues!

 

Follow on Twitter: @businessftarts @OMDCtweets @aquent   

Please note: This document is a starting point for your further research into career options in this field of study. For more information on this program and course requirements, please visit the departmental website.