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Top Ten Careers for a Media Student  

9 October 2024
Explore the top 10 careers you could aspire to after completing a Media qualification.

In this blog we explore the careers you could aspire to after completing a Media qualification. The media industry is diverse with a range of opportunities and many sectors to choose from, but this can make the choice seem overwhelming. 

This blog will introduce 10 media careers, including average salaries and a role overview which will help you navigate the many roles available in the world of Media and Communications. 

  1. Video Editor 

Average salary: £18,000 – £45,000 

Role overview: A Video Editor edits raw footage into polished video. This could be for film, TV or other forms of media. Their key tasks include cutting and sequencing video clips then adding music, sound and visual effects.  

You’ll need to have high attention to detail, a creative mind and enjoy producing high-quality content.  

  1. Journalist 

Average salary: £23,000 – £45,000 

Role overview: A Journalist investigates, gathers, and reports news across various media platforms such as radio, TV, digital and print. Their key responsibilities include researching the topic, interviewing sources and writing articles.  

You must be a strong communicator, good at researching, and have critical thinking skills will help with this role. 

  1. Games Designer 

Average salary: £25,000 – £70,000 

Role overview: A Games Designer shapes the gameplay experience in video games by creating storylines, characters and concepts. They will conduct market research to test their protypes adjusting the game depending on player feedback.  

Having an interest in games, gaming trends and players desires will be important in this role.

4. Camera Operator  

Average salary: £24,000 – £58,000 

Role overview: A Camera Operator captures visual content for film, TV or live broadcasts. They operate cameras adjusting the framing, focus and camera settings for the shoot ensuring the shots achieve the desired visual style as agreed by the director or producer.  

If you enjoy using a camera to shoot video and can engage with a creative vision, then this may be the right career for you. 

  1. Advertising Media Buyer 

Average salary: £21,000 – £36,000 

Role overview: An Advertising Media Buyer purchases ad space across various media platforms, such as TV, radio, print, digital, and social media, to ensure maximum visibility for a brand. They analyse audience data and advert performance to ensure they are reaching their audience in the most cost-effective way.  

You’ll need to be able to multi-task efficiently and enjoy looking through data for this role.  

  1. Media Researcher 

Average salary: £16,000 – £40,000 

Role overview: A Media Researcher supports the development of TV, radio, and digital content by gathering and fact checking information related to audience preferences, trends, and competitors. Media Researchers work closely with producers, directors, and marketing teams to ensure content aligns with what the audience are interested and will engage with.  

If you enjoy immersing yourself with the latest news and trends, this role will be perfect for you.  

7. Public Relations Specialist 

Average salary: £22,000 – £36,000 

Role overview: A Public Relations (PR) Specialist is responsible for managing and enhancing the public image of a company. They craft press releases, organise media events, and communicate with journalists to secure positive coverage.  

Your goal as a PR Specialist is to promote a positive image and ensure clear, consistent messaging across various channels. 

  1. Social Media Manager 

Average salary: £25,000 – £50,000 

Role overview: A Social Media Manager develops strategies to increase brand awareness, engage with audiences, and grow followers. Their tasks include scheduling posts, monitoring analytics, responding to interactions on social media, as well as staying up to date on trends.  

You must be prepared to work in a reactive way in a fast-paced environment and, of course, love social media!  

  1.  Copywriter 

Average salary: £24,000 – £46,000 

Role overview: A Copywriter creates written content for various platforms, including websites, advertisements, social media, brochures, and emails. Copywriters aim to engage the target audience, convey a brand’s message, and drive actions such as sales or subscriptions.  

If you enjoy writing creatively and with clarity this could be the role for you.   

  1. Sound Engineer 

Average salary: £25,000 – £40,000 

Role overview: A Sound Engineer is responsible for managing and editing audio in various settings such as music recording, live events, film, or broadcasting. They operate equipment to record, mix, and improve sound quality. They work closely with musicians, producers, or directors to achieve the desired auditory experience.  

You’ll need to have knowledge of how to use audio equipment and be able to problem solve in high pressured situations to excel in this role.  


Check out the Media courses available at EKC Ashford College to begin your journey into this exciting industry.