Overview of Media and Communications
Media and Communications professionals create, share and amplify ideas and information through a variety of methods including print, digital, and social platforms.
Get details on the salary and job security of these Media and Communications careers:
- Announcers and DJs
- Broadcast, Sound, and Video Technicians
- Editors
- Film and Video Editors and Camera Operators
- Graphic Designers
- News Analysts, Reporters, and Journalists
- Producers and Directors
- Script Readers
- Special Effects Artists and Animators
- International Communication Careers
- Foreign Correspondent
Get Career Ready for Media and Communications
Find out what it takes to land a career in Media and Communications
Earn a Degree
To work in the field of Media and Communications, it is recommended you have a strong background in storytelling, research, project management, and technical skills. Check the Mason Catalog for degree requirements.
In addition to your degree, certifications can increase your employment options in the field. Here are a few:
- HubSpot Social Media Certificate
- Google UX Design Certificate
- LinkedIn Learning Certifications and Badges such as Content and Creative Design, Personal Branding, Video Editing (get instructions on how to log in with your Mason credentials)
Specialized knowledge and training in the following areas are in high demand:
- Social Media Content Creation and Analytics
- Audio Editing Software: Audition, Audacity, Garageband
- Graphic Design Software: Adobe Creative Cloud, Canva
- Website Design
Gain Experiences
Employers expect at least six to twelve months of related experience to be competitive for full-time positions. Gain experience while you are a student at Mason.
Here are the types of experiences most valued by Media and Communications employers, and where to find them:
Jobs/Internships
Freelance Work (typically paid)
Campus Media
- Fourth Estate - Student operated newspaper
- Mason’s Cable Network - Student operated television station
- The Forge - Student operated Sci-Fi magazine
- Volition - Student operated literary magazine
- Washershed Lit
- WGMU - Student operated radio station
Market Yourself
It is important for you to be able to clearly communicate the knowledge, skills and experiences you have gained in and outside of the classroom.
Below are top ways to showcase your qualifications to Media and Communications employers:
Resumes
Career Ready
Career Ready
Career ready Mason grads have gone on to work for Media and Communications employers, such as:
America's Public Television Stations |
Big Picture, Inc |
Buzzfeed |
CoCreate Studios |
Conde Naste |
Media Fusion LLC |
NBC12 |
Sage Communications |
Verizon Media |
Join the Media and Communications community
Get involved with academic and professional Media and Communications societies to grow your network while you're a student.
Mason Student Organizations
Professional Associations
- American Society of Magazine Editors
- News Leaders Association
- Association of American Publishers
- Independent Film and Television Alliance
- News/Media Alliance
- Society of Professional Journalists
- Graphic Artists Guild
- AIGA: Professional Association for Design
- National Association of Broadcasters
- International Communication Association