How to Land a Job in the Digital Media Industry
Digital media is a fast-paced, exciting, and ever-evolving field, filled with great opportunities for creative pioneers (like yourself) to make their mark. Whether you’re a recent graduate or someone looking to switch things up, finding your first job in the digital world can be both fun and challenging.
Ready to secure your dream job? Here are the top eight tips to get you started.
1. Get Focused
Digital content creation is a vast and growing field including areas like social media management, digital marketing, video production, gaming, audio production, and more. Narrow down your search by figuring out what interests you most and where your passions and skills lie.
2. Build an Awesome Online Presence
Employers want to see a strong online portfolio, so in order to land a job in digital media, you need to use every resource to showcase your skills and talents (makes sense, right?). First, create a professional LinkedIn profile. Most employers will want to see your professionalism upfront, and this is the best place to show them. Next, create an online resume, and/or an online portfolio showcasing your best work. You can put your video projects, hot new music tracks, or cool social media campaigns. You can create a portfolio on Canva.com or Wix.com. These sites are free. Once you establish your portfolio, start sending it out and more importantly, get feedback.
3. Stay Updated
Stay up-to-date with the latest trends, tools, and technologies in the industry. Follow influential figures, blogs, podcasts, and other platforms that are focused on the latest and greatest advancements in the industry. Being well-informed will set you apart during interviews and networking events.
4. Network, Network, Network
Connect with digital media professionals through networking events, seminars, and online platforms. Attend workshops or conferences to learn from experts and expand your connections. Reach out to the people you look up to and ask for their advice. Remember, it’s not always what you know, but WHO you know. You can find networking events through LinkedIn and other social media.
5. Gain Real World Experience
Consider internships, freelance gigs, or volunteering jobs to gain real world experience, build your portfolio, and establish credibility. Look into websites like mandy.com, staffmeup.com, stage32.com, soundlister.com, and productionhub.com and sign up. You will get into the industry doing small gigs in preparation for the bigger opportunities.
6. Keep on Learning
Prove you are dedicated to your craft by updating your LinkedIn profile with courses, certifications, or workshops you’ve taken to enhance your skills.
7. Ace the Interview
During interviews, focus on your passion for digital media and your flexibility. Be prepared to discuss your portfolio pieces in detail and ask key questions about the job.
Remember, landing your first job in digital media might take time, but persistence pays off. Stay enthusiastic, keep honing your skills, and be willing to adapt.
At ICB, we don’t just teach, we help build careers.
Looking for your first digital media job? Our programs can help you master the skills, technologies, and equipment needed in your chosen field and create a portfolio of work to help you land a job.
If you’re interested in pursuing an exciting and rewarding career in digital media, the International College of Broadcasting (ICB) can help you prepare with programs in Audio and Video Recording, Broadcasting, and Multimedia Production & Broadcasting. To learn more, contact us or give us a call at 855-896-3733.