Digital Media Jobs To Keep You On Your Toes

Whether you’re the creative type or an analytical mastermind, there are digital media jobs for any type of thinker and doer. Given the variety of roles in this realm, there are different educational avenues and requirements based on each job. Digital media spans from computer programming to graphic design to photography to video editing and more.

Here, we’ll cover what you need to know to land a job in the creative, constantly evolving, and broad world of digital media.

What is Digital Media?

Media is a mode of communication that allows entertainment and information to be spread between individuals and groups. Before technology came to be what it is today, traditional media consisted of print modes of communication, including: billboards, magazines, newspapers, and such.

Digital media refers to information and entertainment that is shared through digital data. The use of hardware and software translates binary data (0s and 1s) into audio, video, graphics, and texts.

In fact, it’s 100% the case that you’re consuming digital media as you read these words. You probably have utilized digital media in several ways up until this point today.

For example, did you open your email today and read a newsletter? Have you browsed a website or watched a video? The actions you take on the internet results in the consumption of digital media.

Source: Unsplash

Types of Digital Media

There are a variety of ways that information is transmitted across different digital modes. We can categorize digital media into:

Audio: Any digital media related to disseminating sound, which could include the use of any music streaming services (i.e. Spotify or Apple Music), radio stations, podcasts, and the like.
Advertising: Advertising appears digitally in different ways. In the past, it was common for advertisements to appear as pop-ups or banner ads on websites, for example. Now, native advertising or content marketing is more popular, where advertisers express their message in a format that their audience expects from the site or service they are visiting.
Social media: Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok are all filled with digital media in the form of comments, videos, photos, likes, etc.
Video: YouTube and streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, for example, all provide digital media in the form of videos.
News: If you read news, articles, books, or any written words online or via an app, it is considered to be digital media.

Digital Media Jobs

It seems like everywhere you look, digital media is there. The ubiquitous nature of digital media means that there are many opportunities to work in it.

Let’s take a look at some popular positions you can obtain, given the right education and experience:

Graphic designer

A graphic designer creates visual work digitally. They are responsible for projects like logo design, website design, print posters, and more. Graphic designers utilize software (like the Adobe Suite and prototyping web applications like Figma), as well as hardware like computers and tablets to make their creations.

For entry-level positions, a bachelor’s degree is generally required. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay per year is $52,110.

Web developer

Web developers create websites. They may be tasked with both design and development, which means they need to possess an understanding of graphic design and at least basic programming skills. Sometimes, web developers only deal with the technical aspect of developing a website and maintaining it, while leaving the design to web designers.

One can enter this position with an associate’s degree. On average, they earn $73,760 per year.

Video game designer

Love playing video games and want to make your own fictitious world of play? Video game designers blend technical skill and creativity to design video games. They are in charge of developing missions and challenges, along with the storyline and narrative features. They also work with engineers and programmers to ensure that their creation is built as intended.

The BLS places video game designers under the category of special effects artists and animators. They earn $75,270 annually.

Social media specialist

Social media specialists are in charge of creating and monitoring all social media activity and content. Their goal is to grow and maintain an engaged audience.

To land this role, it’s best to have a bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field. Social media specialists earn an average of about $48,000.

Video editor

Video editors apply editing techniques to create deliverables that achieve the director’s vision. They may work on commercials, music videos, feature-length films, and the like. Their role entails ensuring that dialogue, sound effects, stills, footage, and every aspect of the piece come together accordingly.

A video editor’s average salary is $48,626 per year.

Web analytics specialist

Web analytics specialists review data to optimize the user experience on websites and grow website traffic. The end goal is to convert viewers to customers. By analyzing data, they can help business owners and key decision-makers decide how to best allocate resources to achieve results.

The average salary is $63,637.

Tips to Enter the Business

As you can see from this abbreviated list of careers within digital media, there are many options. While some positions will require an associate’s or bachelor’s degree, there is more you can do to set yourself up for success.

Consider these tips:

Earn a degree: A degree in digital media, communications, business administration, computer science, or related field can provide you with the knowledge you need to apply for these jobs.
Build a portfolio: As you gain experience, you can develop a creative portfolio. A portfolio is a collection of your work that showcases your expertise and creativity. It is a great addition (and often required for many of these jobs) to send to a prospective employer along with your resume.
Gain hands-on experience: Nothing compares to hands-on experience. In digital media, you can gain hands-on experience by working as an intern while studying or upon graduation, landing freelance gigs, or getting started in an entry-level position.