Hot Tip -- by Jason Wessel

If you decide to develop a career in communications and information media you won't be short of options. This is one career area that mixes old-fashioned communication techniques with modern technology and there are numerous ways to break into the industry. If you want to be successful, however, you'll have to perfect your language skills and keep up to date with changing communication technologies. You have the choice of working with everything from cameras and modern photography equipment to numerous computer applications and software. Formal education is not necessarily a requirement in this industry but it is becoming increasingly recommended.

Twenty years ago if you wanted to become a TV Reporter, News Photographer, Newspaper Writer or even a Graphic Artist all you had to do was be familiar with the industry, possess good language or photography skills and be ambitious enough to apply for a job. (Ahhh, the good old days!) Now, specific courses are offered in Journalism, Photography, Editing, Communications and Computers that increase the competition for jobs in these areas. As a result, there are two distinct paths that an individual can choose from while developing a career in the industry.

The first path is less expensive (education wise) but may be more time consuming. If you want to break into the industry, get your hands on relevant equipment or technology. Once you develop a working knowledge of the equipment, you can start looking for employment by contracting your services to different companies. It is not uncommon for an individual to learn how to use specific software on his/her computer, for example, and then take that knowledge to an employer who needs someone with related expertise. Often, writers have no formal training either. One might start off as a part-time freelance journalist and then work his/her way up to a full-time position once he/she has developed a good reputation with paying publishers. With the increasing availability of technology many people are even producing their own movies. The independent film movement (or indie-film movement) has had a huge impact in the film industry over the last five years (remember The Blair Witch Project?!). You can research everything from cameras to computers then teach yourself how to use the equipment. Once you've mastered the process, it makes sense to make a portfolio that displays your best individual work so an employer can clearly see your competency in the area. There are no limitations to what you can learn on your own but it takes time, dedication and a little entrepreneurial spirit.

However, formalized schooling is becoming an expectation within the industry. Technology is becoming more complicated and expensive and there are extreme limitations to what an individual can learn on his/her own. Some cameras and computer equipment can cost tens-of-thousands of dollars and the only way to get your hands on such equipment is through schools that offer training with the technology. There are post-secondary programs in Film, Film Theory, Computer Programming, Computer Graphic Design, Photography and even advanced Communications. Most librarians must possess a related Master's Degree in order to locate employment (that's six years of University Level schooling!). This is one area, in fact, where an Undergraduate Degree in Liberal Arts can come in quite handy. Often, the Liberal Arts (English Literature, Communications, Political Science, etc.) promote creativity and free thinking that technical programs overlook. Employers in Advertising, Publishing / Editing, Technical Writing and even Human Resources are emphasizing the importance of perfected language skills and communication techniques. You must develop a balance of knowledge between new technologies and founded language skills if you expect to be successful in the communications and information industry.

It all starts with choosing what you want to specialize in. Are you more interested in written or visual communication (newspaper or film)? Are you looking to incorporate technology (computers and cameras)? Are you hoping to leave room for creativity or are you more interested in systems and programming (graphic design or library sciences)? Half of the battle is in figuring out what you want to pursue. The industry is an exciting and dynamic one to explore but the learning never stops. Changing technology will always have an impact on the communications and information industry and there will always be new ways to develop a career in this area.