“The Disabled community has been systematically excluded from mainstream media for far too long. Our narratives have been erased, our stories are told for us and not by us, and our lived experiences are mocked. It’s time to reshape the story and tap into the vast, diverse, and fresh perspectives of the largest yet most overlooked minority,” says Keely Cat-Wells, a disability rights advocate and Founder of Making Space, a talent acquisition and learning experience platform for companies to access prequalified Disabled talent.

A New Lens on Storytelling

Think about the stories that have truly impacted you. Chances are, they offered a fresh lens on a familiar tale. Now, imagine what stories might emerge if we tapped into the life experiences of Disabled creatives — writers, directors, producers. Their perspectives can offer unparalleled depth to storytelling. Let’s face it: more than 16% of our global family has some form of disability. Their stories are our stories, and it’s high time the media began telling them.

In a world saturated with content, breaking through the noise requires more than just slick production — it demands new voices. We have seen the tremendous success of Disabled creators on social media and brands flocking to work with new talent that has unlocked an untapped market. For example, Nielsen estimated that posts from creators with disabilities scored 21.4 percent better in average media value than posts from creators without disabilities and drove 20.5 percent more interactions. Nielsen highlighted Tommy Hilfiger’s #TommyAdaptive campaign, which featured Disabled influencers and outperformed the industry’s average positive engagement. Unlike Hollywood, social media has reduced barriers to entry and has created a democratizing effect on employment for Disabled talent.

Keely Cat-Wells remarks: “For many Disabled people, traditional employment opportunities can be limited due to physical, communication, attitudinal and social barriers. The creator economy has started to break down these barriers. And although we have seen a breakthrough number of Disabled people changing the narrative, obstacles remain. Issues like ableist algorithms, combined with challenges of accessing healthcare, benefits, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), and more, create significant barriers for Disabled people making a career in the creator economy.”

Economic Sense

Here’s the reality: Including Disabled talent isn’t just an ethical imperative; it’s smart business. We’re talking about a demographic with a disposable income of $490 billion. This is a significant group that does not feel adequately represented — for example, 46% of people with disabilities think their identity group is underrepresented on TV. So, if your company’s bottom line keeps you awake at night, consider this an untapped goldmine.

The benefits extend far beyond immediate financial gains. When consumers see themselves authentically represented, loyalty follows. And in today’s marketplace, brand loyalty is perhaps rarer than diamonds. Whether it’s a tweet praising your efforts or recommending your platform to friends, this audience segment can become some of your strongest advocates, enriching your brand’s reputation and extending your reach organically.

“When brands work with Disabled creators, the response from their audience is hugely supportive, both for the creator and the brand itself – especially when the campaign has nothing to do with disability,” says Elle Potruch, a Talent Manager for Deaf and Disabled talent at Whalar, a creator commerce company which acquired C Talent in 2022. Potruch represents a roster of creators, actors, and other creatives within the entertainment industry, including Emmy-nominated Keivonn Woodard, whose role (and subsequent nomination) in HBO’s The Last of Us made historic strides in authentic Deaf representation on screen. 

“Gen-Z values diversity and inclusion at every level, from representation in media to senior leadership, so if corporations want to keep up with their consumers and ensure consumer loyalty, disability inclusion is a must.”

Building Authentic Connections

How often have you rolled your eyes at an ad or cringed at an uninformed TV storyline? Authenticity matters, and it’s easy to spot when it’s missing. When media platforms cast Disabled actors in roles that don’t pigeonhole them or when advertising campaigns feature Disabled people without tokenizing them, they make a lasting impression on all consumers.

Creating Inclusive Work Environments

Forget the term “corporate culture”: We’re talking about creating a community within your workspace. A workplace that’s not just diverse but also inclusive amplifies its creative output, enriches its collective intelligence, and sets an example for other industries.

Moreover, an inclusive environment benefits everyone, not just those individuals with disabilities. When employees see that their colleagues are valued for their unique perspectives and skills, it’s a morale boost across the board. That kind of spirit makes people love coming to work every day, fueling passion and productivity that can give your organization a competitive edge.

Tangible Steps for Media Companies

• Invest in Accessibility: No excuses. Make your workspace and your digital platforms accessible to everyone, beyond just basic compliance.
• Educational Programs: This isn’t just HR fluff. Training can dismantle biases and foster empathy, creating a healthier, more dynamic workplace.
• Targeted Recruitment: Collaborate with specialized agencies, platforms, or groups. Actively seek out Disabled talent with platforms like Making Space. A great example is the work they are doing with NBC Universal for the Olympics and Paralympics to increase employment opportunities for Disabled talent.
• Career Progression: No dead-ends. Make sure there’s a path upward for everyone.

Conclusion

If you think this is merely about filling quotas or ticking off a corporate social responsibility checkbox, you’re missing the point. This is about enriching our collective narrative, tapping into overlooked potential customers, and bolstering the media industry’s credibility and depth. In short, it’s not just the right thing to do; it’s the smart thing to do — for everyone.

It’s clear that embracing Disabled talent isn’t just an ethical choice; it’s a strategic imperative for any media company that wants to resonate with today’s diverse audiences. The ball is in your court. Whether you’re a media executive, a creative, or a consumer, you can effect real change.

For companies: Audit your current practices. Ask hard questions. Are you as inclusive as you think you are? Reach out to specialized recruitment platforms, invest in accessibility, and dismantle systemic barriers in your organization.

For Disabled Creatives: Your voice matters. Your perspective is invaluable. Seek out platforms and communities where you can shine, and never underestimate your power to disrupt the status quo.

For consumers: Vote with your views, clicks, and dollars. Support media that represents the world in its full scope and challenge those that fall short.

Now is the time for action. Don’t just be a spectator to change; be a catalyst. The stories we tell and the media we consume have the power to shape society. Let’s ensure we tell the whole story, not just a one-sided narrative.

Month 1: Settle In but Don’t Settle Down

Your first month in a journalist role is all about orientation, but let’s not kid ourselves; this isn’t summer camp. Expect to get your first assignments quickly, sometimes within days or even hours. Use this time wisely:

• Know Your Team: Take time to meet editors, senior reporters, and even the tech guys who can save you when your computer crashes.
• Learn the Tools: Familiarize yourself with the Content Management System (CMS), social media protocols, and any news-gathering software your outlet uses.
• Digest the Style Guide: Every publication has its idiosyncrasies in how they like their stories told. Learn them.
• File Your First Story: Don’t aim for a Pulitzer. Your first stories will likely be small pieces to test the waters. Focus on accuracy and clarity.

Month 2: Flex Those Reporting Muscles

Alright, you’ve dipped your toes; now let’s dive in. The second month is about upping the ante.

• Pitch Stories: By now, you should have a feel for what kind of stories resonate with your audience and editors. Start pitching.
• Expand Your Network: Continue to meet more people both inside and outside your newsroom. You never know who might give you your next big story.
• Experiment with Formats: If your newsroom allows it, try your hand at different types of stories: feature pieces, interviews, and maybe even some multimedia content.
• Feedback Loop: Make it a habit to seek feedback from your editors and even your peers. It’s the fastest way to grow.

Month 3: Find Your Groove

You’re no longer the ‘new kid’—well, at least not the newest. Month three is about refining your process and starting to specialize:

• Own Your Beat: Whether it’s politics, culture, or technology, start to focus more on the areas that interest you. Become the go-to person for that subject in your newsroom.
• File Faster: You should be comfortable enough to produce stories more quickly without sacrificing quality. Deadlines are the bread and butter of this industry.
• Explore Side Projects: Got an idea for a podcast or a video series? Pitch it. Newsrooms love initiative.
• Self-Review: Look back at your articles from the first and second months. Notice the improvements and understand where you need to focus more.

Quickfire Tips for Your First 90 Days:

• Stay Curious: Always be on the hunt for stories, even when you’re off the clock.
• Verify, Verify, Verify: Never sacrifice accuracy for speed. A retraction can set you back far more than a missed deadline.
• Respect Off-the-Record: If someone says it’s off the record, it stays off the record. Period.
• Listen More Than You Speak: The best stories often come when you let other people do the talking.
• Stay Humble: You’re going to make mistakes. Own them, learn from them, and move on.

Congratulations! You’ve made it through the initiation of your first three months in journalism. From here on out, the stories are more significant, the deadlines tighter, and the coffee probably just as terrible. But hey, you’re in it for the bylines, not the brews, right? Welcome to the tribe.

I think journalism gets measured by the quality of information it presents, not the drama or the pyrotechnics associated with us.

Bob Woodward

What Exactly Does a Reporter Do?

Reporters are the field agents of journalism, always on the prowl for news and crafting stories that serve the public good. Whether you’re working for a newspaper, a TV station, or an online outlet, you’ll be the magician turning mundane press releases into headline news, weaving together in-depth features, and sometimes even exposing scandals. “Journalists educate the public about events and issues and how they affect their lives… They spend a lot of time in the field, conducting interviews and investigating stories,” from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The landscape is incredibly dynamic. Imagine one moment you’re tucked into a city council meeting, notebook in hand, and the next you’re out interviewing a community hero. It’s like a box of chocolates; each day serves something different.

Required Skills for Reporting Jobs, Anyone?

The ideal reporter is adventurous, intensely curious, and armed with a healthy dose of skepticism—because, let’s face it, not everyone you meet will tell you the truth. Rock-solid research skills are given, and the savvy reporter knows how to tap into social media for leads and contacts. Adapting to different topics, tones, and sometimes even other mediums is a must. Oh, and let’s not forget, you have to write compellingly.

Flexibility and Resilience

In this line of work, flexibility isn’t just an excellent quality; it’s a requirement. You’ll often find yourself tweaking your approach to align with different subject matters or editorial guidelines. And let’s talk resilience. Deadlines are unforgiving and stressful, sources can be fickle, and yes, criticism is part of the job. That’s journalism for you.

Do Reporters Have Uniform Job Responsibilities?

Well, not exactly. The essence of reporting—staying atop current events, digging deep, and relaying information—remains the same across the board. However, the subject matter can vary wildly. One reporter might specialize in politics, while another dives into lifestyle and entertainment. The roles can even be more specific when working for large news agencies covering specialized beats like cybersecurity or the electric vehicle industry.

Who’s the Boss?

Hierarchies vary based on where you’re employed. You might find yourself reporting to an Editor, a News Director, or even directly to an audience if you’re freelancing.

Side Hustles and Sibling Jobs

Feature writers, columnists, and even some content creators are doing work similar to reporting, just framed differently. Dabbling in these areas can add flair to your stories or offer a fresh challenge.

The Evolving Landscape of Journalism

• Data-Driven Stories: The rise of big data is arming reporters with tools to craft more in-depth and factual stories.
• Multimedia Reporting: If you’re just writing, you’re behind the times. Video, podcasts, and interactive elements are the new norms.
• Ethics and Responsibility: In an era rife with fake news, ethical reporting is not just a catchphrase; it’s a solemn responsibility.
• Global Audience: The internet has blown the doors off traditional geographic boundaries, so understanding how to communicate to a diverse audience is key.

Breaking into Reporting Jobs

You might find that a journalism degree gives you a leg up, but it’s not strictly necessary. A solid portfolio showcasing your skill and passion for storytelling will get you through the door. Freelancing can offer a path to accumulating those crucial bylines.

So, are you ready to chase stories, dig deep, and make your mark in journalism? Your byline awaits.

Check out open reporting positions and other media jobs on Mediabistro’s job board.

When you’re a lifestyle writer, you often have the most success when you write about your own life and experiences. While this may challenge the ideal work-life balance, that’s not always a bad thing. Here are the benefits of having a connected work and personal life as a writer. 

Why Do People Need Work-Life Balance?

Work-life balance entails a proper divide between your professional life and your personal life. You have set hours when you’re in “work mode” and complete your tasks. You’re able to shut off your computer for the day without worrying about work until tomorrow.

Many people have careers that don’t let them have this luxury. You may need to be on-call for emergencies or bring work home with you if it’s time-sensitive. Being a freelance writer may not be the first job that comes to mind here, but many people who pursue it are surprised to learn how much work-life overlap it entails.

How do you take a break when work is so integral to your livelihood? As a lifestyle writer, you probably enjoy aspects of your work. You have plenty of freedom to write about things people care about and connect with your audience over shared experiences.

Lifestyle writing can take many forms. Some lifestyle writers might run personal blogs where they document their lives and share personal stories. Others may write for magazines where they cover trending topics in their area of interest. You may also write reviews, personal essays or opinion pieces.

Personal experience is key in making any of these types of pieces valuable–whether it be your findings after testing a product or your insight as someone who has gone through a relatable life event. While sharing your life and opinions can put you in a vulnerable position and blur the line between work and personal life, that’s what makes lifestyle writing so compelling.

3 Benefits of the Mutual Work-Life Relationship of a Writer

When you’re a writer, your work follows you everywhere. Maybe it isn’t always looming over you, stressing you out with the threat of a deadline. Sometimes, it sits quietly in the corner, waiting for you to notice it. Your writer’s work-life balance may look like you acknowledging your writing when you’re ready and on your own time. Here are some of the benefits you can reap by keeping your two lives together.

1. You Can Connect With Others

Lifestyle writers have the opportunity to share their experiences with others who are going through the same situations. When people struggle with their health, their jobs or their family lives, they often feel alone and ashamed. Studies show that loneliness can have consequences for your physical health, so opening conversations about difficult situations can help people feel less alone.

This is why mom blogs are often so successful. They create a space for moms to share advice and acknowledge their shared challenges. Whether you write in detail about your personal life or use your experiences to share more general advice, you can help others get through tough times.

2. You Find Inspiration in Anything

Writers, like other artists, have the amazing ability to look around and find inspiration. Whether you people-watch or analyze every interaction you have with others, you’ll find a story or lesson in something every day. Pay attention to the world around you. You never know when you might find something you can use to teach or entertain your readers.

Travel writers, for example, capitalize on a unique combination of work and personal life. Traveling for pleasure has many benefits, including relieving stress, boosting your creativity and cognitive functions, and exposing you to new experiences. While most people go on vacation to get away from work, travel writers can use any trip they take as new material while reaping the mental health benefits.  

3. You Can Implement New Tips

The average YouTube user spends almost 24 hours a month watching videos, often to learn something new. Every writer has to research something. As educated or experienced as you might be, you haven’t lived through every situation in the world. You’ll have to learn new things when you’re writing, things that can transfer into your personal life.

Instead of your life directly influencing your writing, this benefit reverses them. You can take messages away from your writing, such as a cleaning tip you learned through research, and apply it to your life. You might pick up a new active hobby because you wrote about the benefits, or quit a bad habit after learning about the risks. You never know how your work can affect your life until you let it.

Embrace Work-Life Balance Without the Separation

You don’t have to remove yourself entirely from work when you’re a writer. While you don’t want to be in “work mode” all the time, you can still benefit from keeping your eyes and ears open for inspiration to use in your writing. Learn to let the ideas come to you and write them when you’re ready.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a freelance writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. As a freelancer, Cora writes about wellness and balancing work with family. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Even as a freelancer, it’s essential to create a structured work schedule to keep up. Following a schedule helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and prevents burnout when writing. Here’s why a structured schedule is important for freelance writers.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

What Are the Benefits of a Structured Schedule?

A structured schedule can help you improve your workflow, productivity and organization. Here’s how it can help freelance writers:                

• Keeps you on track with priorities and deadlines: A schedule will help you complete tasks on time and see when to work on specific assignments.

• Reduces stress and decision fatigue: Research shows that the average American adult makes 35,000 decisions daily, which can take up a lot of mental space and energy. Make it easier for yourself by streamlining your routines and workflow. Planning your day saves the time and energy you would use to make decisions so you can get work done instead.

• Helps you set accurate benchmarks: Over time, you will see how long it takes to complete a task, which will help you create more effective schedules.

• Maintains your reputation: You want to be known as reliable. Schedules help you allocate time correctly and communicate your availability and capacity. Without a plan, you might spread yourself thin by overestimating how long tasks take to complete.

• Minimizes mistakes and revisions: Preparation will help you feel calm and collected. As a result, you’re more likely to remember additional information or instructions for projects. You’ll also make fewer mistakes when you’re focused. 

• Provides better work-life balance: Many freelancers find themselves working at all times of the day. While you do have the flexibility to work when you want to, having set hours will ensure that you don’t overwork yourself. If you have kids or a spouse, try to get your work done while they are at school or work. That way, you can spend time with them when they get home.

How Do You Create a Suitable Schedule?

Creating a schedule that suits your needs will make your workdays more productive. Here’s how to establish one that will improve your life as a freelance writer.

1.   Have a Set Start and Finish Time

A designated start time adds structure to your day and ensures you don’t spend too much time working. You will be able to make the most of your time and finish tasks before your workday ends.

2.   Establish Morning and Evening Routines

Your workday starts long before you sit at a desk and start typing. Everything you do before you start working can impact your productivity for the rest of the day.

Many remote workers fall into the habit of waking up minutes before they need to start working. If you set your start time to be 9:00 a.m., you don’t want to wake up at 8:50. Instead, give yourself time to eat breakfast, exercise, journal, get dressed and do anything else to energize you. Act like you’re getting ready to go into the office, even if you work from home.

In the evening, close your computer and put work issues aside until the following day.

A shutdown routine can look like making a list of incomplete tasks or projects, planning when to finish them, taking your dog for a walk or going to the gym. These habits will relax your brain after work and allow you to enjoy your evening.

3.   Write Down All Goals

Make a list of goals you want to work on for the week or month. Write down five small steps that you can take to reach that objective.

For example, write out all of the current projects you have to work on and give them each a deadline. For each project, write out all of the actions you need to complete, such as creating an outline, conducting research, scheduling interviews, writing the first draft and submitting it. Then, give each task a time block on your weekly calendar.

Breaking goals into smaller tasks will make projects feel less daunting and help you finish them on time.

4.   Create Time Blocks for Every Type of Task

Set aside time blocks for a specific task or a group of them. For example, you could block out 10 a.m. to noon for project outlines and research, noon to 1 p.m. for lunch, and 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. for writing.

If you repeat these actions at the same time every day, you’ll turn them into habits. After lunch, your brain will know it’s time to write, so you’ll already be mentally prepared to dive in. 

More to Consider

There are a few more things you should consider when creating an effective schedule:

• Incorporate processing and cleanup time: A clear desk is a clear mind. Clutter and dust in your workspace can cause mental health issues and allergies and disrupt sleep patterns. No wonder work stressors amount to $190 billion in yearly health care costs for American businesses. Wipe down your desk regularly, sort papers and toss unnecessary items. A clean workspace will boost your productivity by reducing stress, maintaining health, increasing focus and saving time.

• Be flexible: Plan for the unexpected. You may need to change your schedule slightly if disruptions or tasks take longer than expected. Incorporate breathing room and extra time to deal with issues without disrupting your scheduled plans.

• Use apps and time-tracking tools: You can use Google Calendar or Todoist for time blocking and Zenwriter or Pomodoro timers to help you focus when writing. Find apps to suit your workflow and use them to make things easier.

• Keep it simple: Whatever time-tracking method you choose, keep your schedule easy to follow and focused.

• Learn your energy flow: Keep a log of how long it takes to do things at certain times of the day. Plan to tackle bigger projects when you have the most energy to prevent burnout. You may prefer to write in the afternoon and have meetings in the morning. Perhaps you feel more awake after lunchtime and can better focus on creating blog content. Optimize your schedule to work with your energy levels.

Manage Your Time Well for Success

It’s up to you to make your schedule. While this means you can work when and where you want, it can be challenging if you don’t have an effective system. A structured daily routine adds a sense of preparedness to your day and ensures you get everything done.

Author bio: Cora Gold is a freelance writer and editor of women’s lifestyle magazine, Revivalist. As a freelancer, Cora writes about wellness and balancing work with family. Connect with Cora on LinkedIn and Twitter.

In this Q&A, Shae Hong, Founder & CEO of Made by Gather shares his thoughts on hiring via social media, his career journey, and tips for entrepreneurs.

1. We recently interviewed your new hire, Sophie Jamison, who is now Chief TikTok officer for Made By Gather. Do you think roles like this one will play a large role in a company’s marketing strategy in the future? If so, how? 

TikTok is something super disruptive and different and we knew we needed to embrace it with a different process. It’s been so incredible having Sophie on the team and watching her develop each brand’s tone of voice and how they uniquely show up on TikTok. Our goal is to own the kitchen and home category on the platform and I think as social media continues to change the game for how consumers think and shop and interact with brands, it will continue to play a huge part in our marketing strategy.

2. Are there other innovative marketing strategies that you see becoming trends for companies in the future? What are they?

Obviously AI is going to be game-changing across the board. As someone who loves design and marketing, I’m interested to see how it transforms the design process and things like trendspotting and personalization. 

3. Tell me a little bit about how you started your career and got to where you are now as Founder & CEO and Made By Gather. 

Since the beginning Made By Gather has been focused on developing kitchen brands for the younger generation. After my first startup had failed I looked at the kitchen category — simply because my first investor had been from that space and I wanted to dig in a bit. As I digested what was currently out there and available, I didn’t feel like there was anything designed for me. Then – and still now – there are a lot of products made for the kitchen that look similar…black, stainless, everything fits the same mold.

Made By Gather was early to the game in terms of targeting a younger customer that was looking for a better, more unique design. And it continues to be at the core of our mission – to inspire the next generation and redefine home cooking and home decor through innovative and thoughtfully designed kitchenware and home products.

4. What inspired you to start your own company? 

I was inspired and driven by the idea that I could do it better. While on one hand I was a bit naive and in that “I know everything” stage of life, on the other I felt there was an opportunity to step out and do things differently. 

5. Do you have any advice for aspiring entrepreneurs?

I love the lyric by Jay-Z – “Difficult takes a day, Impossible takes a week.” As an entrepreneur it’s important to remember that it’s a marathon, not a sprint and figuring that out early is the best advice I can give any entrepreneur. Applying that to how you build, scale, and operate in all aspects of your life is vital…you need to build up your muscle tone for the necessary strength it takes to overcome all the adversity you will face.

Interested in a creative gig? We have some open jobs for you!

Coming out of our post-pandemic haze, people have been searching for meaning…and a new job. Having experienced remote work and forced separation from office life, many employees are now awakening to the state of their workplaces. They’re seeing, for the first time, how toxic their environments might be, and some have felt sudden bursts of clarity about what they do—and don’t—want for their long-term careers.

But for others, that clarity soon dissipates, only to be replaced by doubt. The job market can be incredibly overwhelming. What if you get rejected? What if you change your mind? Do you have the right training or skills?

Why the fear of the unknown holds us back from career moves

Why are so many of us struggling to make career moves right now? Simply put, change is everywhere. We feel an acute need to evolve to be ready for the next stage of our lives, yet fear holds us back.

This problem goes back to an old evolutionary function of the brain. In order to survive, it was wise for early humans to stay still. Avoiding predators, predicting the weather, and locating food were all vital activities that rewarded constancy rather than change. Our brains are hard-wired to protect us, which meant avoiding the unknown long ago in our evolutionary past.

Uncertainty itself can be uncomfortable. One study showed that when presented with an action that might or might not produce an electric shock, participants felt greater levels of discomfort when there was a 50 percent chance of a jolt than when they faced a 100 percent chance. That’s why it is common to see people staying in less-than-inspiring situations. We will continue to endure and suffer silently in the known versus pursuing the unknown.

A friend of mine recently transitioned out of the workforce into entrepreneurship and suffered a significant phase of doubt. No matter how exciting the potential new life was, the old life was a known quantity; he knew it would allow him to continue paying his mortgage and taking care of his family. Moreover, our jobs become so tied to our identities. When we decide to move on to new opportunities, we’re really saying goodbye to part of ourselves.

How to evaluate whether you’re ready for a career move

What you need is a system you can use to help you assess whether you’re ready for a career change. Luckily, there are a few questions we recommend asking that should give you more insight into whether your excitement trumps your fear:

1. Is the grass greener?

Roleplay the career move you’re thinking about. The grass over there might not be as green as it seems in your fantasies as you sit at your old desk answering emails. Remember, that patch of grass will have emails, too. 

As you’re roleplaying, imagine the worst-case scenario as well. What could a bad day look like in this new career? If the answer horrifies you, it might be a sign that you should take some more time to consider your options.

2. Can you get the fulfillment you seek elsewhere?

You don’t necessarily need to make a career leap to find what you’re seeking. A greater sense of purpose? A creative atmosphere? A better social network? You might be able to scratch those itches by looking outside your career and making changes there instead. 

The cliche rings true sometimes: We do not have to live to work. We can work to live. If you’re feeling uninspired, that’s okay. You can pursue other activities to help, from reading a good book to going to therapy to taking a trip.

3. Do you understand your nonnegotiables?

To assess a future opportunity accurately, you need to understand what elements of work are must-haves. This includes recognizing the good things that your current job is giving you. 

When a new opportunity presents itself, it can sound terrific just because it’s new. Say the new job offers a spectacular perk, free gym membership, or loads of travel; make sure those shiny new offerings are actually checking important boxes for you.

4. Does a career change suit your long game?

A good friend of mine enjoyed a long career in the Navy, cooking for lieutenants and traveling the world. After 20 years, he’d had enough and transitioned from cooking to supply chain management. Even though that move seemed strange to other people, how he made the transition made perfect sense. 

The soft skills and coolness under pressure he had learned in the Navy immediately got him noticed by organizations. He invested time driving to networking events and commuting to different cities, making his name known in this new field. The move worked for him because he could tap into all the skills he had learned in his career so far.

5. What’s your value?

Many of us undervalue ourselves and go into the job-seeking process with far more timidity than we need to based on our accomplishments and skills. We can devalue our résumés because we’re stay-at-home parents or because of that gap when we were sick. 

Now’s the time to remember how valuable you are. Surround yourself with people who can remind you how great you are in your interview preparation.

If you have a trusted process for evaluating potential career moves and can use it to ask questions about your inner intentions and expectations, then you don’t need to be ruled by fear. You can let go and leap into the next challenge, despite your evolutionary self begging you to stay put.

The media sector is a multi-faceted arena teeming with many career opportunities. It’s a realm where creative ingenuity meets technical prowess, resulting in the production of impactful content. Whether you’re an artist at heart, a techie with an eye for detail, or a wordsmith looking to capture the zeitgeist, the media universe is vast enough to accommodate a range of talents and ambitions. This field doesn’t just offer jobs; it provides vocations, quests, and causes. 

Whether your goal is to disseminate crucial news, entertain millions, influence public opinion, or perhaps even disrupt traditional media paradigms, there’s likely a career in media that aligns perfectly with your skill set and aspirations.

We had some fun with this article and renamed many media professions with some slightly silly job titles – they are meant to help distill what the position does and help you grasp the deeper meaning behind the job!

What’s the Buzz in the Media Sector?

The media landscape is in constant flux, evolving and adapting rapidly in today’s ever-changing world and heading off accusations of being polarizing. Long-standing pillars like journalism and advertising intersect with emerging channels like social media, content platforms, and direct-to-consumer streaming services. New technology—such as virtual reality, blockchain, and artificial intelligence—is reshaping how we create, distribute, and consume content. This includes anything from interactive journalism pieces that place the reader in the heart of the story to algorithm-driven marketing campaigns designed to reach a hyper-targeted audience.

Yet, amidst all these changes, the core mission of the media remains steadfast: to create resonant content that informs, entertains, or persuades. This could mean producing investigative journalism pieces that provoke thought, advertising campaigns that drive consumer action, or multimedia stories that capture hearts and minds.

These expansions are driven by an unwavering essence at the core of all media endeavors—the endeavor to create content that strikes a chord with its intended audience. While the mediums may change, this central principle of media careers endures, offering a stable foundation upon which anyone entering the field can build their career.

This blend of old and new, timeless principles, and cutting-edge technologies makes the media sector one of the most dynamic and exciting fields. Whether you are a seasoned veteran contemplating your next career move or a newcomer eager to make your mark, understanding the various roles and opportunities available can be the first step in your next fulfilling career adventure.

Learn more about the aspects of media jobs to see which resonates with your natural interests and abilities!

Your Career Map: 12 Key Media Roles and What They Entail

1. Reputation Engineer (Publicist)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Publicists act as gatekeepers between their clients and the public, shaping perception through strategic communications.
• Crisis management is a critical skill. When unfavorable situations arise, quick and effective messaging can mitigate damage.
• Publicists often juggle multiple clients, necessitating exceptional organizational and multitasking skills.

A Reputation Engineer, commonly known as a Publicist, is no longer just a behind-the-scenes operator sending press releases and arranging interviews. In today’s interconnected and rapidly changing media environment, they are strategic architects of a client’s public persona. Their expertise extends to shaping narratives, crisis management, and content creation. They often work closely with a multi-disciplinary team that includes social media managers, legal advisors, and marketing professionals to execute a cohesive brand strategy.

While traditional media relations remain a cornerstone, a modern publicist is proficient in digital platforms, utilizing SEO practices to optimize press coverage and employing social media channels to engage with the audience directly. They are often tasked with real-time analytics monitoring to gauge public sentiment and media impact, allowing dynamic strategy shifts. A Reputation Engineer serves as a guardian and strategist of a client’s public image, whether that client is an individual, a corporation, or even a nonprofit organization. With the convergence of various forms of media and an increasingly skeptical public, the role demands a unique blend of creativity, analytical thinking, and an intimate understanding of the ever-shifting media landscape.

2. Image Curator (Photographer)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Photographers don’t just click pictures; they tell stories through visuals.
• Specializations abound, from photojournalism and event photography to commercial and fashion photography.
• Mastery of editing software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom is often necessary for post-production modifications.

The role of an Image Curator, commonly known as a Photographer, goes beyond merely clicking a shutter button. Today’s photographers are visual storytellers and brand builders responsible for translating a concept or narrative into compelling imagery. Their work starts long before the photoshoot, during the conceptualization and planning stages. They scout locations, assess lighting conditions, and collaborate closely with art directors, designers, and even marketing teams to ensure that the visuals will serve the broader goals of a project or campaign. In the age of digital media, photographers also need a firm grasp of post-production software like Adobe Photoshop and Lightroom, using these tools to enhance images or even create composite visuals that might be impractical to capture in a single shot.

Moreover, photographers are increasingly taking on roles traditionally in the domain of other professionals, such as video production and drone operation, making versatility a valued trait. Beyond the technical skills, an adept photographer possesses a keen eye for detail, artistic sensibility, and the interpersonal skills necessary to put subjects at ease. In a world increasingly driven by visual content, the Image Curator is pivotal in shaping public brand identity and influencing social change.

3. Broadcast Beacon (Television Anchor)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• As the face of a news channel, anchors are responsible for accurately and articulately delivering news to the public.
• Constant engagement with current affairs is crucial. Anchors often prepare their own scripts, sometimes under tight deadlines.
• The role also involves behind-the-scenes coordination with newsroom staff, ensuring factual consistency and smooth flow during live broadcasts.

In the ever-evolving media landscape, the role of a television news anchor has expanded far beyond the traditional duties of presenting news and reading from a teleprompter. Anchors today are multi-skilled professionals expected to bring journalistic integrity, a strong screen presence, and a depth of knowledge. They are often involved in the pre-production phase, which includes participating in editorial meetings to shape the day’s news agenda and suggest stories that reflect current events or community concerns.

Modern anchors also leverage social media platforms’ power to engage directly with viewers, offering additional commentary, behind-the-scenes looks, or addressing questions and concerns in real time. The role may extend to field reporting, special series segments, and in-depth interviews, requiring a broad skill set ranging from live reporting insight to research and investigative skills. In a sense, anchors are becoming brand ambassadors for their respective news stations, as their credibility and relatability often influence viewer trust and viewership numbers. With various formats like live-streaming and 24-hour news channels, the demand for anchors adeptly navigating these multiple roles is higher than ever.

4. Visual Narrator (Video Editor)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Beyond just cutting and splicing, video editors play a pivotal role in storytelling through visual sequences.
• They must be adept in handling various software, including Final Cut Pro and Adobe Premiere Pro.
• Collaboration with sound designers, colorists, and other specialists is often necessary to create a finished product.

A Visual Narrator, also known as a Video Editor, is not just a technician who cuts and splices footage, but a storyteller who shapes a video’s emotional and intellectual impact. The video editor role has evolved to be multifaceted, encompassing not only traditional editing but also elements of sound design, color grading, and visual effects. The editor often collaborates directly with directors, producers, and composers to ensure the final product is cohesive and resonant. With the advent of technologies like 4K, 8K, and virtual reality, the complexity and required expertise in video editing have increased dramatically. Mastery of software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, and Avid Media Composer is a given, but many editors are also proficient in compositing software like Adobe After Effects and audio software like Adobe Audition.

Additionally, in today’s fast-paced content cycle, editors often work on tight deadlines. They may be called upon to make last-minute changes to accommodate new information or feedback, requiring not just skill but also adaptability and grace under pressure. As platforms for video content proliferate, from social media snippets to feature-length films, the Visual Narrator plays a crucial role in ensuring that stories are told in the most engaging and impactful way possible.

5. Outreach Optimizer (Media Planner)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Media Planners need a thorough understanding of both the client’s industry and the media landscape.
• Advanced analytical tools are frequently used to gauge the effectiveness of media campaigns.
• They are crucial in steering the client’s budget toward the most impactful media channels.

The Outreach Optimizer, known in traditional terms as a Media Planner, has evolved into a role far beyond selecting the right media outlets for advertisement placement. In an age where the consumer is bombarded by content across multiple platforms, this professional acts as a crucial linchpin in creating a holistic customer journey. Armed with data analytics and an understanding of consumer behavior, they strategize not only the ‘where’ but also the ‘when’ and ‘how’ of message delivery. Whether it’s coordinating multi-channel campaigns that span social media, print, and out-of-home advertising or segmenting audiences for targeted messaging, the Outreach Optimizer works at the intersection of creativity and analytics.

They collaborate closely with brand strategists, creatives, and data scientists to construct a coherent and effective media plan. Tools like programmatic buying, retargeting strategies, and real-time bidding are part of their modern toolkit. With consumer attention becoming increasingly scarce, the role demands an acute understanding of metrics, from click-through rates to engagement scores, to ensure ROI-positive outcomes. As augmented reality and voice search trends emerge, the Outreach Optimizer is consistently on the front lines, navigating the ever-changing landscape to capture audience attention effectively.

6. Visual Architect (Graphic Designer)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Graphic designers often work in tandem with marketing teams to create visual assets that align with campaign goals.
• Versatility is key, with the medium ranging from digital ads and website layouts to print brochures and merchandise.
• Proficiency in design tools like Adobe Illustrator and InDesign is typically required.

The Visual Architect, traditionally known as a Graphic Designer, has transcended the realms of merely being a creator of logos or posters. In today’s interconnected world, their work is the visual cornerstone of a brand’s identity, existing across multiple platforms and media types, from mobile apps to billboards. The graphic design role is about solving problems through visual storytelling, employing a blend of artistic ability and strategic thinking. They must be masters of multiple tools and languages such as Adobe Creative Suite, CSS, and HTML. Their work doesn’t end at aesthetic appeal; it extends to user experience and interface design, requiring a deep understanding of human psychology to create intuitive and engaging layouts. They often work in tandem with content creators, web developers, and marketing teams to bring a cohesive visual narrative to a brand’s messaging.

The Visual Architect also plays a significant role in content marketing, creating infographics, social media assets, and video graphics that enhance consumer engagement and comprehension. As new technologies like augmented reality and virtual reality enter mainstream use, these professionals are charged with the task of integrating these elements into a broader visual strategy. They must keep pace with rapidly evolving design trends, software capabilities, and consumer preferences, making continuous learning and adaptation their constant companions.

7. Digital Evangelist (Digital Marketer)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Beyond SEO and social media management, Digital Marketers often delve into PPC advertising, email marketing, and even AI-driven customer segmentation.
• Continuous learning is crucial due to ever-changing algorithms and audience preferences.
• Digital Marketers often employ A/B testing methods to continuously refine their strategies.

The Digital Evangelist, commonly referred to as a Digital Marketer, is the vanguard of a brand’s online presence, leveraging many tools and platforms to connect with potential customers in the digital realm. Gone are the days when this role solely involved setting up a few PPC campaigns or sending out an email newsletter. Today’s Digital Evangelist must be a jack-of-all-trades, fluent in SEO, content marketing, social media management, and even data analytics. They utilize deep insights gained from metrics and KPIs to tailor strategies beyond driving traffic, focusing on conversion optimization and customer retention. This role often requires a symbiotic relationship with other departments like sales, customer service, and IT to create a seamless online experience that reflects the brand’s values and meets business objectives.

With trends like AI-driven marketing automation, chatbots, and personalized user experiences shaping the digital landscape, the Digital Evangelist is tasked with staying ahead of the curve, constantly updating their skill set and toolkit. A keen understanding of consumer behavior online, such as the customer’s path to purchase, is critical. They must be adept at A/B testing, funnel optimization, and must have the foresight to adapt strategies in real-time to meet the ever-changing demands and trends of the digital space.

8. Community Maestro (Social Media Manager)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• It’s not just about posting updates. Social Media Managers often employ advanced analytics to understand engagement patterns.
• They are responsible for reputation management on social platforms, which can include handling customer complaints or queries.
• Content calendars are often used to maintain a consistent posting schedule.

The role of the Community Maestro, also known as a Social Media Manager, has evolved into a multifaceted position that extends beyond mere post-scheduling or follower counts. In today’s digital landscape, this individual is essentially the brand’s voice, responsible for crafting its personality and maintaining its reputation across social platforms. This role demands a deep understanding of analytics to drive strategic decisions, going beyond vanity metrics to focus on actionable insights like engagement rates, customer sentiment, and click-through ratios. Real-time communication with followers is essential, as is crisis management; a single misstep can turn into a PR fiasco in today’s fast-paced social media environment.

The Community Maestro often collaborates closely with other departments—particularly customer service, PR, and marketing—to ensure brand consistency and to capitalize on cross-promotional opportunities. They are also usually involved in the ideation and execution of social media campaigns, whether for product launches or social causes, leveraging each platform’s unique features and audience behaviors for maximum impact. Content curation plays a big role, often involving a mix of video, text, and interactive elements to keep the community engaged. With emerging technologies like live streaming, chatbots, and augmented reality filters becoming increasingly integral to social media, the Community Maestro must be agile and proactive, constantly staying ahead of trends to keep the brand relevant and engaging.

9. Content Orchestrator (Content Strategist)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Content Strategists do more than just align blog posts with business goals; they are often at the helm of a brand’s entire content ecosystem.
• Skills in SEO, user experience (UX), and even basic coding can give content strategists a significant edge.
• They often conduct extensive audience research to ensure that content reaches the most relevant demographics.

The role of a Content Orchestrator, better known as a Content Strategist, goes beyond just creating compelling content; it’s about weaving a cohesive narrative across multiple platforms and formats. Operating at the intersection of creativity, analytics, and technology, this role necessitates a multi-faceted skill set. Content strategists are responsible for understanding their audience’s behavior, needs, and pain points, usually through data analysis and customer research. Based on this understanding, they curate a content calendar, dictating what gets published when and where. But the job doesn’t end there. The Content Orchestrator also collaborates closely with various departments like marketing, sales, and customer service to align the company’s messaging and ensure that the content achieves its desired impact, be it increased engagement, lead generation, or customer retention.

Moreover, they are often responsible for measuring the ROI of their content strategies using metrics such as engagement rates, conversion rates, and customer lifetime value. The rise of AI and machine learning tools has equipped Content Strategists with predictive analytics, allowing them to anticipate market trends and consumer needs, thereby always staying one step ahead. Furthermore, they play an instrumental role in crisis management, brand positioning, and even mergers and acquisitions, as the content they produce or oversee serves as the public voice of the organization. This role has also grown to include a focus on ethical considerations like inclusivity and sustainability, as modern consumers demand brands to be socially responsible. All in all, the Content Orchestrator is much more than a planner; they are the puppeteers of a brand’s digital persona, pulling all the right strings to create a symphonic user experience.

10. Story Explorer (Journalist)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Journalists serve as the pillars of democratic societies, often risking personal safety for the truth.
• Different beats like politics, technology, and healthcare require varying levels of expertise and knowledge.
• Digital journalism has introduced new skills, like multimedia reporting and data visualization.

The Story Explorer, commonly known as a Journalist, serves as a conduit for information, acting as both investigator and storyteller. This role has dramatically evolved with the proliferation of digital media; journalists no longer solely write for print or broadcast but often create multimedia content that includes video, audio, and interactive elements. A journalist’s responsibilities stretch from local to global issues, requiring a versatility that can adapt to different topics and audiences quickly. The Story Explorer is expected to have a keen nose for news and an insatiable curiosity. Research skills are paramount, as is the ability to quickly synthesize complex information into easily digestible, yet comprehensive reports. In today’s world of ‘fake news’ and misinformation, a commitment to ethics and integrity is more critical than ever, making fact-checking and source verification crucial aspects of the job.

Moreover, they often work under tight deadlines, requiring exceptional time management skills. Social media has also become an indispensable tool for modern journalists, both as a source of information and as a platform for disseminating stories. Audience engagement is now a significant aspect of the role, requiring journalists to monitor and interact with their readership, understand analytics, and sometimes even serve as their own social media managers to build a personal brand that complements their primary work. With the rise of citizen journalism and user-generated content, professional journalists are increasingly tasked with curating and contextualizing information, serving as a filter to bring the most accurate and relevant stories to the public eye.

11. Narrative Captain (Film Director)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Film Directors are the creative spearheads of any film project, but their role also involves significant managerial tasks.
• They liaise with producers on budget concerns, coordinate with casting directors, and provide feedback during the editing process.
• A deep understanding of storytelling techniques, camera work, and even acting methods often sets apart great directors.

The Narrative Captain, or Film Director, is the fulcrum of any cinematic endeavor, orchestrating the elements that transform a script into a living, breathing story. This role is as much about leadership as it is about artistic vision, requiring the ability to manage a large and diverse crew while maintaining the integrity of the film’s core message. In the pre-production stage, the director is intimately involved in script development, casting, location scouting, and budget planning, ensuring that the foundational aspects of the film align with their creative vision. Once shooting begins, they guide the cast and crew through the meticulous details of each scene, from the nuance of an actor’s expression to the intricacy of a camera angle.

They make pivotal decisions in real-time, always balancing the need for artistic expression against time and budget constraints. In post-production, their role shifts to collaboration with editors, sound designers, and visual effects artists to refine the film into its final form. The director is often the spokesperson for the project, responsible for presenting it to investors, stakeholders, and eventually, the audience. With the advent of digital platforms and the increasing importance of global markets, the role has expanded to encompass a strong understanding of technology and cultural nuances. They must adapt their techniques for different formats, such as streaming services or interactive experiences, and consider how storytelling elements will resonate with international audiences. As a custodian of both artistic and emotional impact, the Narrative Captain bears the weight of the film’s success or failure, making it a role for those with both artistic aspirations and a robust sense of responsibility.

12. Aesthetic Director (Art Director)

Main Responsibilities and Insights:

• Art Directors are not just about aesthetics; their choices can significantly influence a brand’s perception and bottom line.
• They often have a hand in selecting other key creative team members, influencing the entire creative process.
• Budget management and timeline adherence are often as crucial as creative vision.

The Aesthetic Director, or Art Director, serves as the keystone of the visual experience in any media or advertising campaign, setting the artistic tone and visual narrative. This is a role of leadership and vision, where one oversees a team of designers, illustrators, and other creative professionals to achieve a unified look and feel across all project components. Their duties extend from the conceptual phase, where they are integral in shaping the foundational ideas, to execution, where their keen eye for detail ensures every element meets the project’s high-quality standards. They are often the liaison between the creative team and the client or upper management, translating business objectives into innovative strategies.

With the rise of digital media, Art Directors increasingly engage with interactive design elements, ensuring a cohesive visual experience across both physical and digital platforms. They make data-driven decisions, employing A/B testing, heatmaps, and user feedback to refine designs. They also ensure brand consistency across various projects and often have a significant say in hiring decisions within the creative team. Ethics and sustainability have become growing considerations in this role, as consumers increasingly demand brand transparency and social responsibility. As a result, modern Art Directors need to be well-versed not just in creating appealing designs, but also in understanding broader cultural and social implications of their work. From print and broadcast to online and mobile interfaces, the Aesthetic Director crafts the visual language that helps in selling a product or idea and building lasting emotional connections with the audience.

Mapping Your Journey in Media Careers

In the sprawling universe of media careers, each position is a singular star and a part of constellations—interconnected yet highly specialized. The industry offers an intriguing blend of creative and technical roles, each replete with unique challenges, opportunities, and rewards.

Whether you’re just embarking on a career in the media sector or pondering a strategic pivot, understanding the multifaceted nature of these media careers will guide your decision-making and empower you to carve out your own distinct pathway. Remember, your aptitude for adaptation could become your most vital asset in an industry defined by constant evolution and driven by technology.

So, as you explore these diverse media careers, equip yourself with the insights, skills, and courage to make your next professional leap. Your perfect role is out there, waiting for you to seize it!

In this Q&A, Sophie “Lightning” Jamison shares how she went from creating content for fun to landing a Chief TikTok role, along with her tips for job-seeking content creators.

1. Tell us a little bit about your background. Where did you go to school and what did you study? What jobs have you had before your current Chief TikTok Officer role at Made by Gather?

I just graduated with a business degree in management from the University of Southern Maine. My sophomore year, I was selling shoes at Vans in the mall and discovered TikTok. I started my own channel centered around toy blasters and accumulated 1 million followers in six months. I then became the Chief TikTok Officer at Nerf for almost two years before moving to Made By Gather. 

2. Nerf and Made by Gather are fairly different brands. What inspired the jump to Made by Gather? What skills were still able to transfer over?  

These are two VERY different brands… I am all about challenging myself and finding growth from discomfort. I am also only 22 and want to continue to expand my skills and goals. Made By Gather was an easy pick based on their culture, goals, vibe, and values. Many skills are transferable as I am producing story telling content that motivates a consumer to purchase a particular product, while understanding the ins and outs of TikTok. This includes editing, acting, writing, storytelling, understanding the target audience, marketing, and integrating fun.

3. Before these jobs, did you see yourself working in social media?  

Not at all, I was set on being either a CEO or CMO. 

4. How did you use TikTok specifically to create a company’s brand—and ultimately your own brand from that?  

Originally, I used TikTok to create my Sophie.Lightning brand which now has 2.1 million followers. Then, during my time with Nerf I was able to build this brand as a professional content creator working for a large company. With Made By Gather, I am starting from near scratch to create content that embodies the individual personalities for each Made By Gather brand. 

5. What do you think it takes to be a content creator for a company today?  

The answer to this question has many layers that include basic skills such as editing and recording to more fundamental learnings such as understanding marketing, target audiences, and brand image. There is a level of professionalism that is needed to fit in at a corporation but also a level of confidence and skill to fight for your ideas and content. I now speak at sales pitches, could explain the brand history and layers to anyone, and am creating content aligned with our long-term business strategy. You also must be passionate, have fun, and utilize serious perseverance.  

6. What is your advice to job seekers trying to land a creative job by using their social platform(s)?  

If you are a content creator, you are a hot commodity for any business. Lean into your strengths and find your niche to then find what companies may be a solid fit for you. This role as well as many other social media roles will only become more prevalent over the next few years, so be ready!  

7. Do you have any other advice for job-seeking content creators or anything else to add?  

I am so excited to be a part of this team and cannot wait for what the future holds. If you are a content creator right now, do not give up, be authentic, and remember that hard work pays off.  

Interested in a creative gig? We have some open jobs for you!

By the minute, things like technological advances and artificial intelligence are changing people’s day to days—and, along with that, the working world. While some people are fearful that this could disrupt their industry, there’s a lot of data that points to quite the opposite: creative careers have a strong future ahead. 

And you don’t have to already be working a creative career to seek out a new one. Trends of people picking up freelancing and contracting have only picked up in the past several years, and The Great Resignation has forced them to think hard about their next career move. In fact, 46% of workers plan to change jobs in the new year.

Not only that, but data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that creative jobs are expected to grow 10% through 2026—much faster than average in comparison to other fields. While creative jobs grow, they also evolve with the ever-changing technology landscapes.

Check out these four evolving creative careers to consider.  

1. Social Media Manager

In the ever-growing and evolving world of social media, the role of a Social Media Manager can change by the day. However, in a general sense, they oversee the developing and implementing strategies for a company’s social media⁠—whether it’s Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, or all the above. Social Media Managers are the creative engines behind a company’s varying social outlets, staying on top of social media trends as well as curating content daily for that brand. They also monitor audience comments and maintain relationships with other companies on social media.

Some colleges are even launching social media majors.

2. Copywriter

Copywriters are responsible for creating effective and engaging text that is used to promote the products of the company they work for, whether it’s an ad agency or a corporation. Their writing is typically displayed externally on:

• ads
• websites
• catalogs
• videos
• social media

They craft messaging that grabs their reader’s attention. Most of their writing needs to be clear, as it’s used briefly and compellingly. A Copywriter is also usually part of the company’s marketing team, working closely with other team members in the process of brainstorming and executing ideas.

3. Graphic Designer

In a broad sense, a Graphic Designer is responsible for creating visuals for a company.

This can include designing:

• website layout
• ads
• brochures
• magazines
• corporate logos
• reports

The goal of a Graphic Designer is generally to captivate an audience with aesthetically-pleasing visuals that are in line with the company’s brand. Their job is to visually communicate with both the employees of the company along with clients or potential clients. They can be found across industries and can work on a variety of products depending on the company. Some Graphic Designers may specialize in particular fields such as illustration, digital design, branding, or advertising.

4. Creative Director

A Creative Director determines the creative vision of a brand or project and manifests that vision through digital, print and film installations. The job is to maintain a cohesive look and feel of a project—be it an advertising campaign, fashion line, video game or magazine—by ensuring the visuals, messaging and/or interactive and motion designs are on point. A Creative Director also establishes budgets and timelines and manages client relationships.