We must also emphasize that the following ways of getting into media publishing positions encompass both the traditional printed media and the digital media. With that being said, here are the conventional and unconventional ways in which to get into media publishing. We suggest combining these tricks of the trade to boost your opportunities for success.
Be Educated
Most, in not all, employers offering media publishing jobs from intern copywriters to editor-in-chiefs require their applicants to possess a four-year college bachelor's degree in a related field. Degrees most commonly pursued in media publishing include journalism, communications and English literature although many employers are also looking for authors, writers and editors with specific skills suitable for the specific publishing jobs to be handled by the individual once hired.
For example, senior publishing jobs like editors for a Wall Street magazine can be required to possess pertinent qualifications to show proficiency in finance matters including stocks, securities and economics. In this case, a bachelor's degree in journalism may not be as important as a degree in financial management coupled with writing experience.
Indeed, we suggest getting your education not just from the four walls of the classroom but from society itself. Writers must constantly enrich their bank of knowledge so that there is always something fresh to offer to the reading public.
Be Trained
Getting a college education related to the media publishing industry is just the first step. Fresh college graduates and seasoned editors holding senior publishing jobs alike are compelled to take training courses in order to update their skills, to hone their talents and to expand their horizons. Plus, professionals can expand on their network of contacts, which is critical in either landing entry-level media publishing jobs for fresh graduates or spotting new talents for editors.
Training in preparation for publishing jobs take many forms including writers' conventions, workshops and seminars where participants are asked to undergo professional exercises in writing and editing. One of the most important training grounds, however, is becoming an apprentice to an expert in the field. You will be able to learn the insiders' tricks of the trade as well as be introduced to the very important people (VIP) of the publishing world.
Be Experienced
Most well-known authors, writers and editors started their careers as early as their childhood years. Keep in mind that becoming a great author, writer or editor is as much an inborn talent as it is a developed skill. You have to develop your raw talent by working and working and then working on it until such time that your unique works are recognized for their value.
In your schooling years, we suggest joining the school and community newspapers, magazines and journals in various capacities; participating in literary contests in whatever genre you wish to pursue later on; and looking for a mentor who can critique your works, among others. Your early works can, in fact, become your portfolio that can impress the hiring managers.
Your portfolio will be scrutinized to see if you fit the requirements of the publishing jobs being offered, be it as writer for a fashion magazine or as editor for a scientific journal. Years of experience, as shown in your portfolio and resume, can put you above the other applicants who were lazy to build their main product - their own selves.
Your portfolio need not be confined to the printed word. You must use the online media to put yourself in the radar of publishers and employers. Make a blog, join in online forums, contribute to online publications, and participate in online discussions - all of these steps can make VIPs in the publishing world sit up and take notice of your talents and skills. Even those applying for senior publishing jobs know of the value of putting yourself online mainly because over 80% of employers now look at online profiles for their hiring decisions.
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