Graduate Opportunities

The large and diverse media and communications industry assumes a central role within the economies of Australia and New Zealand. The industry covers a wide range of occupations and mediums, including: radio, television and film; print media; internet content development; advertising; public relations; speech-writing; design; and printing. More than many industries, growth in media and communications is heavily influenced by technological change and cultural/social factors. Government policy can also shape the industry significantly, and has done so in recent years in both Australia and New Zealand.

The work

Graduates from a wide range of disciplines work in the media and communications industry. While it has always been a common destination for Arts, Media and Communications graduates, it is increasingly attracting graduates from other disciplines, such as Law, Commerce and Business. The ‘glamour factor’ attracts many, but the workload can be heavy, expectations demanding and deadlines tight. Without work experience getting a foot in the door in this industry can be difficult. Graduates can spend a year or more volunteering or freelancing for minimal pay before they get a break into full-time paid work.

What you need

To work in the media and communications industry usually requires a bachelor or higher degree, although some media organisations still offer cadetships to school leavers. Very good interpersonal and communication skills are essential for most jobs in the sector. Other qualities that are valuable across the range of positions include inquisitiveness, tenacity, a strong worth ethic and good general knowledge. Specific occupations, such as film production or design, require technical skills as well as relevant study.

Graduates interested in becoming journalists should not expect ‘over-night success’. Openings into major metropolitan newspapers in Australia and New Zealand are increasingly rare, with intense competition for the few cadetships offered each year. Positions in television and radio can be even more difficult to secure. Experienced journalists often move into a public relations area after a few years, most often as media officers or speech writers.

Money matters

In 2006, the Australian Graduate Survey showed half of all new bachelor graduates employed full-time as journalists and related professionals were earning between $29,000-$39,100, four to six months after completing their qualifications. For those working as media presenters, the equivalent range was $26,000-$40 000. It is more difficult to summarise the salaries paid to those working in general communications, as such roles are found in a wide variety of industries and have many different titles. However, many new bachelor graduates working in communications roles are effectively working as marketing and advertising professionals or designers and illustrators. In 2006, half of the former were earning between $32,000-$45,000, while half of the latter were earning between $30,000-$38,000. See www.gradsonline.com.au for current salary information.

Significant stats

• The number of journalists employed as of February 2007 was 22,800.
• Forty-six per cent of journalists are female.
• While journalism has shown very strong employment growth over the five years to February 2007 (43.2 per cent), for media presenters and media producers there as been an employment decline of 4.5 per cent and 9.2 per cent respectively.

Source: except where indicated, figures from “Australian Jobs 2007, Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.