Career Opportunities for Majors in Journalism and Media Studies

Introduction

The Department of Journalism and Media Studies offers a major leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree. It provides undergraduate students with a broad spectrum of courses in the theory and practice of journalism and mass media, preparing them for professional careers in newspapers, magazines, television, radio, news agencies, publishing, public information services, and more! The department focuses on the practice of journalism and mass media, the impact of media on society, public policy and understanding, and the planning and development of public information systems.

Journalism and Media Studies graduates find career opportunities in a wide variety of settings including business, education, government, and the non-profit sectors. Skills in verbal and written communication are one of the most sought after characteristics employers look for when hiring and any work that involves communicating as its focal point is a potential career field. However, the communications industry is a competitive one and experience a must.

While many graduates work in a related occupation, others choose different directions. Many careers do not require a specific major but rather a wide range of demonstrated skills and accomplishments. Regardless of your career choices, increase your marketability to employers through internships, responsible work experience, good grades and involvement in college activities.

A Sample of Related Occupations

Admissions Counselor	Customer Relations Rep.	Media Production Assistant
Advertising Acct. Exec.	Disc Jockey	Personnel Recruiter
Advertising Director	Editor	Photographer
Audio-visual Consultant	Entertainment Agent	Public Information Officer
Biographer	Film/TV Director	Public Relations Specialist
Camera Operator	Foreign Service Officer	Radio/TV Newscaster
Circulation Director	Fundraiser	Sales Representative
Columnist	Human Resources Adminstrator	Screen/Script Writer
Commentator	Journalist	Station Programmer
Consumer Advocate	Librarian	Talent Coordinator
Convention Organizer	Lobbyist	Technical Writer
Copy Writer	Market Researcher	Tour Guide
Corporate Trainer Correspondent	Media Buyer	Traffic Manager
Critic

Types of Employers

Private & Nonprofit Organizations
Advertising Agencies	Health Organizations	News Agencies
Book Publishers	Hospitals	Newspapers
Cable Television	Labor Unions	Professional Associations
Community Arts Centers	Libraries/Museums	Public Relations Firms
Community Organizations	Magazines	Radio Stations
Educational Organizations	Management/Consulting Firms	Retail Stores
Entertainment Firms	Manufacturing Firms	Telecommunications Firms
Financial Institutions	Market Research Companies	Television Stations
Foundations

Government Agencies
Cultural Affairs	National Endowment for the Humanities	Small Business Administration
Department of Labor	National Park Service	U.S. Information Agency
Federal Retirement Thrift Investment Board	National Science Foundation	Voice of America
National Archives	National Telecommunications and Information Administration

Jobs Obtained by Rutgers Graduates

Adjuct Professor, English, Lafayette College	Marketing Research Analyst, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Admissions Representative, Rutgers University	Media Relations Associate, Philip Morris U.S.A.
Assistant Dean, First-Year Students, Rutgers University	Online Assistant Editor, ITV STUDIOS, INC.
Attorney, Richard F. Fried, Esq. (JD)	Park Fellow, Doctoral Student, UNC - Chapel Hill
Communications Product Manager, NY Life Benefit Services	Principal, Pam Communications Services
Communications Specialist, United Way of Tri-State	Production Coordinator, ABC
Counselor, Charles Nechtem Associates	Public Relations, TOSHIBA
Director, Internet Fundraising, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society	Public Information Officer, County of Union
Electronic Media Supervisor, United Parcel Service	Regional Human Resource Manager, Wallace
Fashion & Luxury Manager, Travel & Leisure Golf Magazine	Remote Producer, ESPN Radio
Freelance Reporter, Asbury Park Press	Reporter, Washington Post
Group Manager, Giles Communications	Reporter, Newsday
Human Resources Assistant, Tower Group Company	Senior Editor, KPMG Peat Marwick LLP
International Radio Broadcaster, Voice of America	Senior Writer, Advocacy Comm, American Cancer Society
Manager, Corp. Public Relations, Canon USA, Inc.	Sports Reporter, Associated Press
Manager, Enterprise Rent-a-Car	Supervisor, Events, Merchandising & Trade Shows, Universal Television Group
Marketing Copy Writer, Asbury Park Press	Talent Coordinator, NBC
	Washington Correspondent, A.M. BEST

Graduate Schools Attended

Boston University, MA, Television Production	Rutgers University, MA, English
Cardiff University, MA, International Journalism	Rutgers University, MBA, Marketing
Columbia University, MA, Psychological Services	Rutgers University, M.Ed., School Counseling
Fairleigh Dickinson University, MBA, Business Management	Seton Hall University, MA, Corporate & Public Communication
George Washington University, MA Journalism/Mass Media	Temple University, MA, Journalism
Howard University, JD, Entertainment Law	University of Florida, JD, Advertising/Law
New School University, MA, Communication	University of North Carolina, PhD, Journalism/Mass Media

Additionally, you may:

Explore the career paths of RU Alumni Career Network mentors.
Go to the Rutgers Online Career Planning Site to explore your interests, skills and values. Use the program for either: High School Students | College Students.
Explore Rutgers University academic department information related to this major.
See the Occupational Outlook Handbook for additional career information.
Pick up your "Career Opportunities" handouts at any New Brunswick Career Services office.

Still Have Questions? Ask a Career Counselor.