Chicago Sun-Times lays off photographers. What it means for journalism (and journalists).

In yet another sign that traditional journalism is undergoing tremendous change, the Chicago Sun-Times recently laid off all of their photographers.  That move has drawn multiple protests from people who want quality journalism.  Especially in a city as big as Chicago.

But let's briefly look at the impact of the layoffs, beyond the layoffs themselves.  For journalism, the Sun-Times layoffs is a sign that traditional still photographers may not be needed in an age of digital media.  If you're an aspiring journalist, just simply writing won't cut it anymore, as learning photographic and video skills are a must.

And as for the photographers themselves?  They face an uncertain future, as they ponder whether or not to stay in journalism, use those skills elsewhere, or even consider an entirely different career.  It'll be interesting to see how things turn out in the coming weeks, months, and even years.

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Have your ever considered a career in freelance writing?

This blogger has, and is loving it, so far.  Click here to find out why she's in love with freelancing.

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Five things you must do in your job hunt

Article courtesy of careerealism.com.  Click here.

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Is a resume really that important?

Absolutely. Even in this age of social media and networking, it all comes down to what's on those pieces of paper you send to companies every time you apply for a job.

For instance, if you're applying for a public relations position, at say, a college or university, employers want to see relevant experience, not just that simply performed multiple duties at a current or previous position.  Also, employers want to see the commitment, hard work, not to mention the work ethic you've demonstrated at the places you've worked at before.

For some inspiration, click the following links to select sample resumes below. Good Luck!

Marketing Communications Manager

Communications Specialist

Social Media Manager

Public Relations Director

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Can your (lack of) social media savvy hurt your chances of getting a job?

Actually, it can. That's according to a recent survey conducted by the online privacy Abine, Inc.

FoxBusiness.com reports that nearly 70 percent of recent college graduates still have yet to find a job.  Yet, according to that same survey from Abine, only a smaller percentage of those students actually take the time to improve their online reputation.

Why is this important? Companies are judging potential employees by their behavior online, as opposed to simply picking up and reading a resume sent via regular mail.  After all, you are reading this post on a computer, are you?

Think about it.  Is posting a picture of getting drunk at a wild party on Facebook,  or saying something stupid on Twitter,  actually worth the loss of a job, or a lost opportunity to get the job you want?  Again, think before you tweet, or post, for that matter.

The bottom line? Use common sense when it comes to using social media.  The ability to land a job in an increasingly tough job market could rest on it.

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Just another reminder to A-M-Y: Always Market Yourself

If there were any more reminders as to why it's so important to market yourself, Dorie Clark gives yet another in her latest article on Forbes.com.  Click here to read it.

In addition to the points Clark adds in her post, here's another piece of advice to build your communication career: networking.  Networking gives you access to people you wouldn't otherwise meet, who will at least give you pointers on how to navigate this so-called new economy.  Although this post is aimed at future journalists, it can apply to just about any communications or media related field these days.

That 's yet another reminder to A-M-Y: Always Market Yourself.

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Internship Advice

With summer just around the corner, it's internship season for many college students, and if you're a communications major, any chance to hone your skills in a real world setting is very important.

Having said that, here are a few things to remember about internships.

1. Be smart where to do your internship. Ask your professor (s) if the internship is for college credit. Some institutions may offer internships as electives.

2. Treat an internship like you would a regular job. Even though most internships are unpaid,
you still have to come to work on time, and leave when the regular employees, unless there are other arrangements made with the employer.

3. Just because you have an internship doesn't guarantee you a job at the company once you graduate. But it does give you something to put on your resume once it comes time to
start looking for work.

There are many more things to say about internships, only there's not enough time, at least for this post. In the meantime, Happy Interning.

What are the top three degrees in demand for communications graduates (and why)?

This is according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), as well as from the College of Communication and Information at Kent State University.

Communications, public relations, and advertising are the three communication-related degrees that in demand by employers, according to the sources listed above.  Here are several brief reasons why.

Communications: There are many more ways to communicate now than at any point in history, thanks to the Internet.  For proof, look at the numerous channels that are available on YouTube, as well as the hundreds of thousands of podcasts that constantly seem to go online worldwide.

Most employers are looking for problem solvers, not just someone who will simply sit at a desk for eight hours a day, stare at a computer screen, and do paperwork all day in exchange for a paycheck.  For many companies, one of those problems that need to be solved might be improving communications between the company, and its customers/clients.  That's where a communication degree can come in handy.

Public Relations:  Are you a person that can put a positive spin on negative news?  Or find a way to sharpen a company's image.  Or even tell the story of that company?  If you've answered yes to any of these questions, then a career in public relations is for you.

The options for PR grads are numerous, from working with an agency or company, to a college or university.  Or you can work for a non-profit organization, manage a political campaign, or pursue a career in sales.  You can even work for yourself if you choose. The only limit is your imagination.

Advertising: You see them everywhere, on billboards, in magazines and newspapers, hear them on the radio, see them on TV, and (increasingly), even see them online.  Ads, ads, and even more ads.

The options for people who get a degree in advertising are wide open as well.  Companies need people to sell ads (account executives), write copy needed to get those messages out to the public (copywriters), and even people to make them visually appealing and attentive (graphic design).  If any of these descriptions fit you, then advertising just might be the perfect fit for you.


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A brief word to 2013 graduates

If you're someone who recently graduated from high school or college, this post is for you.

For those of you who graduated from high school, considering a major, then consider a career in communications.  Why?  There are many reasons to do so, with career possibilities ranging from journalism to public relations, business management to retail sales, and even graphic design to drama.  In other words, the sky is the limit.

As for recent college graduates, the good news is that the job outlook for you is slowly, but surely, improving.  Recent studies nearly half of recent grads have already been offered jobs.  

Additionally, those with solid communications skills have the best chance at getting the best jobs available.  That's according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE).  Imagine handling communications or marketing for an organization like that.

One other thing.  There's never been a better time to pursue a career in communications and related fields.  Why?  According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment of public relations specialists is expected to grow at least 21 percent between now and 2020.  That's faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which publishes the OOH each year.
 
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The bottom line?  Those recent graduates with solid communications skills will find themselves in the best position to get the job they want.

 

 

First Post of the 2013 WordCount Blogathon

As this post is being written, it's now just past midnight, Eastern Daylight Time, and the 2013 WordCount Blogathon is underway here at the 3C's.

Throughout this month (June), we'll hopefully have at least one post about all things communication, freelance writing, journalism, public relations, and other related fields.  It should be a lot of fun, and you, reading this, can join in on it.

So, what we are waiting for?  Here goes!

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Send e-mail to communicationcareers@gmail.com

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