Digital Media

Digital media draws together technology, media and marketing, advertising and PR. Roles for graduates are varied and in addition to the purely digital job roles, the majority of mainstream media and marketing jobs now include online and social media as part of the role.

The word ‘digital’ can be off putting to applicants, without a technical degree or experience. You may, for instance, assume that you need to have coding skills and be capable of building a website. This is not typically the case, as many digital media jobs are essentially marketing ones that focus on the use of social media to engage with target audiences.

Showing an interest in social media and digital technologies, research the trends, and understand the basic concepts, such as how Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) works. Basic coding and SEO skills can be developed on the job, however by exploring this prior to applying for roles and undertaking free online courses, you can give your CV a real boost.

Many organisations employ their own in-house digital media specialists in roles which often combine marketing with using technology to enhance the organisation's online profile.

Communications agencies and design houses will invariably have digital teams which focus on developing marketing campaigns for web and mobile platforms, and specialist digital agencies are now also common.

It is also possible to work in traditional media organisations (e.g. TV, radio and newspapers) and publishers, developing content for the web, such as podcasts, videos and TV on demand as well as interacting directly with their audiences (via blogs, forums and other social media).

Getting into the role

  • Recruiters look for graduates with a demonstrable interest in online media and new technologies. It is therefore important that you have a social media presence and are active on all key platforms; Digital media employers are particularly reliant on Twitter for promoting their opportunities. At higher levels, LinkedIn is a common means of advertising opportunities or searching for talent.
  • Develop your knowledge of the digital landscape and gain an understanding of terminology. The Internet Advertising Bureau have an online jargon buster.
  • Work experience in a digital agency or an organisation's digital department is a useful way to learn about different digital media roles, as well as demonstrating your commitment to this career. Contact digital agencies directly for experience and consider more creative approaches, like using social media or creating your own video advert.
  • While relevant experience and interest/drive are generally more important than a particular degree subject, analytical or technical degrees and business/marketing degrees (or degrees combining business and IT) may be an advantage depending on the role.
  • You may also wish to develop your coding skills, check out Code Academy,com to get you started. There are also free online Google courses such as these; Digital Marketing
  • You can also develop your professional online profile. Writing for a blog (or starting your own), developing a profile on LinkedIn and being active on Twitter will all contribute to a strong and credible online presence.

Find out more about digital careers and jobs

  • The Internet Advertising Bureau (IAB) Latest industry insights and resources.
  • Manchester Digital Local trade association for the digital sector. Site includes a useful directory of their members (digital businesses) and a jobs page.
  • Bubble jobs Web, digital, e-commerce and marketing jobs site.
  • Prolific North Digital media & tech companies. Search profiles to find companies with particular skills or expertise.