LO1 Research potential careers, employment and higher education options

Potential careers

I have a very varied media skill set so finding a sector in the media industry that suits me is difficult. I believe that I could be suited to the advertising sector. This is because there are a large variety of skills that are needed to succeed in this field.
 The website creativeskillset.org is an invaluable resource when looking for a career to pursue. Advertising has many different careers within the sector, ranging from account manager to graphic artist. Out of all the jobs involved in advertising the job that appeals to me the most is Creative Director, this is because it involves both the creative side of advertising that comes with copywriting and the business aspect that's involved in nurturing a creative environment and pleasing clients. Creative director requires strong leadership skills as well as capable communication and presenting ability and a unique creative mindset.

The qualifications needed for creative director are minimal as previous experience and talent are more appealing to agencies. A strong portfolio of commercially successful work is also desirable.

Typically a creative director makes there way up to the position through work as a copy writer or art directors. However it has been known that talented and successful individuals can jump to the position. The position of creative director can lead to a role in the leadership of the agency.

Employment

Employment in the media industry is high at the moment, due to the recent wave of new technology start ups. These start ups are looking for talented and creatively wired people to help build and progress their business. Graphic designers are on constant demand for publishing companies like Penguin Books. Web designers are in demand because of the recent surge for website creation. Another job role which currently has high employablitiy is marketing employees who can help push a unique new vision for advertising. 

Higher education

To make a career in the media industry the most common way is to go through further education at an university level. Universities offer a large variety of courses that provide ways into the media industry. These courses can be largely creatively focused as well as business and marketing focused. I would prefer a course that offered a business standing point with some creativity mixed in for project work. This could be a course like communication and graphic design or and advertising BA.