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, many mainstream media and marketing jobs include online and social media as part of the role.
For many roles entrants do not need a technical degree or experience, and do not necessarily need to have coding skills or be capable of building a website. Typically many digital media jobs are essentially marketing that focus on the use of social media to engage with target audiences.
Explore job roles
Many organisations employ their own in-house digital media specialists in roles which combine marketing with technology to enhance the organisation's online profile.
Communications agencies and design houses have digital teams which focus on developing marketing campaigns for web and mobile platforms, specialist digital agencies are also common.
It is also possible to work in traditional media organisations (e.g. TV, radio and newspapers) and publishers, developing online content, such as podcasts, videos and TV on demand as well as interacting directly with their audiences (via blogs, forums and other social media).
Use the job profiles below to find out about, skills, entry routes and experience
- Digital copyrighter Prospects profile
- Digital marketer Prospects profile
- Film/video editor Prospects profile
- PPC (pay-per-click) specialist Prospects profile
- Social media manager Prospects profile
- Web designer Prospects profile
- Web content editor National Careers Service profile
- Web content manager Prospects profile
Building skills and experience
- Use the job profiles above to check which skills are normally needed for the roles you are interested in. Use our transferable skills pages to explore ways to gain the top skills employers are looking for.
- Work experience in a digital agency or an organisation's digital department is a useful way to learn about roles and demonstrate your commitment to this career. Apply for experience speculatively to digital agencies and consider creative approaches like using social media or creating your own video advert.
- Develop your interest and understanding of social media, digital technologies, research trends, and basic concepts, such as how Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) works. It is usual to develop basic coding and SEO skills on the job, but you could start now: Code Academy.com and free online Google courses.
- Recruiters look for graduates with a demonstrable interest in social media, build your brand and develop your professional online profile. Write for a blog (or start your own), develop a profile on LinkedIn and be active on all key platforms to build a strong and credible online presence.
- Develop your knowledge of the digital landscape and gain an understanding of terminology via tools such as The Internet Advertising Bureau's jargon buster.
Finding and applying for jobs
Relevant experience and interest/drive are generally more important than a particular degree subject. Depending on the role, degrees in analytical or technical subjects, business or marketing may be advantageous.
Digital media employers use Twitter extensively to promote their opportunities. At higher levels, LinkedIn is a common means of advertising opportunities and searching for talent.
Find vacancies
- Bubble Jobs: Technical and digital jobs
- Manchester Digital: jobs based in Manchester
- Prolific North: jobs in north England
Further resources
- Manchester Digital Database of members, news and events in the Manchester area.
- Prolific North Information and events on the media, digital, marketing tech and creative sector in the north of England.
- Internet Advertising Bureau Industry body for digital advertising. Directory of members
Next steps
When planning your next steps you may have additional questions or want to explore certain aspects in more detail:
- Equality, diversity and your future career Explore diversity in the workplace and the support available to you.
- Careers meetings To help with planning your career, making decisions and exploring options.
