Entry-Level Positions For Aspiring Media Analysts
Limited entry-level media analyst roles exist, primarily internships and editorial assistant positions, the latter's responsibilities varying widely; however, any entry-level role allowing "a few bylines under your belt" is valuable for building a portfolio and professional profile.
Entry-Level Jobs, Media Internship, Editorial Assistant, Building a Portfolio, Writing Skills
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Tyler Aquilina
Media Analyst
Variety Intelligence Platform
Loyola Marymount University
None
Film, Media Arts, Visual Arts
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Data and Analytics
Honors Student
Video Highlights
1. Internships are a common entry-level route into media analysis, offering a chance to gain experience and demonstrate professionalism.
2. Editorial assistant roles, while varying in responsibility, can provide a stepping stone beyond internships, often involving tasks others may not have time for.
3. Building a portfolio by securing bylines (getting articles published under your name) is crucial for career advancement, often achievable through entry-level positions with high workloads and limited staff
Transcript
What entry-level positions are there in this field that an undergraduate college student might consider?
I wish there were more, frankly, but there are really only a couple of routes. You can start as an intern, which I think is a very stock answer, but it is what it is.
Most major publications have internship slots available once or a few times a year. That's a good way to get your foot in the door, show yourself to be a committed, professional, and capable person.
The other kind of road is starting as an editorial assistant. That title is a little vague and can vary from outlet to outlet in terms of responsibilities. Sometimes you're literally an office assistant for the editor-in-chief.
Sometimes it's a step up from an intern, and you're doing the same type of thing: taking on assignments that, to be frank, nobody else really wants or has time for, but are still important.
Really, I think the main thing I would say is any entry-level position is good when you can get a few bylines under your belt. This means you can write a few articles and get something published under your name. That's important for building up your profile and portfolio.
So, intern and editorial assistant are really the only two roads there are. But again, anything where you can write something and have some assignments is good. Entry-level positions will often give you the opportunity to do that because there's so much to do and so few people to do it. You can really get great opportunities that way.
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