Communication today is increasingly reliant on digital media. Whichever direction you want to go with a career in digital media, you have the potential to reach audiences across the globe instantly. Technological advances have helped spur innovation in this rapidly growing space, and the versatile career paths in communications and digital media have created a high demand for skilled professionals.
From digital marketing to social media influence, content creation, digital graphics and more, there are many roles that utilize communications and digital media skills. The Master of Arts (M.A.) in Professional Communication with a Digital Media Emphasis online program from Southern Utah University (SUU) provides in-demand expertise that prepares graduates for these positions.
Career Options in the Digital Communication Industry
The goal in any digital media career field is to be a successful professional communicator. In digital media, you have a target audience and a message to deliver. Being proficient in the art of communication is essential. This includes mastering communication theory, qualitative and quantitative communication research, and writing and creating professional presentations.
Understanding digital culture, including pop culture messaging and professional social media, is critical to success in the digital media space. Learning about advertising and public relations strategies, issues in communication and strategic brand management prepares you for various career opportunities in digital communications.
Several niche careers are open to professionals with the knowledge, skills and tools covered by studying digital media. Whether you’re pursuing a career in web building, social media, mobile app creation, video or any other type of internet-based career, furthering your education helps you achieve career goals. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that jobs in media and communications are expected to grow between now and 2033, adding 109,500 openings per year.
Marketing Manager
Digital communication professionals are not confined to one career option. In fact, they have several choices given their varied skill sets. For example, Indeed notes that marketing managers typically direct marketing policies, create strategies and coordinate a company’s marketing activities. This includes tracking, analyzing and using data to determine the effectiveness of marketing efforts. A marketing manager is also responsible for creating a budget and projecting revenue as well as working with a creative team to produce branding, packaging and marketing materials.
Additionally, marketing managers have a national average salary of $73,656 annually, per Indeed data. A graduate degree or certifications can boost your salary.
Media and Communication Specialist
The career options don’t stop at marketing manager. A communications specialist may work in public relations, media or promotions for a company, bringing public awareness to their products and services. They work with marketing, sales and public relations to build and promote their brand’s reputation. This includes creating press releases, case studies, business proposals, presentations and coordinating events and public appearances for company executives.
According to Indeed, the average salary for these professionals is $52,702 per year. This varies depending on location, qualifications and level of expertise
Social Media Influencer
For those looking for another career choice, that of social media influencer offers a unique a booming opportunity. Companies partner with social media influencers with a similar target audience to help promote their brand to the right demographic. To be a successful social media influencer requires having a significant number of followers who trust your advice. Typically, this involves creating photos and videos to share in social media posts. Creating captions and responding to comments and messages from followers creates trust and loyalty.
The national average salary for an influencer is $52,035 per year. However, this can vary widely depending on the number of branding deals and the size and engagement of the social media following.
SEO Writer
While social media influencers reach audiences on the front lines, SEO writers are behind-the-scenes digital media professionals. SEO content drives organic traffic and helps boost conversions. SEO content writers optimize blog posts, landing pages, website copy and product descriptions for target audiences. This is a job that involves a lot of research on both the subject matter and on the keywords and search patterns of the desired audience. As with other digital communication careers, a significant part of the job is analyzing the performance of the published content.
Salaries vary, depending on whether you are a freelance writer or working for an agency. According to ZipRecruiter, the median salary for an SEO writer in the U.S. is $84,151.
Communication Graphics Specialist
Additionally, communication designers provide communications and digital media specialists with another opportunity that combines creativity and strategy. Communication designers engage customers through visual content. They use knowledge of marketing, communication and brand management combined with artistic skills to create a variety of graphics that deliver information to the target audience. This differs from a strictly graphic designer role, since the vision and messaging are as important as the graphics alone.
A communication graphics specialist can work in advertising, web design, marketing, product packaging and more. According to ZipRecruiter, the average salary for a communication designer is $70,757, but it varies widely based on education and certification.
Visual Branding Consultant
Brand consultants are usually independent and provide a thorough and objective analysis of a company’s marketing and branding efforts, advising the company on changes to enhance their reputation and image. This role requires substantial research and analytical skills as well as excellent communication skills.
The goal is to deliver a short- or long-term strategy with actionable solutions aimed at company growth.
The position’s combination of required skills is attractive to many, and Salary.com estimates the average annual salary of a visual consultant at about $104,481.
Specializing in Communication and Digital Media
In an increasingly digital world, the digital media space is important for most organizations. According to Indeed, digital media “involves the creation of audio, video, websites, social media and applications using technology such as the internet and electronics. Electronic devices can help design, update and transmit digital media.”
Professionals with strong communications and media skills will continue to be in high demand within this landscape. SUU’s online M.A. in Professional Communication with a Digital Media Emphasis program helps you gain the knowledge and proficiency to excel in a digital media career.
Learn more about SUU’s online Master of Arts in Professional Communication with a Digital Media Emphasis program.
