Home Children and Young PeopleProfiling careers in the media

Profiling careers in the media

by Gemma Melling

Are you wondering what to do when you leave school? We’re featuring a number of career options to help to inspire young people about their choices.

Have you thought about a career working in the media? There’s lots of roles available including:

Social Media Manager

Social media managers co-ordinate online content and communications strategies. Salary ranges from £25,000 to £50,000.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role

You’ll usually need:

  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Find out more here.

Media researcher

Media researchers support producers by finding information, people and places for television or radio programmes. Salary ranges from £16,000 to £40,000.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • applying directly
  • training with a professional body

You’ll usually need:

  • 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level

Find out more here.

Public Relations Officer

Public Relations Officers manage the public image and reputation of organisations and individuals. Salary ranges from £22,000 to £40,000.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • specialist courses run by a professional body

You’ll usually need:

  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

Find out more here.

Newspaper or magazine journalist

Newspaper or magazine journalists write articles and stories for local, regional, national and online publications. Salary ranges from £24,000 to £45,000.

You can get into this job through:

  • a university course
  • a college course
  • an apprenticeship
  • working towards this role
  • specialist courses run by professional bodies

Entry requirements vary but you’ll usually need five GCSE grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), including English.

Find out more here.