Career choices

Audio/Visual Tech

Set up, or set up and operate audio and video equipment including microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, recording equipment, connecting wires and cables, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment for concerts, sports events, meetings and conventions, presentations, and news conferences. May also set up and operate associated spotlights and other custom lighting systems.

Board Operators

Set up, operate, and maintain the electronic equipment used to transmit radio and television programs. Control audio equipment to regulate volume level and quality of sound during radio and television broadcasts. Operate transmitter to broadcast radio or television programs.

Graphic Designer

Design or create graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. May use a variety of mediums to achieve artistic or decorative effects.

Grip/Lighting

Lighting and rigging technicians in the filmmaking and video production industries. Grips constitute their own department on a film set and are directed by a key grip. Grips have two main functions. The first is to work closely with the camera department to provide camera support. Some grips may specialize in operating camera dollies or camera cranes. The second is to work closely with the electrical department to create lighting set-ups necessary for a shot under the direction of the Director of Photography.
 

Multi-Media/Motion Artist

Create special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media for use in products or creations, such as computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
 

Newsroom Writers/Reporters

Collect and analyze facts about newsworthy events by interview, investigation, or observation. Report and write stories for newspaper, news magazine, radio, or television.

On Air Personalities/Announcers

Speak or read from scripted materials, such as news reports or commercial messages, on radio or television. May announce artist or title of performance, identify station, or interview guests.

On Air Talent

• Prepare and deliver news, sports, and/or weather reports, gathering and rewriting material so that it will convey required information and fit specific time slots.
• Read news flashes to inform audiences of important events.
• Identify stations, and introduce or close shows, using memorized or read scripts, and/or ad-libs.
• Select program content, in conjunction with producers and assistants, based on factors such as program specialties, audience tastes, or requests from the public.
• Study background information in order to prepare for programs or interviews.
• Comment on music and other matters, such as weather or traffic conditions.
• Interview show guests about their lives, their work, or topics of current interest.
• Discuss various topics over the telephone with viewers or listeners.
• Host civic, charitable, or promotional events that are broadcast over television or radio.
• Make promotional appearances at public or private events in order to represent their employers.

Producers

Plan and coordinate various aspects of radio, television, stage, or motion picture production, such as selecting script, coordinating writing, directing and editing, and arranging financing.

Production Assistants (PAs)

Promotions Assistants

Plan, direct, or coordinate advertising policies and programs or produce collateral materials, such as posters, contests, coupons, or give-aways, to create extra interest in the purchase of a product or service for a department, an entire organization, or on an account basis.

Reporters

• Report news stories for publication or broadcast, describing the background and details of events.
• Arrange interviews with people who can provide information about a story.
• Review copy and correct errors in content, grammar, and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines.
• Review and evaluate notes taken about event aspects in order to isolate pertinent facts and details.
• Determine a story's emphasis, length, and format, and organize material accordingly.
• Research and analyze background information related to stories in order to be able to provide complete and accurate information.
• Gather information about events through research, interviews, experience, or attendance at political, news, sports, artistic, social, or other functions.
• Investigate breaking news developments, such as disasters, crimes, or human-interest stories.
• Research and report on specialized fields such as medicine, science and technology, politics, foreign affairs, sports, arts, consumer affairs, business, religion, crime, or education.
• Receive assignments or evaluate leads or tips to develop story ideas.

Sales Assistants/Representatives

• Inspect layouts and advertising copy and edit scripts, audio and video tapes, and other promotional material for adherence to specifications.
• Plan and prepare advertising and promotional material to increase sales of products or services, working with customers, company officials, sales departments and advertising agencies.
• Gather and organize information to plan advertising campaigns.
• Confer with clients to provide marketing or technical advice.

Video Editor

Edit moving images on film, video, or other media. May edit or synchronize soundtracks with images.
 

Videographer/Camera Operator

Operate television, video, or motion picture camera to record images or scenes for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures.
 

Webmaster/Web Designer

Design, create, and modify Web sites. Analyze user needs to implement Web site content, graphics, performance, and capacity. May integrate Web sites with other computer applications. May convert written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible Web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of Web and multimedia content.
 

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