The worlds of marketing, market research, advertising, public relations and some brands of journalism are closely inter-linked and practitioners commonly move between them to develop their careers. Salaries are good for those who can and want to advance further, but the work can be demanding in terms of personal lifestyles and energy levels generally. Hours are typically long and irregular, often involving tight deadlines, so flexibility is essential.

Jobs in media
This sector encompasses many job specifications within journalism, print media, film, television and radio among others. Although advantageous, a degree isn't always necessary. As long as you can write well, it should not be problem securing a position within the media industry, especially with the newspapers.

In film and television, roles include those involved in financial, creative or logistical organisation and planning (producer, director, assistant directors, production assistants etc), researchers and writers as well as technical positions (camera, sound etc). Support functions provide other possibilities, such as in makeup or set design. Radio work can be broken down into content production (producer, reporter, presenter etc) and technical production (engineers). Opportunities exist at both regional and national stations.

Career paths in print and web journalism as well as editing vary in how structured they are. Writers can be staff or freelance and in magazine graduates starting out could be assistant editors or trainees. Again, journalists might be called to work at irregular hours, especially if you choose to work for a newspaper, but established newspaper companies do have good remuneration packages and offer their journalists many opportunities to travel to different places.

Entry routes
Students pursuing journalism courses can expect to be sent for internships with any of media companies, be it print media or television companies. Pay would be typically minimal during your internship. Upon completion of the internship and the course, students might opt to return to the intern company or choose another media firm to work for.

Applications for most media fields will require a portfolio of work (written for journalism; audio for radio) and it's worth building up a range of examples. CV and letters, emphasising your experience, are still preferred methods of application, and again networking is vital.

Jobs in marketing
Marketing is a popular career choice for graduates and you would have better chances if you have developed an expertise in languages, or if you understand global markets and international business.

Marketing jobs can involve:

• devising and implementing marketing strategies
  
• overseeing the quality, price and distribution of products and customer service
  
• working closely with production, sales, distribution and finance departments
  
• publicising new products, involving commissioning advertising agencies, sponsoring events

and generally gaining publicity for the product or activity.

Marketing activity may be undertaken from a marketing department within a large company, or from an agency which serves a number of external clients.

Jobs in PR
Public relations ensure a company maintains a positive image in the eyes of its clients, the media and the public in general. A PR company helps its client companies to develop and carry out communication strategies which would help the client maintain a strategic business and perceptive position.
PR firms work closely with the media and their tasks include producing presentations and press releases, organising promotional events such as press conferences and analyzing media coverage.

Jobs in publishing
Various graduate roles are available to those interested in a career in publishing: you can work as an editorial assistant, a proof reader (there are training courses available in this area) or copy editor, or you can work with the design team who specialise in laying up the pages of publications.