Careers by Major - Cinema Studies

This program is offered through the Department of Visual Studies

Each Careers by Major page provides lots of ideas on various career areas, as well as how to gain related skills and experience. Useful resources and job samples are also provided.

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
1a. Sample Occupations
1b. Sample Job Listings
1c. Sample Areas of Employment
2. Program-Related Skills
3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
4. Get Experience
4a. On-Campus
4b. Off-Campus
5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs

Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs pursued by graduates of this program.

1a. Sample Occupations

Note: This is not an exhaustive list. Detailed career profiles are available in the Career Centre. Some occupations require further education and experience.

Film Editor
Historian
Director of Photography/ Cinematographer
Casting Director
Art Director
Critic
Special Effects Technician
Set Designer
Lighting Designer
Archivist
Curator
Advertising Account Executive
Director
Costume Designer
Website Designer
Communications Specialist
Graphic Artist
Marketing Specialist
Programmer
Museum Technician
Sound Designer
Exhibit Designer
Advertising Copywriter
Consultant
Agent
Journalist
Sales Agent
Antique Dealer
Appraiser
Translator
Concept Artist
Specialist Researcher
Draughtsman
Post Production Supervisor
Script Supervisor

Actor
Camera Operator
Broadcast Technician
Writer
Computer Animator
Production Designer
Editor
Acting Instructor
Lighting Technician
Producer
Interior Designer
Photojournalist
Distributor
Multimedia Developer
Stage Manager
Recording Engineer
Sound Technician
Television and Radio Reporter
Activist
Location Manager
Media Buyer
Technical Writer
Publicist
Publisher
Art Administrator
Production Accountant
Public Relations Specialist
Conservator
Demographer
Illustrator
Announcer
Heritage Interpreter
Librarian
Storyboard Artist
Drapemaster
Marketing and Publicity Manager
Social Media Influencer

1b. Sample Job Listings

Below is a sample of delisted positions that have been posted on UofT's Career Learning Network (CLN). To access current listings, login to CLN and click on Jobs.

Library Clerk, Toronto International Film Festival
Agency Assistant, Vanguarde Artists Management
Rendering Production Assistant, Dayluxe Gallery Inc.
Art Sales & Marketing Representative, Sullivan Entertainment
Technical Director, DHX Media
Assistant Art Director, Arbitrage Magazine
Technician – Textiles & Costume, Royal Ontario Museum
Film Festival Planning Committee, Toronto Youth Shorts Film Festival
Volunteer Docent/Museum Teacher, Bata Shoe Museum
Promotions and Advertising Coordinator, The Medium, UTM
Digital Imaging Assistant, Institute of Communication & Culture, UTM
Audio-Visual Technician, Hart House, U of T
Production Assistant, Art of the Danforth
Systems Administrator, Re:Sound
Staff Writer, Longtail Studios

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

Movie, video, television, and theatre production companies
Film studios and TV/radio stations
Theatre, opera, dance companies
Museums/ art galleries
Advertising agencies
Heritage/ cultural organizations
Conservation institutes
Newspaper and magazine companies
Exhibit design companies
Non-profit agencies
Archive companies
Publishing houses
Educational institutions
Multimedia firms/design companies
Photo agencies/ studios
Casting agencies
Libraries
Model making companies
Festival associations
Consulting firms
Government and legal agencies
Self-employed/ freelance

2. Program-Related Skills

Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. Make a career counselling or an employment strategy appointment to discuss how you can demonstrate these skills to employers.

Communication and teamwork: effectively present ideas and theory to various audiences; and work well with others.
Technical: knowledge of distinct types of film, fillm genres, media cultures, and new media forms; understand issues associated with the production, dissemination, and consumption of film; and knowledge of film history.
Research and analytical: conduct research on how race, class, and gender operate in moving image culture and interpret findings; understand creative processes; and critically examine a range of film from different time periods.

3. Explore Careers & Build Networks

Career Exploration 101

Take our 15 minute online module. Gain access to UTM's career exploration programs:

Informational Interviews

Informational interviews are a great way to connect with professionals in a career area of interest and gain valuable insights about a particular career, company, or industry that would otherwise be difficult to find in books or online. Check out our tip sheet to learn more.

Alumni Profiles

Check out our Alumni Profiles page with submissions from UTM grads to find out how their experiences have affected their career direction.

Events

Attending career panels, networking events, employer info sessions, and career fairs is a great way to meet professionals and learn more about careers, companies, and industries. Login to CLN and click on Events & Workshops to see what's coming up.

Talk to Professors

Connecting with your professors can be a great way to explore the different paths a major can lead you to, as well as learn about possible opportunities for research, volunteering, or becoming a TA. Drop by during their office hours or request an appointment.

Student Organizations

Joining any student club or academic society at UTM is a great way to gain valuable skills and expand your resume. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Student Organization Portal. Some organizations you may consider:

Department of Visual Studies Student Society
English & Drama Students Society

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in various fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions, and more. Need help? Come to the Career Centre to book a LinkedIn profile critique.

Professional Associations

There are many benefits of becoming a member of association(s), such as developing a network of contacts, learning about industry trends, accessing industry-related job postings, and stating your affiliation on your resume. Some associations related to this major are:

4. Get Experience

Get some experience and exposure to the industry while being a student. This will increase your chances of finding a job after graduation, while helping you decide what area might be most suitable for you.

4a. On-Campus

On-Campus Opportunities Booklet

Check out the On-Campus Opportunities booklet to view a list of some of the ways you can get valuable experience on campus.

Work Study Positions

The work study program provides eligible students with an opportunity to work on campus during the academic year and gain experience. Many departments use this program to hire UTM students during the Fall/Winter and Summer terms.

Part Time and Volunteer Positions

Attend the annual Get Hired Fair
Check out our binder with detailed information on volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Learn about the Co-Curricular Record (CCR), which can help you find opportunities beyond the classroom and have your skills and experiences captured on an official document

Student Organizations

4b. Off-Campus

Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions

Check out our binders with detailed information on internships and volunteer opportunities; available in the Career Centre
Login to Career Learning Network (CLN) and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to UofT students
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Consider taking an academic internship course through your department
Check out Government of Ontario - Job Programs for Youth
Review our Internships, Summer Employment Programs, and Summer Job Search tip sheets

Full Time Positions

Networking is an essential element of job search today, as most jobs are not advertised. While you should still apply for positions you find online, building relationships with professionals is a proven way to access the "hidden job market" with some of the most desirable opportunities. Attend the "Learn to Network" workshop to discover proven techniques to effectively introduce yourself and make contacts.
Login to CLN and click on Jobs to access current postings advertised to graduating students and recent UofT grads. Note: You must attend the "Now That I'm Graduating, What's Next?" workshop to gain access to these postings.
Attend the annual Get Hired: Summer and Full-Time Jobs Fair
Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

Career Resource Library

The Career Resource Library contains information about a wide range of occupations in all industries, resume and cover letter resources, effective work search methods, graduate/professional school preparation guides, and more.

Appointments

Attend a one-on-one appointment with a career counsellor or an employment strategist to discuss what career options might work for you and determine a job search plan.
Meet with an academic or departmental advisor, who can guide you in achieving academic success. Contact the Office of the Registrar or your department for more information.

Career Planning by Year

Visit our Career Planning by Year page for ideas of important career related activities for each year. You can visit us in the Career Centre to find out more about career areas that interest you.

Additional Web Resources

Updated August 2023