Careers By Major - Visual Culture and Communication

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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.

Table of Contents 
  1. Sample Occupation and Jobs
    1. Sample Occupations 

      1. Further Exploration & Assistance: Get clear on your degree options 

    2. Sample Job Listings
    3. Sample Areas of Employment
      1. Further Exploration & Assistance: Areas of Employment
    4. Recruitment

      1. Further Exploration & Assistance: Get Connected 

  2. Program-Related Skills/ Skills Employers Value 
    1. Further Exploration & Assistance: Develop Skills
  3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
  4. Get Experience
    1. On-Campus
    2. Off-Campus
  5. Useful Resources & Next Steps


1. Sample Occupations and Jobs

“What can I do with my degree” and “How do I assess which job or career area will be a good fit for me” are questions that many university students ask themselves at various points during their time at university. Below is a sample of the many types of occupations and jobs that graduates of this program can consider. The list provided is intended to give students ideas of the many possible directions and career areas they can further research and explore.  

 

1a. Sample Occupations

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

  • Journalist*
  • Reviewer/Critic*
  • Editor*
  • Proofreader*
  • Writer*
  • Researcher*
  • Promotions Specialist
  • Layout Coordinator
  • Media Coordinator
  • Photographer*
  • Photojournalist*
  • Media Buyer*
  • Image Consultant*
  • Communications Specialist*
  • Fundraiser*
  • Media Relations Officer
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Director of Photography*
  • Marketing Specialist*
  • Market Research Analyst*
  • Sports Marketer*
  • Communications Specialist*
  • Advertising Account Executive*
  • Art Director*
  • Account Manager*
  • Visual Merchandiser*
  • Cinematographer
  • Casting Director*
  • Director* (Film, Video, Theatre)
  • Producer*
  • Special Effects Technician*
  • AV Technician
  • Media Coordinator
  • Production Assistant
  • Research Director
  • Set Designer*
  • Screenwriter/Playwright
  • Sound Technician*
  • Multimedia Designer*
  • Lighting Technician*
  • Arts Administrator*
  • Curator*
  • Lobbyist*
  • Fundraiser*
  • Exhibit Designer*
  • Director of Photography*
  • Teacher*
  • Professor*
  • Media Specialist
  • Information Specialist/Librarian*
  • Curriculum Specialist*
  • Graphic Design*

* View these titles at Career Cruising, available on CLNx under the Resources tab.

 

i. Further Exploration & Assistance: Get clear on your degree options 

Are you feeling unclear about what you can do with your degree, what jobs you can pursue? Exploring career areas of interest and evaluating options using information gathered about the career and self-knowledge helps students answer the questions posed above. 

 

Check out some action steps you can take below: 

1. Book a Career Counselling Appointment 

2. Do more research on sample occupations of interest through Career Cruising or explore careers through the Job Shadow Program.  

3. Use the self-assessment Know Yourself online modules in Quercus  

 

1b. Sample Job Listings

Below is a sample of previous jobs. The sample jobs were found in the job postings and previous jobs on the CLNx. Using both of these resources will provide ideas of where the jobs are or have been. 

 

  • Communications Assistant, Credit Valley Conservation
  • Grant Writer, Habitat For Humanity Brampton
  • Program Coordinator, Living Arts Centre
  • Communications Activity Assistant, Student Affairs, UTM
  • Communications & Copywriting Support, Bell Canada
  • Graphic Designer, TechTAP
  • Video Archivist, Discovery Communications
  • Media/Writing Communications Specialist, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
  • Digital Photography Archivist, Office of Advancement, UTM
  • Public Affairs Officer, Flagship Solutions
  • Editorial Intern, Toronto Life Guide
  • Visual Resource Assistant, Library, UTM
  • Webmaster, Air Pollution Coalition
  • Junior Art Director & Copywriter, Sapientnitro
  • Publications Analyst, Midtech Solutions

1c. Sample Areas of Employment

The following is a list of areas where graduates from this program typically look for career opportunities. These sectors in the labour market can be explored to identify the businesses and organizations within these areas and to learn about the breadth of opportunities that can be found here. In your research, look for factors influencing these sectors, and how this relates to the broader economy – if there is growth in these areas, then there may also be interesting work opportunities.   

 

  • Arts organizations
  • Galleries
  • Archives
  • Educational institutions
  • Museums
  • Performing arts organizations
  • Broadcasting and media firms
  • Advertising and marketing agencies
  • Public relations and communications firms
  • Libraries
  • Advertising, marketing, and PR departments of corporations

 

i. Further Exploration & Assistance: Areas of Employment 

Are you looking to find work and curious about what areas of employment and industries you can work for? 

 

Check out some action steps below:

1. Book an employment strategist appointment

2. Do more research on organizations you are interested in through the Organizational Profiles 

3. Create a LinkedIn profile and connect with those in industries of interest

 

1d. Recruitment 

General Recruitment Tips: 

  • Networking is key to accessing and landing opportunities 
  • Keep in mind alumni are contacted quite often for coffee chats from students so be mindful of their time
  • With the first point of interaction usually being email, choose your words carefully; email carries a lot of weight when someone is deciding what to think of you
  • For most summer roles, they typically do their hiring for summer internships in early spring
  • Demonstrate an interest and passion for the industry; An interest in a long-term career in the industry

i. Further Exploration & Assistance: Get Connected 

Want to learn more about how these industries recruit and how to get started in this industry? 

 

Check out some action steps you can take below:

1. Book an employment strategist appointment

2. Attend fairs, networking events, Informational interviews, connect with a professional associations in your industry

3. Review Industry reports, Career profile packages

4. Explore Additional Web Resources


2. Program-Related Skills/ Skills Employers Value 

Academic courses in this program provide opportunities to develop the following types of skills. 

  • Communication and teamwork
  • Technical
  • Creativity
  • Analytical

i. Further Exploration & Assistance: Develop Skills

 

Check out some action steps you can take below: 

1. Book an Employment Strategist or Career Counselling appointment to learn how to better translate your skills to employers

2. Skills Employers value

3. Program Plans: a resource where students plan their university experience while building and gaining skills

4. Skills articulation module     


3. Explore Careers & Build Networks

Review the opportunities indicated in section 3 and 4 to get a snapshot of opportunities you can partake in regarding building experiences and building a network. 

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 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 CLNx 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:

LinkedIn

Create a LinkedIn profile to connect with professionals in the fields, explore the career paths of UTM alumni, research employers, apply for specific positions, and more. Need help? Come into 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; go to the co-curricular database to find out how you can get involved

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.

 

4b. Off-Campus

Internships, Summer, Part Time and Volunteer Positions 

Full Time

  • 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 CLNx 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 Fair
  • Check out our list of industry-specific job boards

 

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps

This section provides additional resources to further your exploration and research regarding potential careers and industries you may be interested in. 

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

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 

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Updated September 2023