Careers by Major - Visual Culture & Communication

 

image

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 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 

 

red block

1. Sample Occupations and Jobs
red block

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

1a. Sample Occupations

 
red block subheader

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

Media

  • Journalist
  • Reviewer/Critic
  • Editor
  • Proofreader
  • Writer
  • Researcher
  • Promotions Specialist
  • Layout Coordinator
  • Media Coordinator
  • Photographer
  • Photojournalist
  • Media Buyer
  • Image Consultant

Public Relations/Business Communications

  • Communications Specialist
  • Fundraiser
  • Media Relations Officer
  • Social Media Specialist
  • Director of Photography
  • Marketing Specialist
  • Market Research Analyst
  • Sports Marketer
  • Communications Specialist

Advertising and Marketing

  • Advertising Account Executive
  • Art Director
  • Account Manager
  • Visual Merchandiser
  • Graphic Designer

Performing Arts

  • 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 & Culture

  • Arts Administrator*
  • Curator
  • Lobbyist
  • Fundraiser
  • Exhibit Designer
  • Director of Photography

​Education

  • Teacher
  • Professor
  • Media Specialist
  • Information Specialist/Librarian
  • Curriculum Specialist

1b. Sample Job Listings

 
red block subheader

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. 

  • 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

red block subheader
  • 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

 

blue

2. Program-Related Skills
blue

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 arguments in writing, speech and a variety of visual media; articulate abstract ideas and visual impressions; and work cooperatively with others.
  • Technical: knowledge of visual media and its uses; understand issues associated with the production, dissemination, and consumption of media; and use specialized software.
  • Creativity: compare and contrast forms of visual media; and demonstrate artistic expression and inventive problem-solving.
  • Analytical: understand creative processes; analyze visual culture and its impact on society; and critically examine a range of art and visual culture from different time periods.

 

orange header

3. Explore Careers & Build Networks
orange header

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

Join a student club or an academic society at UTM to meet like-minded people, explore your interests and make valuable connections. To view a list of current clubs and societies, visit the Centre for Student Engagement's website. Some organizations you may consider are:

  • Department of Visual Studies Student Society
  • CFRE Radio
  • The Medium

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:

dark blue block

4. Get Experience
dark blue block

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

 
darkblue subheader block

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 Experience 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

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 Centre for Student Engagement's website.

4b. Off-Campus

 
darkblue subheader block

Internships, Summer, Part-Time and Volunteer Positions 

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 U of T 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

 

green block header

5. Useful Resources & Next Steps
green block header

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

Updated August 2023