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An internet presentation of the Occupational Outlook Handbook plus related career guidance information

Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2004-05 | All Occupations

The section of the ocouha website contains the text of the 2004-05 Occupational Outlook Handbook. This information is no longer being updated. For more recent information, start at the ocouha homepage www.ocouha.com.

Media and communications-related occupations

  • Announcers
    • Competition for announcer jobs will continue to be keen.
    • Jobs at small stations usually have low pay, but offer the best opportunities for beginners.
    • Related work experience at a campus radio station or as an intern at a commercial station can be helpful in breaking into the occupation.
  • Broadcast and sound engineering technicians and radio operators
    • Job applicants face strong competition for jobs in major metropolitan areas, where pay generally is higher; prospects are better in small cities and towns.
    • Technical school, community college, or college training in electronics, computer networking, or broadcast technology provides the best preparation.
    • About 32 percent work in broadcasting, mainly for radio and television stations, and 16 percent work in the motion picture and sound recording industries.
    • Evening, weekend, and holiday work is common.
  • Interpreters and translators
    • Twenty percent of these workers are self-employed.
    • Work is often sporadic and many interpreters and translators work part time.
    • Although training requirements can vary, almost all interpreters and translators have a bachelor’s degree.
    • Job outlook varies by specialty and language combination.
  • News analysts, reporters, and correspondents
    • Most employers prefer experienced individuals with a bachelor’s degree in journalism or mass communications.
    • Competition will be keen for jobs at large metropolitan and national newspapers, broadcast stations, and magazines; most entry-level openings arise at small broadcast stations and publications.
    • Jobs often involve irregular hours, night and weekend work, and pressure to meet deadlines.
  • Photographers
    • Competition for jobs is expected to be keen because the work is attractive to many people.
    • Technical expertise, a “good eye,” imagination, and creativity are essential.
    • More than half of all photographers are self-employed; the most successful are able to adapt to rapidly changing technologies and are adept at operating a business.
  • Public relations specialists
    • Although employment is projected to increase faster than average, keen competition is expected for entry-level jobs.
    • Opportunities should be best for college graduates who combine a degree in public relations, journalism, or another communications-related field with a public relations internship or other related work experience.
    • The ability to communicate effectively is essential.
  • Television, video, and motion picture camera operators and editors
    • Workers acquire their skills through on-the-job or formal postsecondary training.
    • Technical expertise, a “good eye,” imagination, and creativity are essential.
    • Keen competition for job openings is expected, because many talented peopled are attracted to the field.
    • About one in five camera operators are self-employed.
  • Writers and editors
    • Most jobs in this occupation require a college degree in communications, journalism, or English, although a degree in a technical subject may be useful for technical-writing positions.
    • The outlook for most writing and editing jobs is expected to be competitive, because many people with writing or journalism training are attracted to the occupation.
    • Online publications and services are growing in number and sophistication, spurring the demand for writers and editors, especially those with Web experience.
  • Media and communication workers, all other

See the Occupational Outlook Handbook in print.