Skills you’ll develop
During your Media Studies degree, you’ll develop important skills to help you understand new media and the impact of technological innovation on our interactions, culture, and in our society.
These skills may include:
- Analyzing and interpreting media, drawing upon visual art, critical media theory, journalism, English, creative writing, film, information studies, and computer science
- Critically thinking about and assessing various mediums including radio, television, cinema, blogs, data, social media, books, interactive media, photographs, and more
- Collaborating on projects that reflect a critical understanding of the nature and effects of various means of communication
- Exploring cultural phenomena while developing your artistic and creative ability
- Designing, organizing, and completing projects grounded in research and media theory
- Effective written and oral communication skills used to express opinions and perspectives related to new media
- Professional collaboration skills and applying digital project visioning, development, management and techniques
- Innovating new applications through hands-on development experience
- Technical skills in digital media production, analytics, technology, and development
Career possibilities
Career opportunities vary widely across a range of fields including technology or software development, analytics, graphic design, interactive media, gaming, web design, communications, consulting, government, non-profit, and others.
There are many career paths that can combine your academics, skills, and experience with your different interests. Read through the job titles below for ideas.
Visit the Job Bank Canada website to research basic requirements and responsibilities of jobs in your field. Some career options may require further education or training.
- Advertising designer
- Advertising specialist
- Animation programmer
- Archives manager
- Art critic
- Art director
- Communications manager
- Communications policy researcher
- Community arts coordinator
- Copywriter
- Content developer
- Curator
- Editor
- E-learning specialist
- Event planner
- Festival organizer
- Filmmaker
- Fundraiser or Grant writer
- Graphic designer
- Interactive media consultant
- Journalist
- Marketing specialist
- Market research analyst
- Media relations officer
- Multimedia developer
- Multimedia manager
- Online marketing manager
- Product design
- Photographer
- Public relations manager
- Production assistant
- Social media account management
- Media campaign manager
- Software development manager
- UX designer
- Videographer
- Video games project manager
- Visual effects producer
- Web developer
Make the most of your program
Your experiences will open doors to new opportunities, develop your skillset, and help you clarify your values and interests.
- BC Alliance for Arts + Culture job board
Browse part-time and full-time opportunities in BC across a variety of fields in the arts. - Cinephile, UBC’s Film Journal
Write research papers, book reviews, and reports that engage with debates appropriate to film, media, and cultural studies. - Departmental events
Network with Media Studies students and faculty members at a variety of events. - Departmental research opportunities
Reach out directly to faculty members to ask about potential research positions. - Discorder Magazine
Submit articles, illustrations and photographs to amplify independent and underrepresented voices. - Media Studies co-op success stories
Learn about the experiences of past and present co-op students from your program. - National mentorship program
Find mentorship programs for aspiring media producers with the Canadian Media Producers Association. - PRISM International
Contribute contemporary writing or participate in a fiction, poetry, short form, or creative non-fiction contest. - The Garden Statuary
Share your essays, poetry, photographs and other work in UBC’s English Undergraduate Journal. - The Ubyssey
Volunteer to write articles for this weekly online student paper, no previous experience required. - UBC Media Studies Student Association
Meet other UBC students in your program through events and programs. - Undergraduate Journal of Art History and Visual Culture
Showcase undergraduate research, artwork, and writing in a peer-reviewed journal.
Build your network
Employers often hire people they know, so help them get to know you. You can build your network through clubs, classes, informational interviews, and more. There are so many ways to make connections and find mentors.
The professional associations below are also great resources for meeting people, learning about specific industries, and finding job and volunteer opportunities. Most have reduced membership rates for students and new grads.
- ACM Siggraph
- Academy of Canadian Cinema and Television
- Arts BC
- BC Alliance for Arts and Culture
- Behance
- British Columbia Arts Council
- Canada Council for the Arts
- Canada Media Fund
- Canadian Communication Association
- Canadian Communications Foundation
- Canadian Marketing Association
- Canadian Media Producers Association
- Canadian Public Relations Society
- Community Arts Council of Vancouver
- Creative BC
- Cultural Human Resources Council
- Digi BC
- Entertainment Software Association of Canada
- First Peoples’ Cultural Council
- History of Canadian Broadcasting
- International Association of Business Communicators
- International Association of Women in Radio and Television
- Institute of Canadian Agencies
- International Conference on Social Media and Society
- International Game Developers Association
- Registered Graphic Designers of Canada
- Society for Cinema and Media Studies
- WorkInCulture
Connect with alumni
Learn about possible career paths by browsing alumni stories or viewing the profiles of UBC Media Studies graduates on LinkedIn.
As you read, take note of interesting job titles, organizations, and experiences you may want to explore. If a particular story or profile aligns with your goals, consider reaching out for an informational interview.
More information
Throughout your Arts degree, you’ll develop skills and experiences that can translate into many career paths. Check out other things you can do with your Arts degree.