How do you want to do Communications and Journalism
Identifying your career pathway is exciting, but it can be daunting. You might not know where to begin looking. This resource will introduce you to the journalism and communication pathways out there. It will also introduce you to the kinds of organisations that hire these job roles. This resource is intended to guide your own research, therefore the information is not prescriptive or exhaustive. Some of these job positions require transferable skills from journalism and communication, or education and/or experience in another field of study.
Target communication and journalism capabilities
- The ability to influence opinion
- Clear and concise writing
- Articulate and confident verbal communication
- Strategic thinking
- Research and analysis
- Storytelling
- Visual design
The Wordsmith
Are you always carrying around a journal to scrawl sentences in? Why not use your flair for the written word in a career in writing? Writers conceptualize, research, write and edit content across different genres. Writing professionals are employed across diverse industries, including business to journalism (See ‘The Storyteller’). Writers can also work independently as a blogger, novelist, etc.
Associated Search Terms:
- Technical Writer
- Video Games Writer
- Ghost-writer
- Blogger
- Bid or Grant Writer
- Web Content Writer
- Specialised Writer (medical, sports, business etc.)
- Screenwriters
- Play or Musical Writers
- Author (educational texts, non-fiction books, or textbooks)
- Critics (film, music, food etc.)
- Novelist
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Technical Writer |
Noosa Boardrooms |
Noosa, QLD |
Content Writer |
KJR Australia |
Melbourne, VIC |
Magazine Writer |
Happy Mag |
Sydney, NSW |
Bid Writer |
AustCorp |
Perth, WA |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Newsletter Writer |
Not Pot |
Boulder, CO, America |
Video Games Writer |
Amazon Games Studios |
San Diego, America |
Creative Story Writer |
Immersive Arts Studio |
Mumbai, Maharashtra, India |
Content Writer |
Tommy Hilfiger |
Amsterdam, North Holland, Netherlands |
The Analyst
The Analyst enjoys finding and examining data for patterns and trends and visualising their findings in engaging ways to audiences. They are confident using statistical tools and generating data-driven stories. The Analyst can work in or with a range of private sector companies, or on behalf of governments and non-governmental organisations. A business analyst investigates business’ and stakeholders’ needs, identifies opportunities for improvement, and solves complex problems. A communication or marketing analyst researches and creates environmental and stakeholder scans, and examines potential sales of a product or service. A political analyst researches and studies varying risks including economic conditions, crime, conflict, and government instability etc.
Associated Search Terms:
- Digital Media Analyst
- Market Research Analyst
- Junior Research Executive
- Market Researcher
- Political Risk Analyst (specialised or generalist)
- Data Journalist
- Geopolitical risk analyst
- Intelligence analyst
- Policy Officer
- Political Digital Strategist
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Data Journalist |
REA Group |
Sydney, NSW |
Policy Officer |
Queensland Government |
Brisbane, QLD |
Data Analyst |
Bank of Queensland |
Newstead, QLD |
Market Research Analyst |
JLL |
Canberra, ACT |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Research Executive |
AWARE |
Singapore |
Market Research Analyst |
Frost & Sullivan |
Buenos Aires, Argentina |
UK Public Affairs and Policy Officer |
National Grid |
London, England |
Junior Risk Analyst |
Alma Capital Group |
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg |
The Spin-doctor
The Spin-doctor lives and breathes politics. They formulate and implement strategies for the politician or political party they represent. The Spin-doctor is responsible for crafting the politician’s image and stage managing their performances. They regularly conduct market research and keep up-to-date with political trends and voters’ opinions to inform their strategies. They have a strong understanding of journalistic practices, so that they can place stories in the media that benefit those they represent and they can advise on media relations. The Spin-doctor proactively manages and advises political campaigns.
Associated Search Terms:
- Press Secretary
- Social Media Analyst
- Legislative Assistant
- Media and Communications Electorate Officer
- Media and Communications Advisor
- Engagement and Culture Advisor
- Digital Engagement Advisor
- Speechwriter
- Campaign Director
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Fundraiser and Communications Coordinator |
Queensland Conservation Council |
Brisbane, QLD |
Media Officer |
Brisbane City Council |
Brisbane Airport, QLD |
Digital/Social Media Manager |
Australian Government Department of Finance |
Canberra, ACT |
Advisor |
New South Wales Government Department of Premier and Cabinet |
Sydney, NSW |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Speechwriter |
European Stability Mechanism |
Luxembourg City, Luxembourg |
Gender Equality Advisor |
World Health Organization |
Geneva, Switzerland |
Diversity and Engagement Advisor |
Department of Internal Affairs |
Auckland, New Zealand |
Public Information Assistant |
United Nations |
Nicosia, Cyprus |
The Editor
Are you always the first to spot spelling and grammar errors? Do you love rearranging paragraphs and reading? If so, an editing/proofreading career sounds right up your alley! Editors work for a range of publications including newspapers, magazines, online media outlets, government organisations and more.
Associated Search Terms:
- Newspaper and Periodical Editor
- Book Editor
- Script Editor
- Content Editor
- Copy Editor
- Editorial Assistant (can eventuate to Assistant Editor to Associate Editor and finally to Chief Editor)
- Press Sub-editor
- Proofreader
- Publications Editor
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Freelance Sub-Editor |
Insider Guides |
Brisbane, QLD |
News Editor |
Key Media |
Sydney, NSW |
Content Editor |
Beyond Blue |
Melbourne, VIC |
Editor |
The Walt Disney Company |
Melbourne, VIC |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Publications Editor |
World Trade Organisation |
Switzerland |
Editor |
Oxford University Press |
Oxford, England |
Copy Editor |
Amazon |
Seattle, WA, America |
Editorial Assistant |
Evo Enterprises |
East Kilbride, Scotland |
The Storyteller
Journalists are storytellers at heart. They share stories to inform the public and shape their perception. The Storyteller plays a crucial role in public interest and archiving historical events or people. The Storyteller is a ‘jack of all trades’ that is experienced in crafting stories for various formats, including multimedia and visual storytelling, print media, video and audio production and editing, and social media. Typical employers of The Storyteller include national, regional, and local newspapers (print and online), radio and television stations, magazines, media and broadcast companies, and creative digital media companies. The Storyteller can work in the spotlight or behind the scenes of a story.
Associated Search Terms:
- News Reporter
- Journalist
- Radio Show Host
- News Producer
- Entertainment Reporter
- Radio Presenter
- Television Presenter
- Newspaper Journalist or Magazine Journalist (online and/or print)
- Broadcast Journalist (radio, television, and the internet)
- Photojournalist
- Foreign Correspondent
- Specialised Reporter (business, science, politics etc.)
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Reporter |
Australian Broadcasting Corporation |
Sydney, NSW |
Sports Journalist |
Seven West Media |
Townsville, QLD |
Television Presenter |
Racing.com |
Melbourne, VIC |
News Producer |
Nine |
North Sydney, NSW |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Investigative Reporter |
Orato World Media Inc. |
Bowen Island, British Columbia |
News Anchor |
TST Media |
Dhaka, Bangladesh |
Journalist |
BBC |
Belfast, Northern Ireland |
Freelance Journalist |
Maritime Fairtrade |
Taipei City, Taiwan |
The Multimedia Enthusiast
Are you passionate about creative design, videography or photography? A career in the arts might be the fit for you. The multimedia enthusiast combines their communication skills with their technical media production skills to create eye-capturing, impactful media. They might also use their communication skills when negotiating design elements with clients. The multimedia enthusiast finds new and exciting ways to connect with or involve their audience.
Associated Search Terms:
- Content Manager
- Web or Multimedia Producer
- Artistic Directors
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator (including Animator)
- Web Designer or Developer
- Multimedia Specialist
- Cinematographer
- Film and Video Editor
- Interactive Media Developer
- Photographer
- Videographer
- Motion Designer/Social Video Ad Creator
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Social Media & Content Manager |
Starward Whiskey |
Melbourne, VIC |
Multimedia Specialist |
Polar Media |
Perth, WA |
Photographer |
Princess Polly |
Burleigh Heads, QLD |
Graphic Designer |
Viveo Group |
Brisbane, QLD |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Visual Editor |
CNN |
New York, America |
Web Designer |
Studio Graphene |
Lisbon, Portugal |
Interactive Media Developer |
Edmonton Public Library |
Edmonton, AB, Canada |
Video Editor |
Storms |
Singapore |
The Networker
Do you consider yourself a social butterfly? Do you love meeting and talking to new people? Then a ‘networking’ career might just be the butter to your bread. The Networker is an active listener, a negotiator and a communicator all at once. They are specifically adept at interpersonal communication. They thrive off regularly conversing with clients or publics one-on-one.
Associated Search Terms:
- Meeting/Event Planner
- Social Media Manager
- Real Estate Agent
- Human Resources Manager
- Corporate or Personnel Recruiter
- Mediation or Negotiation Specialist
- Sales Assistant or Representative (can eventuate to Sales Manager)
- Contact Centre Manager
Example Australian Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Real Estate Agent |
Seaside Real Estate |
Sunshine Coast, QLD |
Recruiter |
Pacific People Solutions |
Brisbane, QLD |
Mediator |
South Australia Police |
Adelaide, SA |
Social Media Manager |
Lorna Jane |
Brisbane, QLD |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Event Planner |
Michael Page |
Tokyo, Japan |
Human Resources Manager |
IKEA |
Afragola, Campania, Italy |
Recruiter |
Insider |
Istanbul, Turkey |
Mediator |
Koniag Government Services |
Carolina, Puerto Rico |
The Relationship Builder
The Relationship Builder is passionate about influencing public opinion or government decisions and policies. Their role is to create, maintain or repair the relationship between one or more clients and their publics/audience. The Relationship Builder has to strategically plan goals and objectives, and create and implement tactics to achieve these. Whether these goals and objectives have been achieved are evaluated after their specified timeframe. In public relations, The Relationship Builder can be involved in brand awareness, reputation management, or issues and crisis communication. They can also pitch stories to journalists to increase publicity around their client/s. The Relationship Builder works for public relations, marketing and advertising agencies which service multiple clients, or internally for corporations, government agencies, and not-for-profit organisations in communications departments. They may also work as a lobbyist on behalf of a group or individual.
Associated Search Terms:
- Social Media Specialist
- Strategic Communications Officer
- Communications Advisor
- Account Executive or public relations consultant (can eventuate to Public Relations/Communications Manager, Director, or Specialist)
- Community Relations Coordinator
- Fashion Public Relations Manager
- Stakeholder Engagement Advisor
- Lobbyist
- Diplomat or Ambassador
Example Australian Employers
Role | Employer | Location |
Social Media Specialist | Diamondport | Brisbane, QLD |
Digital Communications Officer | Infrastructure Partnerships Australia | Homebush, NSW |
Public Relations Account Executive | P4 Group | Newstead, QLD |
Stakeholder and Community Relations Coordinator | CPB Contractors | Melbourne, VIC |
Example International Employers
Role | Employer | Location |
Public Relations Manager | Rare Beauty | Los Angeles, CA, America |
Federal Regulatory Lobbyist | American Medical Association | Chicago, IL, America |
Creative Communications Officer | European Council on Foreign Relations | Berlin, Germany |
Public Relations Executive | Mutant Communications | Singapore |
The Marketer
The Marketer promotes products and/or services to customers, investors, or potential buyers to drive sales. The Marketer monitors market trends, creates advertising campaigns, and develops pricing and targeting strategies based on demographic data. The Marketer’s roles generally fall under either digital marketing and/or traditional marketing. They may also fall under public relations, especially regarding building brand or product/service awareness. Digital marketing includes pay-per-click marketing, search engine optimisation, and content marketing.
Associated Search Terms:
- Copywriter
- Marketing Coordinator (can eventuate to a Marketing Specialist or Communications Manager)
- Content Marketer
- Brand Manager
- Digital Strategist
- Creative Marketing Officer
Example Australian Employers
Role | Employer | Location |
Marketing & Digital Coordinator (in-house) | JLCA | Maddington, WA |
Social Media Strategist | Total Sport & Entertainment | Sydney, NSW |
Digital Strategist | News Corp Australia | Sydney, NSW |
Marketing Officer | Trieste Global | Brisbane Airport, QLD |
Example International Employers
Role |
Employer |
Location |
Copywriter |
Revolut |
London, England |
Content Marketer |
Sensolus |
Ghent, Flemish Region, Belgium |
Digital Strategist |
Saatchi & Saatchi |
Warszawa, Wielkopolskie, Poland |
Marketing Officer |
The Hunger Project |
New York, America |
The Global Communicator
If you are passionate about languages or international affairs, then a career in international relations and linguistics might fit you. The Global Communicator is interested in the complexity of language and/or intercultural relations and global governance or business. The Global Communicator can take on the role of an advisor to governments or businesses. They can also be a translator or interpreter. Research plays a vital part in a Global Communicator’s career.
Associated Search Terms:
- Cultural Advisor/Liaison
- Translator
- Interpreter
- International Business Consultant
Example Australian Employers
Role | Employer | Location |
Associate Translator/Interpreter | Nintendo | Redmond, WA |
Interpreter | Northern Health | Epping, VIC |
Headspace Cultural Advisor | Central Australian Aboriginal Congress | Elliott, NT |
Cultural Practice Advisor | Queensland Government | Logan, QLD |
Example International Employers
Role | Employer | Location |
Diversity & Inclusion Advisor | Norton Rose Fulbright | Newcastle, England |
Business Strategy Consultant | BSG | Steve Tshwete, Mpumalanga, South Africa |
Marketing Content Translator | Bang Energy | Berlin, Germany |
Freelance Interpreter | Geneva Worldwide | New York, America |
This page was created through a HASS Student Futures Student Staff Partnership.
Student Partner
Chelsea is a final-year communication and journalism student at The University of Queensland, majoring in public relations and digital media. Chelsea hopes to create engaging employability resources in this project to help HASS students identify the diverse career pathways their degree can lead them to.
Staff Partner
Locky is the Career Development Learning Advisor for the HASS Faculty who studied many history units as part of his BA majoring in Politics and International Relations. It's Locky's mission to help HASS students recognise and articulate their capabilities, and plan for their future career.