Have you ever heard the term “new media” and wondered what it meant? And if some media is “new,” does that mean there is “old” media, too?

New media is a broad term that has risen in popularity alongside the evolution of the media industry. If you’re interested in a media career, you should know what it’s all about. Let’s take a closer look at what new media is and how it impacts our world today.

New media is often used as a “catch-all” term to describe the various forms of digital media and the interconnected nature of technology, video, images, and sound. So, “old media” would be the forms of communication that pre-date the internet, such as printed materials (books, magazines, and newspapers), radio, and TV.

One of the many unique aspects of new media is that it is constantly changing as new technological advancements change how we use, interact with, and experience media. What might have been considered “new” a decade ago has likely been replaced by another medium.

Some examples of new media are:

• Social media
• Blogs
• Email
• Websites
• Virtual reality (VR)/augmented reality (AR)
• Video streaming services
• Music streaming services

What Does an Education in New Media Involve?

If the concept of new media is always being redefined, what does it mean to get an education in new media? New media students are empowered to build foundational skills that will serve them well in the field, even as new media evolves.

For example, writing, design, editing, marketing, and public relations are all invaluable skills for new media professionals. These staples of communication will always serve as the building blocks for all forms of media, regardless of technological changes.

Also, learning how to be flexible and adapt to industry changes is essential. Successful new media professionals are adept at learning new skills and technologies and are open to changing perspectives.

It might sound uniquely challenging to work in new media, and it can be. However, these jobs can be some of the most dynamic and exciting careers, offering up a wealth of opportunities for advancement.

Careers in New Media

Media is a massive industry that features dozens and dozens of job titles, each leveraging different skills and harnessing various passions. Your options for jobs in new media will largely depend on your experience and education and your areas of interest.

Some of the numerous new media jobs you might consider include:

• Social media specialist
• Public relations specialist
• Graphic designer
• Copywriter
• Editor
• Photographer
• Marketing Manager
• Branding consultant
• Podcaster
• Market research analyst
• Mobile application/software developer
• Content marketing specialist

Many people don’t realize that skills in new media can be incredibly beneficial for many professionals, even those that don’t work in the media or marketing industries. For example, it’s not uncommon for marketing copywriters to transition into education, nonprofit work, or other industries. If you work in social media, your role could be at a marketing agency, a business or brand, and many other types of entities.

Like the concept of new media itself, new media careers are virtually limitless.

Gain Experience in New Media and Grow Your Career

New media isn’t just an industry trend; it’s the future of media as we know it. And whether you want to work as a social media manager, online influencer, copywriter, podcaster, or any job in between, learning about this fast-growing field is essential.

At the Beonair Network of Media Schools, with campuses located in Miami, Chicago, Colorado, and Ohio, students can gain an immersive education in new media by enrolling in our Digital Media Production program. The program provides a comprehensive perspective of new media, honing in on the art of digital storytelling, imaging, branding, and more. You’ll participate in classroom learning and hands-on, real-world experiences, preparing you to enter the industry as a qualified professional.

Could you see yourself pursuing an existing future with a career in new media? Get more information about how to achieve your goals when you contact us today!

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