Choosing the Best Country for Studying and Building a Career in Media and Communications: A Comprehensive Guide

Are you considering a postgraduate course in media and communications and planning to settle in a different country after graduation? It's a big decision! This guide aims to provide you with the necessary insights and considerations to make an informed choice. Let's dive into the key factors and steps involved in building a successful career path in this dynamic field.

Understanding the Educational Factors

When it comes to studying media and communications, you should view post-high school education primarily as job training. This means that the focus should be on acquiring skills and knowledge that are directly applicable to your future job. The traditional liberal arts and humanities majors, such as English, history, philosophy, and political science, may not provide the marketable job skills that employers seek. In fact, many of these majors are considered 'useless liberal arts' and are often rebranded to make them appear more business-oriented.

Common rebranded majors include [Any Subject] Studies and International [Any Subject]. While these majors may be more palatable to employers, it's crucial to recognize that the underlying skills and knowledge are not fundamentally different. Employers are less impressed by claims of having learned critical thinking skills in these subjects. Instead, you need a field that leverages your skills and talents and aligns with available jobs in the market.

Developing a Career Path Plan

The path to a successful career in media and communications begins with a solid Career Path Plan. This plan should include a clear set of Career Goals and specific steps to achieve those goals. Here are the key elements of a comprehensive plan:

Career Goals

Short-term goals such as completing a postgraduate course in media and communications. Intermediate goals such as gaining relevant work experience through internships or part-time jobs. Long-term goals such as pursuing a leadership position in a media company or an academic career in communications.

Specific Steps to Achieve Goals

Education: Identify the specific degree or course that aligns with your career objectives. Certifications: Determine if any relevant certifications would enhance your employability. Experience: Outline the types of experience you need, such as internships or work-study programs. Demonstrable Skills: List the specific skills you need to acquire, such as video editing or writing for publication.

Requirements for Completion

Monetary Expense: Calculate the costs associated with further education, such as tuition and accommodation. Admissions: Research the admission requirements for your chosen courses and programs. Location: Consider the locations of the schools and their impact on your overall plan. Time: Estimate the amount of time required for completion of each step. Resources: Factor in the wear-and-tear on equipment, travel expenses, and other resources. Alternative Opportunities: Assess the opportunity cost of pursuing a particular goal.

Realistic Chances

Completing Preparation Steps: Evaluate the likelihood of achieving each step in the plan. Success Rate: Recognize that the odds may be daunting, such as a "one in a million" chance. Understand that the vast majority will not succeed. Preparation Steps: Determine the realistic chances of completing each preparation step, including the emotional and practical challenges.

Finally, it's essential to understand the reality of the adage "the exception that proves the rule." If there is a "one in a million" chance of succeeding, you will belong to that rare group. However, don't count on it.

Key Considerations for the U.S.

The U.S. is often seen as a top destination for studying media and communications, but there are significant financial and practical barriers to consider. A foreign student may struggle to afford a student visa if all funding is required, and the chances of securing a residence visa are slim. This scenario underscores the importance of developing a comprehensive plan that considers all aspects of the journey, from education to career.

Informational Interviews

A critical step in any career plan is conducting Informational Interviews. These can provide invaluable insights into the industry and help you tailor your skills and experiences to meet the demands of the job market. Refer to the CPC-JTR resource for more information on this topic.

Additional Resources

To provide a holistic view of your career path planning, refer to the following resources:

General Factors (SECTIONS — n01) Useless Degrees (n08) Tips and Cautions for College Freshmen (n11) Doing What You Love (n16) Choosing a School (n24) ROI - Return on Investment (n27) Informational Interviews (VERY IMPORTANT!!) (n33)

Carefully consider these factors and use the provided resources to develop a well-rounded and realistic plan that aligns with your career aspirations in media and communications.