7 Myths You Probably Believe About an IT Career in Media & Publishing
People believe that one can either get a technology job or a creative one. But what if we said that one can get a tech job in an artistically driven media company?
It is widely known that technology helps media translate innovation into opportunities for tech personnel to explore and experiment in media but just like every other industry, when it comes to IT recruiting for media companies, there are a lot of myths surrounding the profession.
We have listed a few misconceptions that may stop you from stepping into a new tech job in the media industry.
1. Myth – You must have a “background” in media to apply
Fact – This is a misconception that has led many individuals to not opt for technical jobs in media & publishing. Most people assume that a specialization in media, languages or the arts is required before applying for a job in this segment but not all media tech jobs ask for an arts or languages degree or experience of working in a media field. 65% of respondents in a survey by KPMG believed that the influence of technology professionals on media companies has grown in the last year. This means if you hold a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, you can still get a job in a media company.
Media companies like Facebook or Disney also hire people who have degrees in the traditionally known creative fields such as fine arts and design or creative writing. After all, to create tech products used by millions, if not billions, media companies need a strong team of User Experience (UX) experts, User Interface (UI) Designs and storytellers and content writers.
These design and content stories are then used by coders who help media companies in designing, writing and testing code for end-users to use through web applications, websites, and mobile applications. Another example is that of a sound engineer who might not have a journalism degree or background. He/she can still work in a variety of different mediums from recording in studios to theatres along with maintaining recording equipment.
2. Myth – An advanced degree in computer science is a must
Fact – You want to land a tech job in one of the biggest media companies, but do not have an advanced degree in computer science? Some of the biggest media companies in the world might not care too much about it.
In 2019, LinkedIn found some of the top companies one can work in without a degree. The world’s leading streaming entertainment service, Netflix, stood at 11th place on this list. While analysing this data, LinkedIn identified specific
positions which do not require applicants to have a four-year degree. A UX designer at Netflix, Hannah Maddy told LinkedIn, “Not only do I not have a four-year degree but I’m also a high school dropout and worked the graveyard shift as a baker until I landed my first design gig.” Maddy gained skills by working on side projects and learned how to code online.
This shows how you can get a tech or tech adjacent job in some media companies based on the skills you have acquired on your own. If you have the right experience for the profile, you can even reach out to a technology staffing agency for media companies like Han Staffing who value skills over degrees and make sure to understand this over screening calls and interviews done with the candidates before presenting them to the client.
3. Myth – There aren’t many opportunities for technology in media
Fact – This is the age of information technology where conventional mass media has been replaced by more complex and intuitive technology. Moreover, there has been a shift towards streaming platforms as well. This means that not only is technology a highly-valued skill in media, but new specializations are constantly being added, as the segment continues to innovate. Tech roles in media are not just limited to web design, devops or software programming as there are other roles like data analysts, business intelligence developer, cyber security analysts and even streaming service experts. Such profiles in the media industry require highly developed technical skills and knowledge. Right from creating the product, serving it to the audience and even studying the audience to understand their needs and desires better, there is always a requirement for talented technical and analytical minds in this fast growing segment.
4. Myth – One resume works for a tech opening at any media company
Fact – When it comes to technology staffing in media companies, this myth cannot be further from the truth. A generic resume or application template fails to impress the technology staffing agency for any media company. Candidates should be clear about the position they are applying for. After that, they need to read the job listing minutely to understand the role in the company and highlight skills in their resume which are best suited for the job.
A candidate’s resume should be tailored according to the position, making sure that it speaks directly to the hiring manager, explaining exactly why they would be ideal for the role.
For example, to land a job in a company like YouTube you will need a strong resume to stand out from thousands, if not more, resumes. One way to stand out could be highlighting previous work with another streaming media company or a personal project in the same realm. Elaborating on this more than other non-relevant experience, would give a candidate a head start compared to other resumes in standing out.
5. Myth – Media tech is not for “serious techies”
Fact – Media companies have a massive reach when it comes to audiences and that is why they are often prone to cyber-attacks. Experienced hackers wreak havoc on computer systems used in the industry for their own profits. One such example is HBO’s Game of Thrones hack. Another such example is the famous hack of Sony Music and all their artist pages. One of the most important roles then becomes protecting user data and devices from hackers.
This means that most media companies are either hiring employees or consultants who excel in White Hat technologies or even ethical hacking. Similarly, since their platforms and websites are used by millions, media companies pay special attention to scalability and performance of their code. At the same time, publishers like the New York Times are constantly pushing the boundaries of what can be done to tell stories better through words and visual elements. Made possible only through the work of talented UI designers and front-end developers. Is it a wonder then that they have started taking their technology teams and as a result their technology staffing extremely seriously?
6. Myth – Media tech jobs don’t pay well!”
Fact – The International Monetary Fund or IMF stated that ‘Global competition for a limited pool of technology workers is heating up’. An extensive study by a management consulting firm Korn Ferry, based in Los Angeles, found that there will be a global shortage of more than 85 million tech workers by 2030. The jobs could go unfilled because of the lack of skilled people to take them.
A World Economic Forum also said that Data Analyst jobs are growing in demand after the pandemic. Due to the acute shortage of skilled IT professionals, companies are ready to pay competitive salaries to the limited pool of qualified technology personnel. Moreover, candidates with the right expertise are offered a great pay because they are able to work with different frameworks and technologies and bring their past experiences and learnings to a new role.
Profiles such as web developer, UI developer or business analyst also earn an attractive salary based on their skillset. These job profiles get higher pay as they reduce operating costs for the company.
7. Myth – Media tech jobs have no room for creativity
Fact – Working in media tech does not mean you cannot explore your creativity in the field. It is not limited to designing websites for newspapers or channels with page after page connected with tabs; rather it allows you to play around with different innovative ideas in the user interface. Like, a UI designer who is responsible for the graphical layout of an application along with the UX designer who is supposed to enhance the platform by creating a delightful experience.
Remember the campaign of Netflix with Spotify which created engaging multi-format experiences around a buzzworthy Netflix original, Stranger Things? The design and tech team for the two companies placed an interactive masthead on the homepage of Spotify. When the user clicked on it, the Spotify interface app would start to glitch and the user would be taken over by an in-show universe. Due to the creativity of the technicians this campaign reached more than nine million Spotify users and 80% of people surveyed said that they would consider streaming content on Netflix.
Still not convinced about a serious tech role in media or publishing? Still wondering if creativity and technology can indeed go hand in hand? For all such questions and more, look no further than our media technology recruitment experts at Han Staffing. We are but a call or an email away!