How do I Become a Media Consultant?

Media consultants work in the field of advertising and public relations to deal with issues relating to media, particularly in the area of creating a positive public image for a company. If you are interested in this field, you can become a media consultant through schooling, experience and by having certain technological skills and people skills. A college degree is not required for entry-level positions, but individuals working in media consulting often have a four-year bachelor's degree in a liberal arts field. Media consulting is a competitive field, so it is important to gain experience in order to become a media consultant.

In order to become a media consultant, it is recommended to obtain a bachelor's degree. Degrees are offered in the areas of communications, public relations and advertising at many colleges and universities. A general degree in liberal arts is also acceptable, particularly with majors in such subjects as English and psychology. Graduate degrees are offered in public relations and advertising for individuals wanting to do research in the field or to hold higher-level supervisory positions.

Experience is vital in the fields of advertising and public relations, because competition is fierce for available jobs. Internships are offered at many companies, and they can be taken advantage of during college or immediately after graduation. An individual interested in obtaining an internship must go through an application-and-interview process with the company. Internships provide individuals with on-the-job training that cannot be found in a typical college atmosphere, and they provide an opportunity to gain valuable recommendations for future job applications as well as to find a mentor. Media consultants usually begin as entry-level assistants and work their way up as they gain more experience.

A media consultant works with a variety of media outlets, such as print, television, radio and Internet media outlets, so a familiarity with these areas is important. This is gained through college coursework and on-the-job training. Communication skills are also necessary for individuals in the field of media consulting.

Someone who wishes to become a media consultant should be able to work well with other people, because much of the daily job is communicating media needs with others. Skills in technology are utilized more as social and Internet media becomes more prevalent in the field. An individual who wishes to become a media consultant should take classes in computer technology to meet this requirement, along with continuing education after a position has been obtained.