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Job outlook for digital media interns in the United States
Digital media internship job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected digital media internship job growth rate is 8% from 2018-2028.
About 22,300 new jobs for digital media interns are projected over the next decade.
Digital media internship salaries have increased 8% for digital media interns in the last 5 years.
There are over 46,138 digital media interns currently employed in the United States.
There are 72,449 active digital media internship job openings in the US.
The average digital media internship salary is $32,033.
Are digital media internship jobs in demand?
Digital media internship job and salary trends over time
Digital media internship jobs over time
Digital media internship job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 46,138 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 46,260 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 46,274 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 45,070 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 43,959 | 0.01% |
Average digital media internship salary over time
Digital media internship salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $32,033 | $15.40 | +2.7% |
| 2024 | $31,186 | $14.99 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $30,600 | $14.71 | +1.2% |
| 2022 | $30,243 | $14.54 | +2.2% |
| 2021 | $29,590 | $14.23 | +2.2% |
Digital media internship jobs by state
Most common states for digital media interns
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 353 | 51% |
| 2 | Vermont | 623,657 | 246 | 39% |
| 3 | Delaware | 961,939 | 309 | 32% |
| 4 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 183 | 32% |
| 5 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 235 | 27% |
| 6 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 204 | 27% |
| 7 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 249 | 23% |
| 8 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 299 | 22% |
| 9 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 230 | 22% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 165 | 22% |
| 11 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 362 | 21% |
| 12 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 286 | 21% |
| 13 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 1,146 | 17% |
| 14 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 324 | 17% |
| 15 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 503 | 16% |
| 16 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 841 | 14% |
| 17 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 511 | 14% |
| 18 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 746 | 13% |
| 19 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 546 | 13% |
| 20 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 395 | 13% |
Most common cities for digital media interns
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Frankfort | 1 | 4% | $30,356 |
| 2 | Annapolis | 1 | 3% | $30,857 |
| 3 | Dover | 1 | 3% | $31,237 |
| 4 | Juneau | 1 | 3% | $36,629 |
| 5 | Atlanta | 4 | 1% | $30,057 |
| 6 | Washington | 4 | 1% | $35,364 |
| 7 | Des Moines | 2 | 1% | $28,022 |
| 8 | Champaign | 1 | 1% | $30,438 |
| 9 | Hartford | 1 | 1% | $35,576 |
| 10 | Lansing | 1 | 1% | $33,128 |
| 11 | Chicago | 5 | 0% | $31,426 |
| 12 | Indianapolis | 3 | 0% | $25,400 |
| 13 | Phoenix | 3 | 0% | $34,267 |
| 14 | Boston | 2 | 0% | $35,592 |
| 15 | Denver | 2 | 0% | $35,957 |
| 16 | Baton Rouge | 1 | 0% | $23,720 |
| 17 | Irvine | 1 | 0% | $36,141 |
Digital Media Internship job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of digital media internship experts
University of North Texas
Duquesne University
Dominican University of California
Clarion University of Pennsylvania
University of Nebraska - Omaha
Colorado Mesa University
Syracuse University
California State University, Fresno
Henderson State University
Columbia College Chicago
Adelphi University
University of Minnesota
Davis & Elkins College
University of San Diego
Hannibal-LaGrange University
University of Minnesota
Fort Hays State University
Elizabethtown College
Carson-Newman University
University of Northern Colorado
Brittany McElroy
Senior LecturerUniversity of North Texas
Mayborn School of Journalism
What skills stand out on Digital Media Internship resumes?
Brittany McElroy: The most important thing is to be able to do everything. The days of super-specialized jobs where you could learn to do just one or two things are gone. A diverse skill set is so important. The second thing I would say students graduating and wanting to work in any kind of media need is a really good understanding of audiences. There is so much competition for people's attention that you will not be successful if you don't identify your niche, understand how to capture its attention, and keep it.
What soft skills should all Digital Media Interns possess?
Brittany McElroy: As far as soft skills go, they are the same skills they've always been- good networking and communication skills. Understand that while a lot can get done in a digital space, a face-to-face connection (even if that is on zoom) can go a lot farther than an email. Some of our recent grads hate having to pick up the phone and make an actual call. They are much more comfortable with text or email, but they need to push themselves out of their comfort zone to connect with people. While I think younger generations have a lot of new skills and perspectives that can be so valuable to potential employers, those old-fashioned networking skills still go a long way.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Digital Media Interns?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Media is about storytelling -- whether it's an ad, a social media campaign, a magazine story, etc. Being able to use the tools of your trade, whatever they may be -- algorithms, editing suites, etc. The most important skill, though, is understanding the essence of those tools -- what is they are intended to accomplish. If you understand that, you can easily adapt when tools change -- which they frequently do.
What skills stand out on Digital Media Internship resumes?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Evidence (courses, internships, other experience) that demonstrates competence in communicating with a wide array of audiences across multiple platforms. Our journalism program, for instance, is multiplatform: students learn to write, edit, shoot video, create podcasts, adapt stories to fit the requirements of multiple platforms, etc. Basically, we want to send students out of here like Swiss Army Knives -- able to work in their area of proficiency, be that writing or videography, but also adept with a wide variety of other competencies.
What soft skills should all Digital Media Interns possess?
Dr. Mike Dillon: Today, teamwork is paramount. A young professional must work with and communicate effectively with a wide array of internal constituencies. You definitely need interpersonal skills -- whether you are working in person or over Zoom or another video platform. The ability to work independently to problem-solve. Media cycles are now measured in nano-seconds, so a supervisor needs to be able to trust that you can handle what comes your way without constantly checking in. Tone -- the insight to understand how different platforms you use for planning or dealing with sources/constituents/colleagues -- who may be of different ages or from different cultures -- require mindfulness about how and what you communicate.
What skills will help Digital Media Interns earn the most?
Dr. Mike Dillon: To not think and act in a silo, to adapt and be in a position when new opportunities arise, even if they are not in a seeming linear line from where you might be at the moment. A person who is a critical thinker with technical skills is more valuable than a person who is adept at doing what they're told with technology but has no larger sense of the how or why they use tools.
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Communications, Coordinator, Online Learning and Development, Chair of the Communications and Media Studies DepartmentDominican University of California
Communication and Media Studies
What skills stand out on Digital Media Internship resumes?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Experience: internships, co-curricular and extra-curricular projects, and any jobs held while in college. Those jobs may not be directly related to a media coordinator job description but could have other benefits like the team environment at a restaurant.
What soft skills should all Digital Media Interns possess?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Working well with others, time management, and the ability to teach and supervise others.
What hard/technical skills are most important for Digital Media Interns?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: Video (shooting and editing), audio applications that allow you to produce and edit sound, and social media literacy.
What skills will help Digital Media Interns earn the most?
Bradley Van Alstyne Ph.D.: The hard skills (audio and video) usually get you the job, but the soft skills allow you to keep it and grow!
Dr. Lacey Fulton
Department ChairClarion University of Pennsylvania
Department of Communication
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: Being flexible is key. Enjoying the weird things that are a little out of the ordinary in your field. I've always been the single person who is obsessed with spreadsheets anywhere I have been employed. Be the person who isn't afraid to work within their boundaries but also be able to say no when it's needed or delegate the task if you're in the position to do so. Keeping current, exploring new options for work-flows and remaining on task with limited supervision. Thinking outside the box, innovating and being kind- be the person people want to work with and you'll see your opportunities expand!
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Digital Media Interns?
Dr. Lacey Fulton: A bachelor degree can help to get you in the door. Learning does not stop once you graduate. Finding ways to keep up with the latest trends and technology is imperative for Public Relations professionals. With the number of micro-credentials available at a low cost or for free, professionals at any stage in their career can remain current in their chosen specialty areas. Social media. Live events. Logistics. With the impact of COVID on in-person events, so many conferences and traditionally in-person events are being planned in innovative ways. Public Relations professionals have the perfect skill set to plan these new events and manage the messaging around them.
Joe Hayes
Associate Director Career Development and Employer RelationsUniversity of Nebraska - Omaha
UNO’s Academic & Career Development Center
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Digital Media Interns?
Joe Hayes: I don't think there ever has been or will be one specific course, certificate or degree that will guarantee job success. Any continued education is individual specific and tailored to a person's unique goals. The key part is understanding required skills in one's field, reflecting on your own abilities and developing a game plan to reduce the perceived knowledge gap. Overall, life-long learning will be key as industry skills continue to evolve.
Elaine Venter Ph.D.
Assistant Professor of Mass CommunicationColorado Mesa University
Communication Department
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Digital Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: In my opinion, we are going to see an increase in remote work. Graduates should be prepared to be able to work effectively independently and collectively in remote situations relying on computer-mediated communication tools like Zoom.
How have salaries changed over time for Digital Media Interns?
Elaine Venter Ph.D.: Mass Communication is a broad field that covers anything from journalists, social media managers, camera operators, video editors, PR specialists, copy edits, etc. While salaries are higher for some of these jobs than others, overall, general salaries over the years have been rising in all job sectors of Mass Communication and projections have noted growth especially from 2019 to 2029. The national average for graduates in with a Mass Communication degree falls between $55,000 to $60,000, but early grads can expect to come in on the lower side before moving into positions that can pay even higher than the national averages.
Les Rose
Professor of PracticeSyracuse University
Broadcast and Digital Journalism Department
How have salaries changed over time for Digital Media Interns?
Les Rose: Starting salaries are abysmal, but better pay is on the horizon. Think of your first job as a "paid internship", and sometimes it actually is. Don't forget if you wrote something libelous by mistake, your employer can and will be sued by your inexperience. But you want this because every day you don't know who you are going to meet, where you are going to go, or what you are going to learn and discover.
Betsy Hays
ChairCalifornia State University, Fresno
Department of Media, Communications and Journalism
What's a good job out of college for Digital Media Interns?
Betsy Hays: A good job out of college is one that provides you with an opportunity to grow some skills and pays enough so you can pay your bills and put a little money into your savings. The financial piece isn't one that we talk about enough, but it's important to create a budget, know what you need to make each month, and make sure that the jobs you are applying for at the very least cover your expenses. And if they don't, decide if you are willing to adjust your budget or take on another job as well before you say yes. Also, look for things that you will enjoy doing while leading you down the path you'd like to pursue.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Betsy Hays: The more experience you can get -- by volunteering, via class projects, through internships, by being entrepreneurial, etc. -- the better, as this will help you get or negotiate a higher salary.
Michael Ray Taylor
Professor and ChairHenderson State University
Communication and Theatre Arts department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Digital Media Interns?
Michael Ray Taylor: Yes, but it will not be entirely negative. The obvious negative impact is that many news outlets that were barely hanging on before the pandemic have now closed, and more closures appear likely. But the pandemic also proved that it is possible and sometimes even preferable to report and edit remotely, and I think that graduates who mastered the basic remote tools--Zoom interviews, webcam framing and lighting, podcasting, sound editing, etc.--will be in high demand for the foreseeable future, at all sorts news organizations, both traditional and digital.
What's a good job out of college for Digital Media Interns?
Michael Ray Taylor: Reporter for a local newspaper or broadcast outlet--no matter how low-paying or demanding of your time. The daily grind of reporting and producing accurate local news to deadline is an essential skill for a wide variety of more desirable jobs, which is something I've heard echoed over the years by successful network anchors, documentary producers, investigative journalists, web designers, directors of communication and marketing for large corporations, and even novelists.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Michael Ray Taylor: Try to become a master of everything: writing, editing, video production, photography audio recording, social media promotion, website creation, and other media-related skills. The future belongs to generalists. While very few people can truly excel in all of these areas, if you become really good in one or two, and can at least get by in all the others, your skills will always be in demand. Also spend time every day on Twitter, no matter how much you might hate it--that's where journalists network, at least for now.
What technical skills for a Digital Media Internship stand out to employers?
Curtis Lawrence: In this field of multimedia reporting, the ability to produce solid reporting remains critical. Other critical skills include the ability to produce and edit video and audio. This is important no matter what area of journalism one pursues.
How have salaries changed over time for Digital Media Interns?
Curtis Lawrence: This has never been a field where one becomes rich except for a relatively few high-profile practitioners of our profession. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Bureau of Labor, the median annual wage for reporters, broadcast correspondents and broadcast news analyst was $46,270 in 2019. Of course, this will be considerably lower for starting salaries. The labor bureau also predicts a decline in journalism jobs over the next decade based on a decline in ad revenue in radio, newspaper and television industries. This makes this an extremely competitive industry. That said, I firmly believe that those who are prepared and industrious have the opportunity to transform and elevate journalism at a time when our profession is needed most.
What's a good job out of college for Digital Media Interns?
Mark Grabowski: A good job would be one where you're happy, able to grow professionally and make enough money to get by. Your first job is probably not going to be your dream job. It may not pay great. And there will be boring days, bad days and perhaps all-nighters. But, because you're spending so much time working, you should try to find something you enjoy doing. You want to avoid taking on credit card debt or medical debt, so you may need to turn down opportunities that only provide "experience" or "exposure" over an actual salary and benefits. That said, it's hard to find an entry-level job that is both fun and pays a decent wage. So, you're going to have to strike a balance between doing what you love for peanuts versus making money but being miserable. Finally, you want to work at a place that will enable you to advance in your career or at least acquire skills that will help you in life. Otherwise, you're just wasting your time. And your first few years after college are prime years, so use them wisely.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Mark Grabowski: In media, it's important to have multimedia skills, so that you can be an effective and compelling digital storyteller. You should know how to record sound, how to shoot video, how to edit sound and video, how to write using search engine optimization, how to create a webpage, etc. That said, being able to write and speak well remain the most important skills - and so few young people do that well because they've been isolated this past year and they primarily communicate through texting.
What's a good job out of college for Digital Media Interns?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: Many of our students aim for a career in public or nonprofit organizations to address issues of social inequality and power imbalance. These are great jobs that align well with the skill sets of our students and their future career goals.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Zhirong Zhao Ph.D.: People in a public or nonprofit career aims not only for the growth of personal earning potential, but also the opportunity to make positive changes to the society.
Bridget Esterhuizen
Theatre Department Head, Assistant Professor of TheatreDavis & Elkins College
Theatre Department
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Digital Media Interns?
Bridget Esterhuizen: I don't think anyone knows the answer to this question. In the Theatre industry, we are doing our best to attend to "the moment," I think--which is what we try to do in our work, too. Right now, we have been given a gift that theatre artists rarely have time to reflect and prioritize. This is a time for us to look at addressing social change (such as responding to the "We See You White American Theatre" statement. This is also a time for taking action to nurture the arts in a financial way. I think MANY people in our industry would say this is a time similar to the Great Depression when programming to support the arts through government funding is essential for the survival of our arts, artists and our society. The impact on graduates will unfold in 'real time'. Graduates will face a need to be more adaptable than ever as they look for work alongside a call for making meaningful work. But, they also have an advantage right now because this is a major social event that is underway--which is a great prompt for creative work. We need art and stories more than ever right now in order to get through this together.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Bridget Esterhuizen: Flexibility. Versatility. Creativity. Luckily, these are things we are well trained for. BUT, it's very hard to make art when you are trying to survive, which is why I'll circle back to calling on our government to think a bit like Roosevelt's administration did and put funding into governmental arts projects and initiatives.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Digital Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Leslie Boozer: Since I am in the education and leadership field, I'm seeing a rapid growth in a variety of positions that have a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion as well as online learning. Education organizations are re-examining their mission, vision, and core values to determine how best to align to the new demands created by the multiple pandemics. Employers are closely reviewing every open position and examining if it is needed, if it aligns to their mission, and if it is supporting their commitment to equity.
What technical skills for a Digital Media Internship stand out to employers?
Leslie Boozer: Communication skills and the ability to adapt (specifically the ability to pivot and respond to changing needs) are crucial right now. They are also seeking innovators-people who are willing to think differently and creativity to solve the "wicked" problems we are facing in education.
How have salaries changed over time for Digital Media Interns?
Leslie Boozer: For education positions, we still see that some salaries are lagging behind corporate competitors. Educators are often rewarded for longevity with a pension. However, we see many people want more flexibility and a greater emphasis on competitive salaries in the short term.
Louis Riggs
Associate Professor of English, Pre-Law Advisor, Director of Community EngagementHannibal-LaGrange University
Department of English
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Digital Media Interns?
Louis Riggs: The long-range impact of coronavirus will be hard to calculate. Older students who were already familiar with online learning will be fine. High school students who did not have good experiences for whatever reasons will struggle to make up for lost instruction time. I have a colleague in the legislature who retired from secondary teaching after Spring Semester 2020. His AP students were logging in at 25% rates by May, down from 80-85% in March. There is no way to measure the learning deficits through conventional means (excepting ACT/SAT scores, perhaps), but nearly every student lost significant instruction time over the last year.
I have also discussed this with school superintendents whose students were enabled to enroll in online-only courses due to coronavirus concerns. Failure rates approaching 50% are not uncommon. Remediation for those students will have to take place over summers, or will likely not happen at all. Many school districts do not have that capacity.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Digital Media Interns?
Louis Riggs: The courses students can take to improve job prospects involve critical thinking and communication. As a member of the Workforce Development and Economic Development Committees over the last two years, I have seen alarming data about Gen Z's prospects, much of which revolves around disturbing gaps in problem solving skills and an inability to relate to those outside their peer groups. Digital natives grew up with cell phones that do the thinking for them-or so they believe. My department dropped the Statement of Assumed Prior Knowledge regarding research papers a decade ago because so many students have never completed a research paper before. I wrote research papers in grade school. Many of my students have no clue about the difference between a response paper and a research paper. After telling them a dozen times "There is no "I" in research," their default switch remains nothing but opinion. Fifteen years ago, we started research papers the last month of the semester. Today, we start research papers the first month. My students hit the library at least five times per semester out of necessity: otherwise, they will not go, despite the fact that librarians today are trained on how to navigate search terminology and have evolved with the information revolution.
Students also have a hard time communicating plain English because they speak "textese" with their peers. I literally send students out of class when caught texting and forbid laptops unless a student has an IEP because I have caught so many students checking social media accounts during instruction time.
Employers expect their workers to interact intelligently and courteously with their customers and fellow employees. They complain bitterly about horrible work ethics-Gen Z students have problems with showing up on time, staying on task and executing simple instructions. They have learned so much from their peers that is wrong, but are unwilling to entertain other points of view, including those who are paying them to theoretically follow simple instructions.
Taking speech courses helps students to more clearly organize their thoughts and interact more extensively with others.
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Louis Riggs: Potential earnings increases for English majors will come to those who are able to capitalize on their ability to critically think, research systematically and thoroughly, and most importantly, write and speak intelligently. English majors are well represented in law schools as well as graduate schools. We are a diverse and adaptable lot because we think and express ourselves clearly. One of the best economic developers in the state started professional life as an English major. These revelations are not uncommon.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Digital Media Interns?
Jeanne Halgren Kilde Ph.D.: Many of our graduates in Religious Studies go into non-profit work at foundations or social justice and cultural organizations. The impact of the pandemic on these types of workplaces is, as far as I can see, uncertain. In any case, the skills our graduates have honed in problem solving, critical thinking, analytical and synthetic reasoning, and oral and written communications, along with the knowledge they have obtained about various religious practices and the role of religion in people's lives, combine into an excellent foundation for work in many fields.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Digital Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Hsin-Yen Yang Ph.D.: The PR industry will look for talents who can identify credible information sources, truthfully report it to the stakeholders, and respond quickly to a crisis such as the current pandemic we are in.
The ability of using digital media to communicate and host online events effectively will become more and more important even in the post-pandemic era. For example, many events and conferences were moved to online platforms due to the pandemic in the past year and this trend is not going away anytime soon. Even when it's safe to hold face-to-face events, the demand for a safer and more affordable online option will remain significant.
What technical skills for a Digital Media Internship stand out to employers?
Dr. Tara Moore: A large percentage of job ads list SEO experience as a desirable trait in a candidate. Writers must understand the power of keywords. Students preparing for the workforce can sharpen their skills in a content management system like WordPress and learn to use social media scheduling apps. When I teach writing, I have been able to use the web pieces written by recent graduates to cover the expectations students will face on the job.
First jobs also often include work with maintaining style guides, so becoming familiar with that process and AP Style helps too. For a writer, audience is key. These technical skills are simply the means by which we prepare vibrant writing to reach our target audience. Ads also continue to list expectations for soft skills like being able to collaborate, communicate clearly, take initiative, and meet deadlines. Students who have participated in client-based projects or internships can demonstrate their experience in these areas.
What's a good job out of college for Digital Media Interns?
Dr. Tara Moore: Recent graduates often start in content creation and social media marketing, which make for an excellent first job out of college.
Students have a chance to use the creativity they value and apply it to their client's brand language. One alumna told me that she now spends as much time finding the right ten words as she used to spend writing a whole college essay!
Writers' prospects can take many different directions after that first job. Within five to ten years, our graduates move from content creation into a wide variety of management and director positions based on their interests.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Digital Media Internship job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Tara Moore: Due to the pandemic, companies now have greater comfort with remote collaboration. This opens up opportunities for professionals in charge of content creation. Employers are considering remote work from the start in some cases, and this widens the field for writers looking for a job. Some writers might start out with freelancing-another largely remote option-to gain experience and to enjoy that freedom early in their career.
Dr. Tamara Centis
Assistant Professor of Foreign LanguagesCarson-Newman University
World Languages Department
What will help Digital Media Interns increase their earning potential?
Dr. Tamara Centis: The above questions kind of answer this, but what I can add is take time to reflect on yourself, on what motivates you, challenges you, and what do you do to overcome difficulties. Be able to take these experiences at your advantage and learn about yourself. Think about what you can do to grow personally and professionally. Keep track of your accomplishments, milestones, and volunteer experiences. Explore new opportunities and learn, learn, learn! It is never too late.
What certifications/licenses/courses can have the biggest impact for Digital Media Interns?
Dr. Tamara Centis: Travel abroad and embrace diversity! Students tend to focus on technical skills, having certifications, licenses, which are all great, but let us not forget about the soft skills! When learning about people and culture we develop a broad set of skills like communication, adaptability, motivation, teamwork, and creative thinking, just to mention a few. Mastering these skills with any certification, license or course can have a great impact on your job prospects. Get out of the comfort zone, be humble, and be willing to learn. The sky is the limit.
Thomas Endres
ProfessorUniversity of Northern Colorado
College of Humanities & Social Sciences
What technical skills for a Digital Media Internship stand out to employers?
Thomas Endres: Sounds simple, but the ability to present oneself in a virtual environment. I just finished a three-hour Zoom meeting. One of the individuals called in because they couldn't make the link work on their computer, so we spent three hours listening to their voice while looking at a phone icon. Another had the camera set far away and angled back so that they were cut off at the neck. Just a small head resting on the bottom of the screen and lots of white wall and ceiling above. A third person was obviously slouched down on a couch in a darkened room, so they were flattened out and fuzzy. If I was an employer, would I want to hire any of these people and have them represent my organization? Probably not. The "skilled" communicator comes across strong on screen while simultaneously not drawing attention to it. They log-in early and take care of camera and microphone issues before the session begins. They are centered on the screen, the background is appropriate and non-distracting, they have front-lighting, and their head and shoulders fill just enough of the screen so that we can see them without staring up their nostrils. Again, it sounds simple, but it is amazing (and distracting and disheartening) how many have not figured out, or don't care about, the impression they make on camera. If you make it look effortless and natural, employers will notice.