Communications, Design & Media Arts Career Pathways
Table of Contents
Communications jobs focus on using any written, visual, or spoken medium to convey information about a company or product.
Business communication helps a business achieve a fundamental goal, through information sharing between employees as well as people outside the company.
Technical writers draft informational materials such as equipment manuals, appendices, or operating and maintenance instructions, and assist in layout work for technical documents. The goal of a technical writer is to help customers or product users clearly understand how a product works. Content production is a creative job, developing visual or written assets, like videos, podcasts, blog posts, white papers, or infographics.
Visit our communications education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana communications training programs.
Education:
Entry-level communications roles typically need a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, English, public relations, or a similar field. Internships at a public relations firm, non-profit, or local organization can help increase employability.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in business communications include communications specialist, fundraising manager, human resource specialist, public relations manager, social media manager, and training and development manager/specialist. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Business Communications
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $53,000 - $60,000
Growth Rate: 10% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $55,000
MT Growth Rate: 18%
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Median MT Salary: $58,000
MT Growth Rate: 15%
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Median MT Salary: $76,000
Median MT Growth Rate: 22%
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Median MT Salary: $77,000
Median MT Growth Rate: 13% - 22%
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Median MT Salary: $99,000
Median MT Growth Rate: 13%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Data mining software like Google Analytics
Experience using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Meta Suite, YouTube, and TikTok
Knowledge of multimedia publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher
Microsoft Office Suite for preparing reports, speeches, and presentations
Project management software like Microsoft Project
Strong writing and editorial skills for content creation, newsletters, outreach
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Creativity
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Public speaking
Teamwork
In-demand Specialties:
End-user documentation
Medical documentation
Social media marketing/communications
Education:
Entry-level communications positions usually require at least a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, English, journalism, or a similar field. Certifications through associations like the American Medical Writers or Society of Technical Communication, as well as internships, can help increase employability and teach valuable skills. Content production roles typically require a bachelor’s degree in marketing, English, communications, or a similar field.
High-Growth Jobs:
Content marketing specialist, digital media producer, social media manager, and technical writer are emerging high-growth roles in Montana. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing career.
Technical Writing & Content Production
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $35,000 - $40,000
Growth Rate: 8% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $53,000 - $60,000
Growth Rate: 10% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $56,000
National Growth Rate: 36%
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Median MT Salary: $64,000
MT Growth Rate: 20%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Experience using social media platforms such as LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook Meta Suite, YouTube, and TikTok
Microsoft Office Suite for writing and editing documents, project planning, and preparing presentations
Photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva
Project management software like Microsoft Project
Strong writing and editorial skills for content creation
Understanding of graphic design principles such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create eye-catching images.
Video editing software like Adobe Premiere and Apple iMovie
Web page creation and editing software like Adobe Systems, Squarespace, Wix, and WordPress
Soft Skills
Communication
Creativity
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organizational skills
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Work in digital design includes digitally drafting artwork for animation, game design, websites, advertisements, and more.
Film careers can range from working on a production set as a costume designer, gaffer, cinematographer, production assistant, director, and more.
Media arts career pathways use new media and technology tools to produce art and build immersive experiences in education and entertainment.
Visit our media arts education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana media arts training programs.
Digital Design
Education:
Designers usually need a bachelor’s degree in art, graphic design, media arts, or a related field. Candidates for design positions should have a portfolio that demonstrates their creativity, originality, and previous projects. Courses in writing, marketing, and business, can also be valuable in helping designers work effectively on project teams.
High-Growth Jobs:
Graphic designer, UX/UI designer, and video game designer are emerging high-growth roles in Montana. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $50,000 - $60,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $55,000
MT Growth Rate: 12%
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Median MT Salary: $67,000
MT Growth Rate: 22%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing and desinging products
Knowledge of 3D modeling, animation, and game design principles
Proficiency in multimedia publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher
Photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva
Programming languages like C#, JavaScript, and Python
Understanding of graphic design principles such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create eye-catching images.
Web page creation and editing software like Adobe Systems, Adobe Dreamweaver, Squarespace, and Wix
Soft Skills
Adaptability
Communication
Creativity
Detail-oriented
Organization
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Education:
Work as a PA is great for those eager to launch a career in film or media production as it provides an inside view of how production runs and doesn’t typically require a bachelor’s degree. However, mid-level and senior-level positions typically require a two-year associate’s or four-year bachelor’s degree in media arts, digital design, or a similar field of study.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in film include audio and video technician, digital media producer, and film production assistant (PA). Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Film
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $35,000 - $40,000
Growth Rate: 8% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $43,500
MT Growth Rate: 13%
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Median MT Salary: $50,000
National Growth Rate: 8%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Analyzing data for audience trends and keeping track of digital metrics
Experience using social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook Meta Suite, YouTube, and TikTok
Knowledge of multimedia publishing tools such as Adobe InDesign and Microsoft Publisher
Mechanical knowledge of tools and technology used on film sets
Photo editing tools like Adobe Photoshop and Canva
Strong storytelling and writing skills
Understanding of graphic design principles such as lines, color, shape, space, texture, typography, scale, dominance and emphasis, and harmony to create eye-catching images.
Video editing software such as Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, or Apple iMovie
Soft Skills
Adaptability
Communication
Creativity
Detail-oriented
Organization
Perseverance
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Time-management
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.