How to ace the digital media field? Here are some tips

As per a report  by Statista, India’s digital media market has grown significantly in the last couple of years, with estimates projecting it to spike to 862 billion rupees by 2025. Overall, the digital media industry in the country is poised for strong growth. And therefore, it also requires teams of professionals with diverse skills. So if  you are preparing oneself to work in this dynamic and ever-evolving digital media platform, you require a combination of skills, knowledge, and adaptability. 

Sharing her views, Sravya, who is working as an Associate Producer – Brand Solutions at The Quint, a digital news website,  emphasises that it’s important to read and anaylse digital news platforms, especially ones that are purely digital like The Quint, NewsLaundry, The Wire, The News Minute, etc. “Try to analyse the way they write their content and understand how it’s different from print or TV,” she says.

Sravya further suggests, “Digital consumers are young people, so when you prepare for creating content for digital that’s your audience, that is who you are catering to. So learn to keep your content short, crisp and innovative. Always be up to date on the trends and latest developments on the Internet.”

So, in this context, let’s look at some key steps to consider when preparing for a career in digital media:

Gain a strong foundation: Start by acquiring a solid foundation in media studies, digital marketing, communication, or related fields. Pursue relevant courses, certifications, or a degree programme that provides a comprehensive understanding of media theories, digital technologies, and marketing strategies. This will help you grasp the fundamental concepts and principles underlying the digital media landscape. The professional with The Quint highlights, “There are many workshops and certificate courses available that can help you understand digital media better, so take those up. CMS is used in digital media extensively, thus learning CMS would be an add on advantage.” 

Develop technical skills: Digital media platforms rely heavily on technology and tools. To excel in this field, it is crucial to develop technical skills. Familiarise yourself with industry-standard software for graphic design, video editing, content creation, and data analytics. Stay updated on emerging technologies and platforms, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and artificial intelligence, as they continue to shape the digital media landscape. In addition, Prachi Khandelwal, a media professional mentions,  “If you’re planning to settle and be part of a digital media organisation, it’s important that you work on nurturing good communication skills to make yourself a part of it. Also, be the real you and that’s all that will matter. Just be your extroverted self and if you’re not, prepare yourself to talk to a lot of people and just be YOU.”

Also Read: ‘Digital media is now an integral part of communication strategy,’ says Apeejay alumnus

Build a diverse portfolio: Start building a portfolio of your work to showcase your skills and creativity. Create a variety of digital media projects, such as graphics, videos, websites, or social media campaigns. Focus on demonstrating your ability to engage audiences, deliver compelling content, and adapt to different platforms and formats. Your portfolio will serve as tangible evidence of your capabilities when applying for jobs or freelance opportunities.

Stay informed and experiment: Digital media is a fast-paced industry that is constantly evolving. Stay informed about the latest trends, tools, and strategies through industry publications, blogs, and online communities. Actively engage in experimenting with new technologies and platforms. This will help you stay ahead of the curve, adapt to changing industry dynamics, and develop a reputation as an innovative and adaptable digital media professional.

Network and collaborate: Networking plays a vital role in the digital media industry. Attend industry events, conferences, and workshops to connect with professionals, potential mentors, and like-minded individuals. Engage in online communities and social media platforms related to digital media to build connections and stay connected with industry trends and opportunities. Collaborating with peers on projects or joining relevant professional organisations can provide valuable learning experiences and open doors to new opportunities.

Embrace analytics and data-driven insights: Digital media platforms provide vast amounts of data and insights. Develop a strong understanding of analytics tools and how to interpret data to make informed decisions. Learn to identify key performance indicators, measure campaign effectiveness, and optimise strategies based on data-driven insights. Proficiency in data analysis will enhance your value as a digital media professional and enable you to contribute to the success of campaigns and projects.

Cultivate creativity and adaptability: Digital media is a creative field that demands constant innovation and adaptability. Cultivate your creativity by exploring different art forms, studying successful campaigns, and engaging in brainstorming exercises. Develop the ability to adapt your skills and strategies to various platforms and target audiences. The digital media landscape is continually evolving, and embracing change with a flexible mindset will enable you to thrive in this dynamic industry.

So gear up to be part of this rapidly evolving field.