Careers by Major - Visual Culture & Communication

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Careers for graduates

Visual Culture and Communication (VCC) graduates have many career path opportunities to choose from. The following list is only a sample of possible career opportunities.

Note: This is not an exhaustive list as there are many other careers available. Many positions require additional education or experience.

Media

  • Journalist*
  • Reviewer/Critic*
  • Editor*
  • Proofreader*
  • Writer*
  • Researcher
  • Promotions Specialist
  • Layout Coordinator
  • Media Coordinator
  • Photographer*

Arts & Culture

  • Arts Administrator*
  • Curator*
  • Lobbyist*
  • Fundraiser*
  • Exhibit Designer*

Education

  • Teacher*
  • Professor*
  • Media Specialist
  • Information Specialist/Librarian*
  • Curriculum Specialist*

Advertising and Marketing

  • Advertising Account Executive*
  • Art Director*
  • Account Manager*

Performing Arts

  • Cinematographer
  • Casting Director*
  • Director* (Film, Video, Theatre)
  • Producer*
  • Special Effects Technician*
  • AV Technician
  • Media Coordinator
  • Production Assistant
  • Research Director
  • Set Designer*
  • Screenwriter/Playwright
  • Sound Technician*
  • Multimedia Designer*

Public Relations/Business Communications

  • Communications Specialist*
  • Fundraiser*
  • Media Relations Officer*
  • Social Media Specialist

Note: career profiles for many of the above jobs are available in the Career Centre. Those marked with an asterisk(*) can be viewed using Career Cruising, a Canadian electronic career guide available through your Career Centre account.

Who employs visual culture & communication graduates?

  • Arts organizations
  • Galleries
  • Archives
  • Post-secondary institutions
  • Museums
  • Performing arts organizations
  • Broadcasting/Media
  • Advertising/Marketing Agencies
  • Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Public Relations Firms
  • Libraries
  • Advertising/Marketing/Public Relations Departments of Corporations

Skills developed by visual culture & communication majors

Communication:

  • communicate ideas/concepts/theories through a variety of media sources
  • present and defend theories of visual culture
  • articulate abstract ideas and visual impressions
  • demonstrate creativity and artistic impression
  • write articles on media topics for publications

Research:

  • research political and social theories, events and trends
  • search for evidence of history and theory of urban change through visual culture
  • research socio-cultural identities, activism
  • trace development of visual culture

Analytical:

  • analyze visual culture and its impact on society
  • compare and contrast forms of visual media
  • explore media forms of multicultural expression
  • interpret values and beliefs from visual forms
  • assess the history of visual culture

Organizational:

  • compile and organize facts and information
  • planning and time management
  • work with deadlines
  • work independently
  • work in teams/small groups

Sample job listings for graduating students/recent graduates

Below is a sample of the types of positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre for graduating students or recent graduates. To access full-time opportunities (for up to two years after graduation), you must first attend an orientation. Drop by or call us at 905-828-5451 for more information.

  • Communications Writer and Communications Officer, Bluegenesis
  • Media/Writing Communications Specialist, Toronto Conservation Authority
  • Public Relations and Communication Manager, Textile Museum of Canada
  • Assistant Production Editor, Canada Law Book Inc
  • Graphic Design Artist/Designer, First Media Group, Inc
  • Program Coordinator, Living Arts Centre
  • Director of Student Services, Student’s Administrative Council, UofT
  • Writer, Google
  • Publications Assistant, Canadian Shareowner
  • Project Coordinator, Artwork/Print, Kik Corporation
  • Script Writer, IPSOS-ASI Ltd.
  • Technical Recruiter, Computer Horizons Canada
  • Online Media Design, YYZ Pictures
  • Creative Art Director, Cantos Cadre
  • New Media Programmer, Corus Entertainment
  • Communications Assistant, Credit Valley Conservation
  • Technical Writer, Fast Canadian Enterprises Ltd.
  • Graphic Designer, TECHTAP
  • Graphic Designer, Virtual Team Builders
  • Creative Blogger, Virtual Team Builders
  • Public Affairs Officer, Flagship Solutions
  • Health Writer, Jack Digital Productions Inc.
  • Marketing Copywriter, Questrade

Don't forget about U of T Mississauga alumni!

Check out our Alumni Profiles page, to read profiles of UTM alumni who have studied in this area, find out about their career path and how their experiences have affected their career direction.

How to get experience

Start early by seeking relevant summer, part-time and volunteer opportunities that will help you gain experience and develop the skills that employers want. Below is a sample of the types of temporary positions that have recently been posted with the Career Centre. To access the summer, part-time, temporary and volunteer postings, register with the Career Centre Online.

Volunteer Positions

  • Design Editor, Jargon Magazine
  • Research Intern, Honeycomb Worldwide Inc.
  • Grant Writer, Habitat For Humanity Brampton
  • Editorial Intern, Descent Magazine
  • Editorial Board, The Black Business and Professional Association
  • Website Editor and Technical Writer, Diner Tech Corporation
  • Volunteer, MB Media Productions
  • Swap Meet Volunteer, SWAPSITY
  • Social Media Marketing Volunteer, SWAPSITY

Part-Time Positions

  • Copy Editor-Writer, Canadian Shareowner
  • Freelance Article Writer, Metropolitan Drug Awareness Guid
  • Media Analyst, Ministry of the Cabinet Office
  • Broadcast Assistant (Videographer), Cruise Services International
  • Enhancer, The Toronto Sun Publishing Company
  • Video Archivist, The Discovery Channel
  • Editorial Intern, Toronto Life Guide
  • Desktop Publishing/Website Maintenance, Quanta Developments
  • News Editor, Gaming Ottawa
  • Writer, Gaming Ottawa
  • Webmaster, Air Pollution Coalition
  • Writer/Journalist, Arosa Media
  • Publication Designer, Varsity Publications Ltd.
  • Freelance Writer, Sheknows
  • Web Maintenance, Mind Body and Soul Self Help Support Centre
  • International Programs Research Unit, Journalists for Human Rights

Work-Study - previous postings have included:

  • Digital Film Editor, Residence
  • Media Officer, Student Centre
  • Student Centre Marketing Rep
  • Communications Rep, Student Affairs
  • Website Development Coordinator, Ontario Public Interest Research Group, Toronto
  • Communications Assistant, U of T Centre for Environment
  • Media Assistant, U of T Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies
  • Graphic Designer and Illustrator, U of T Department and Centre for the Study of Religion
  • Multimedia Centre Coordinator, U of T Student Life
  • Electronic Research Assistant, U of T Mississauga Library
  • Digital Imaging & Slide Assistant, Dept. Fine Art
  • Secondary School Liaison, CCIT
  • Marketing Assistant, Career Centre
  • Web Page Designer, Dept. of Sociology

Summer Positions

  • Editorial, Marketing and Info-Tech Intern, Green Teacher
  • Advertising Manager, Planet Publications, Inc.
  • Marketing Manager, Inventmode
  • Campus Marketing and Promotions Manager, Offshoot Communications
  • Communications Assistant, Toronto Central Community Care Access Centre
  • Communications & Copywriting Support, Bell Canada
  • Associate IT Support & Hardware Tech, Bell Canada
  • Associate Graphic Designer, Bell Canada

Extern Job Shadowing Program - previous placements:

  • Editor/Writer/Creator, Stouffville Free Press
  • Publisher/Editor, Teach Magazine
  • Creative Director, Advertising, Black Cat Communications
  • Translator, Translation Bureau, Public Works & Government Services Canada

Featured/Published Work

Have your work featured in different media (e.g., print, web, etc).

The Medium – U of T Mississauga’s student newspaper

Have you thought of writing or submitting photography to The Medium? It’s a great way to have your work published and a piece to add to your future portfolio.

Have your work featured in Adbusters. Adbusters is a global network of artists, activists, writers, pranksters, students, educators and entrepreneurs who want to advance the new social activist movement of the information age. For submission guidelines, see web site.

Create a portfolio

To market your skills and knowledge gained as a VCC student, select a few research papers, web assignments or group projects to illustrate your technical (i.e., computer) and writing skills. You can make mention of the relevance of your portfolio in your cover letter and consider sharing a significant project you have worked on during an interview.

Research Opportunity Program (ROP) at UTM

UTM's Research Opportunity Program (ROP) allows students in their second and third year to earn one full course credit by participating in a faculty member's research project. Check the ROP website for information about the program including application deadlines.

Other ways to get involved

UTM Clubs and Community Associations: Join on-campus clubs and community associations that demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for particular industries. For example, check out the Devious Minds, the Department of Visual Studies Student Society.

Professional associations

Each industry has affiliated associations. There are many benefits of becoming a member of an association, such as stating your affiliation on your resume. In addition to your experiences and the completion of your university degree, a student membership in an association is one ay to get an edge in the job market. It also furthers your knowledge of a particular field.

CACS
“The Canadian Association of Cultural Studies (CACS) aims to promote the interests of those teaching and studying cultural studies in Canada by facilitating the dissemination and exchange of research nationally and internationally, by exploring professional issues, and by organizing scholarly and professional meetings.”

Resources

Career Centre Library Resources

  • Career Cruising
  • Great Jobs for Communication Majors
  • Careers for Culture Lovers...
  • Careers for Writers...
  • Careers for Music Lovers...
  • Careers in Culture Series
  • Breaking into Film
  • Creative Careers in Music
  • Careers by Design
  • Careers in Marketing
  • Career Information Binders

Web Links

Career Centre Panel Packages:

The Career Centre Resource Library is located in DV 3094. For more information please visit us, call 905-828-5451 or e-mail: careers.utm@utoronto.ca

What's your next step? Take a look at our Sample Career Plan to see suggested steps that you can take towards developing your career-work search plan. Check our Events Calendar regularly for upcoming career related events (we offer several networking events and panels throughout the year). Watch for our Get Experience Fair (held annually in September), the Graduate and Professional School Fair (held annually in late September or early October), and the Summer Job Fair (held annually in January).