How I Broke Into Social Media

“I was the youngest person on staff; I don't recommend that these days.”

By Rebecca Borison

@borisonr

Rebecca Borison is a tech reporter at The Street.

4 min read • Originally published February 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Rebecca Borison

@borisonr

Rebecca Borison is a tech reporter at The Street.

4 min read • Originally published February 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Delia Paunescu is rocking at social media. As audience engagement editor at Newsday and amNewYork, she’s on top of the two newspapers’ social channels, but she also keeps up her personal brand across Twitter and Snapchat.

Delia started out as a writer and found her way into social media purely for being the youngest person in her newsroom. While that may have worked for Delia, she warns that age alone is not enough nowadays. Here, Delia passes on tips for aspiring social media pros who won’t be able to rely on their relative youth.

Current job: Audience engagement editor for Newsday Media Group
Past jobs: Social media coordinator for New York Post, social media coordinator for Food Network, assistant editor for Vision Monday, freelance web editor for Parenting Magazine, production intern on Showbiz Tonight
Hometown: Born in Romania, grew up in Tampa, FL
Education: Hofstra University

What do you do as an audience engagement editor?

I oversee the social media team and all our social properties. I’m also in meetings with editors and reporters trying to figure out how social can enhance their upcoming stories and projects, and how those stories and projects can be shaped to have maximum impact on our social properties.

How did you get into social media/audience engagement?

My very first reporting job also involved being the social media editor for a small B2B magazine called Vision Monday. I was a retail reporter rooted in the optical industry. I was also the youngest person on staff at the time, so they made me in charge of the Twitter password. I don’t recommend that these days, but it was fairly common practice in 2010.

What’s it like acting as the voice for a large publication?

It’s great fun but also terrifying. There’s always a fine line between being cheeky and having a personality for your brand and being too off-the-cuff and getting your publication in trouble.

How do you think social media strategy differs on Twitter versus Facebook or other platforms?

The platforms are different and the audiences are different. Stories on Facebook have a longer shelf life. You never fully know what major brand or celebrity will share your story, when it’s going to grab mass attention or to whom Facebook’s algorithm will show your story. For those reasons, it’s important to really get to know your audience and see what resonates with them.

On Twitter, it’s like a waterfall: information is constantly flowing and any one person will only dip their content cup in so many times throughout the day. It’s important to have something going constantly, but that also means you can play a story several times in the course of a day.

The main commonality for both platforms is that audiences are always receptive to new and cool ways of relaying information. It’s very exciting to see news organizations finally taking some creative freedom with how they present and share their pieces.

What advice do you have for someone trying to get into social media?

First you have to read everything you can. You have to know what’s going on with everything that interests you in this field. When you meet the people you’re ideally already following on Twitter and Instagram and Snapchat, the ones who are going to help you in your career, you’ll legitimately know what you’re talking about.

You also have to put yourself out there and chat up as many people as you possibly can. You have to ask for what you want, but you also have to do the work to deserve it. Older folks are easily impressed by young go-getters. It’s the “give me a job cause I want one” crowd we steer clear of.

Believe that it’s possible to make it in this field. Stick to what you really truly love but make sure you’re as versatile an employee as possible. Modern newsrooms are leaner than ever, so the more you know to do, the better your chances of sticking around.

Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?

This is probably the most difficult question. For that very reason, I made this list of all my favorite ladies on Twitter. It’s amazing to look at during any live event because they all have the most brilliant, non-irritating insights.

What’s your personal favorite social media platform?

Way back when, I loved Xanga. Hated MySpace. Loved Facebook. Loved Instagram. Currently obsessed with Snapchat (find me @deliapproved).

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.

If you’d like to hone your social media skills, consider taking a class. Mediabistro’s Online Courses offer social media topics that range from a crash-course in social media engagement to an in-depth analysis of social media metrics.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Job Search

What Job Seekers Should (and Shouldn’t) Include on Their Social Media Profiles

Leverage social media to get the gig

By Kristen Fischer

Kristen Fischer is a freelance writer, journalist, and copywriter with over 20 years of experience, currently serving as a health writer for AARP with previous staff roles at WebMD and WW. Her work has appeared in Prevention, Healthline, Woman's Day, Parade, and Writer's Digest, and she is the author of four books.

5 min read • Originally published February 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

5 min read • Originally published February 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Social media can be a huge asset for job-seekers. That is, if you have a solid profile.

What does your social media profile say about you? What should you put on it—and what should you leave off? Follow these tips to ensure your Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest (and whatever comes next) pages are a reflection of your best self.

1. Descriptions of Previous Jobs

Using the job descriptions on a site like LinkedIn, you can paint the picture of how you made an impact in your previous roles by sharing details of your job duties and accomplishments.

“I think it’s bad for anybody not to have content or descriptions,” says Barbara Safani, president of Career Solvers in Manhattan. “For a writer, there’s a lot of opportunities to build [the profile] out past the traditional chronological and achievements of a resume.”

For example, if you’re a reporter, instead of just saying that you covered city hall, tell which stories you broke, that you have over 100 top-level sources in local government or that your investigation led to the modification of a law. Of course, LinkedIn provides much more space for this than Twitter or even Facebook. For those sites, it’s best to keep it brief by listing…

2. A Niche or Specialty

Most social media profiles offer a spot for a headline and summary, so writers need to take advantage of them, Safani notes. You can do this succinctly by mentioning your area of expertise as well as how your unique skill set helps you stand apart from the competition.

Lindsay Oberst, a writer from Atlanta, says it’s important to show a little bit of your personality by including a quirky or interesting detail, as well. “This way, people reading your profile won’t be bored, and you’ll increase the odds that they’ll remember you,” she adds.

3. Links to Your Work or Clips

Safani says that creative people can add personality to a standard profile by using the applications on LinkedIn, which let users showcase some of their work samples. If you do not use applications, you can link to your work whether it’s on your own website, or on your Mediabistro Freelance Marketplace listing.

“You also want to give a brief summary of your professional life anywhere that you are given the option—even in your Facebook profile,” suggests Margo Dill, a freelance writer based in St. Louis who teaches classes for wow-womenonwriting.com.

4. Charity Work and Professional Affiliations

Even if it doesn’t relate to the media biz, fulfilling work you do outside of a paying job can be a great conversation starter. Plus, you never know if the person scoping out your profile knows someone involved in that organization.

So, if you spend Sundays tutoring kids at the local community center or helping your child’s PTA organization, include it on your profile.

Likewise, listing professional groups you belong to is a good idea because it builds credibility.

5. Contact Information

This should go without saying, but unfortunately far too many people forget the basics. As someone who regularly scopes out the Web for creative professionals to interview, I can’t tell you how many wordsmiths do not have their contact information prominently displayed—or added at all.

Even if you simply link to your website or other social media profiles, that’s a pivotal step. The whole point of having a social media profile is to connect with other people, so—duh—give them the means to do so.

6. A Photo of Yourself

“You definitely need a profile photo that is a headshot of you,” says Dill. “It does not have to be from a professional photographer. It can be something your spouse took, but it should be you, smiling, wearing nice clothes.”

A shot of your newborn baby, the dog eating your shoe or that beloved Gandhi quote do not count.

That says, leave off anything incriminating that you wouldn’t want your mama to see. Photos of yourself giving a presentation at a trade organization conference? Add ’em. Pictures of what happened after the after-hours cocktail party? Skip ’em.

7. Professional, Well-Written Content

If your profile is public, prospective employers or industry peers can see anything you have on it. So, whether in the headline, summary or body of the profile, make sure it does not contain any typos. “It’s even more important that a writer have a well-written profile,” Safani says. “They’re under a little bit more of a microscope.”

And, although everyone tends to mix the personal and professional online, be mindful that anything even slightly offensive could reflect poorly on you—even if you aren’t currently job hunting. That includes political cartoons, t-shirts with wacky slogans or images or if you “Like” a statement on someone else’s wall.

Tracey Minkin, a freelance writer based in Providence, R.I., says “I have an eye constantly to the fact that people who want to hire me…would want to look at my Facebook page.”

The Bottom Line

Social media profiles are part of your calling card to the rest of the world, so exercise caution when posting. Keep the more personal content on a separate, private account that isn’t listed under your real name.

If you’re on the fence about what to post and what to leave off, think about how you view other people’s profiles. Would you want to hire someone if a lot of their posts sound depressing or use vulgar language? Probably not.

For Minkin, having an active Facebook wall makes her more hirable. “I’m more appealing because [potential clients and employers] see… I’m not embarrassed to promote my own content and the content that’s important to me,” she says.

When you’re job hunting, it’s a sure thing employers will be checking your LinkedIn profile. Impress them with a LinkedIn Profile Edit: Leverage one of our dedicated career advisers to ensure your profile aligns with your resume and professional experience.

Topics:

Get a Media Job, Get Hired, Job Search

Career Transition

How to Break Into Medical Writing and Editing

If you can handle complex jargon and love research, this growing field could seriously boost your career and your paycheck.

By Kristen Fischer

6 min read • Originally published February 23, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Kristen Fischer

6 min read • Originally published February 23, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you enjoy research, are skilled in technical writing and can understand complex jargon, becoming a medical writer or editor could be the perfect way to expand your portfolio and your paycheck.

“The opportunity for good medical communicators is tremendous and is continuing to grow,” says Brian Bass, co-author of The Accidental Medical Writer. “The medical communications field is very broad as well as very deep.”

Bass says there are two categories of people who come into the field: those with a scientific background who want to prove they can write or edit, and those who have a strong editorial aptitude but want to show they can handle scientific content.

If you can break into the field, you stand a chance to build a strong career in it. And if you can leverage your existing skill set, it’ll be that much easier to prove your worth.

Immerse Yourself in the Field

There are different tiers in this specialized editorial arena: the publishers of books and medical journals, which tend to pay less, and the higher-paying companies, like advertisers and pharmaceutical companies.

There’s also a market for more consumer-friendly articles in magazines and trade publications. No matter what you tackle, you’ve got to know how to understand and interpret complex lingo.

Bass recommends reading information from drug company websites, foundations, medical magazines and other media to help you see which type of writing is represented in which therapeutic areas.

For instance, you will probably find an article on WebMD easier to read than one in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

That’s because audiences vary in the medical communications field: You can write or edit marketing collateral or magazine articles for consumers, or produce technical content geared directly at physicians.

“[To start], you need to start adapting yourself to the language of medicine,” Bass notes.

Knowing how to understand a technical dialect and properly convey it isn’t the only necessary skill. The medical field is governed by some pretty tight regulations, and you’ll be an asset if you know how to understand and apply those standards.

The Food and Drug Administration website is a great place to start learning about what can and cannot be said, Bass advises.

Writing vs. Editing vs. Copy Editing

According to Bass, you don’t have to be Doogie Howser to succeed in the field, especially if you come in on the editing side, which typically requires fewer credentials or industry experience. Editors make sure content is consistent and in compliance with regulatory standards.

Medical writers, however, need to understand more about a therapeutic area and use that in-depth knowledge to relay information about it, so getting in as a freelancer (especially one with no medical background) can be tougher.

But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Just as you would build clips in your general portfolio, offer to take on a writing or editing job pro bono, or create a hypothetical piece of content to prove your editorial capability.

You could write a column in your local newspaper on the health industry or offer to create a brochure for a medical practice, suggests Bass. Then once you’re in the industry, you can break into more technical areas, or segue into the more lucrative side: medical writing.

Copy editing can also be a good start, but make sure that’s your preferred field so you don’t get pigeonholed unnecessarily, says Laurie Lewis, a New York City-based medical writer and author of What to Charge: Pricing Strategies for Freelancers and Consultants. If writing is your forte and you’re good at putting information into layman’s terms, try penning articles for a patient education type of medical website. Lewis says the market is flooded with them.

“They need people who are good copy writers in a sense that they can tell a story; they can engage the reader; they can provide information,” she says. “The journalists, they are storytellers. They are educators. And they have to be able to put it into terms that ‘Joe Blow’ can understand.”

Prepare for Pay Day

In general, if you come in on the editing side the pay is less, but that’s still a good way to break in. Full-time medical editors can start at around $24,000 a year (other organizations have the base around $37,000) and earn up to about $70,000, according to PayScale.

Medical writers fare even better. According to an American Medical Writers Association survey, the mean salary for a woman with a bachelor’s degree in the field working full-time was $73,522, while men earned $90,640.

Having a master’s gets you even more dough, according to the survey: Women with those degrees earned $77,339, and men got $86,240. Advanced degrees such as a PharmD are the big payouts: females with advanced degrees got $91,797, and men earned $101,872.

Writing for an academic institution was on the lower side of the pay scale, while writing in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical field paid highest. Freelancers should expect to earn about the same.

A promising payday is great, but you have to make sure you enjoy the work enough. Medical writing and editing isn’t an easy field to “test out.” Research it and be sure you want to work hard to get your foot in the door.

The field is also very competitive. Just as in the media biz, the slow economic recovery has meant even more candidates are vying for jobs. Organizations will be pickier about whom they hire because skills are at a premium.

“There is a perception that there is a lot of work in the medical field and it is very high-paying,” notes Lewis.

“People who want to go the route that I went as a copy editor/proofreader and moving up aren’t necessarily going to find that it’s very well paying. Some of that work is still going to be from the publishing industry, or it’s going to be from companies that don’t want to pay the higher rates that the pharmaceutical work pays.”

Getting Started

Emma Hitt Nichols, PhD, a medical writer who runs her own agency in Georgia, began her career editing dissertations and scientific papers for non-English scientists. Eventually, she finished her PhD and nabbed a master’s in technical writing as well. Today, she creates continuing education materials for doctors specializing in oncology, infectious diseases and other medical topics.

To get started as a medical writer or editor, she suggests that editorial professionals do the following:

1. Join American Medical Writers Association. The AMWA offers an educational certificate that can give you credibility as a medical writer. “For people with some experience in the science/editing field, the BELS exam is good to take. This will give the ‘ELS,’ or ‘Editor in the Life Sciences,’ designation after your name which tells others that you have passed a stringent editing test,” she notes.

2. Join the Council of Science Editors. This is a premier industry organization for medical editors.

3. Get familiar with PubMed. Most medical writers are on PubMed every day, as the site includes 21 million citations for biomedical literature from MEDLINE, or Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online, a database of life science journals and books online. It is an essential tool for medical writers.

4. Sign up for The Hitt List. That’s Hitt’s free newsletter packed with medical writing job opportunities.

5. Learn AMA style. That’s American Medical Association style; AP and Chicago style is only used at consumer and trade publications. Simply knowing AMA isn’t enough to become a medical writer, warns Hitt, but it can get you in the door as a medical copy editor.

Looking for a medical writer or editor job? Check Mediabistro’s job board, where publishers, advertisers and marketers regularly post related job openings.

Topics:

Be Inspired, Career Transition

Skills & Expertise

Art Director – What They Do and How to Be One

Tap those Photoshop skills and visual sense to make a big impact

By Jenell Talley

Jenell Talley is a journalist and program analyst with a background spanning media, government, and editorial work. She holds a journalism degree from Howard University and a master's in human resources management from the University of Maryland.

6 min read • Originally published February 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Jenell Talley

6 min read • Originally published February 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You’ve used your design skills to help others bring their creative vision to fruition long enough. It’s time to take a seat in the art director’s chair and execute your own wildly imaginative ideas. Check out what pros say about art director positions, then get those creative juices flowing!

What exactly does an art director do?

Specific duties of art director positions may vary depending on industry, but in general, art directors set the artistic tone of a project, using visuals to bring concepts to life for websites, magazines and newspapers, ad campaigns, television and film, photo shoots and video games.

“Every day is different, [and] that’s what I love most about my job,” says Kaitlyn Angstadt, senior art director at Brownstein Group, an advertising agency in Philadelphia. Angstadt spends some days holed up in a room with other creatives conceptualizing an ad campaign while others are spent creating a brand’s identity or layouts for a print ad. And then there are the days she’s at a photo shoot overseeing its production, ensuring the concept is realized.

It’s all about kick-ass imagery, according to Michael Brittain, who functioned as FX Networks’ art director during his years as the cable channel’s director of print. Brittain was responsible for coming up with movie, TV and video-game posters and turning those ideas into iconic imagery to use in ad campaigns. “It can be very challenging to create a piece of art that is good enough to hang up on the wall, that you’re proud of, that sets the bar higher for art in entertainment advertising,” says Brittain, now the creative director of Ignition Creative, an integrated marketing agency based in Playa Vista, California.

What skills do you need?

Strong conceptual skills are a given. “To create something meaningful, you must start with a strong idea,” says Angstadt. “This is the backbone of commercial art.”

Good communication skills are also essential. Your team has to understand what you want in order to deliver it. Clearly articulate your vision or risk jeopardizing the quality of the project.

A background in and knowledge of art history, photography, graphic design and typography are important too, says Brittain, as is being able to create with your hands. Photoshop has made art more accessible, but “being a hands-on artist transcends just buying an application for your computer.”

Who would be my boss?

Executive creative directors or associate creative directors are the usual head honchos, the latter often being the next rung on an art director’s career ladder.

Are there other titles with similar responsibilities?

Though they may be higher on some company hierarchies, design directors and creative directors are also responsible for conceptualizing projects and guiding their implementation.

What do I need to get ahead in this position?

As an art director, you’re always on, Angstadt says. “There’s never a time when you’re not thinking of new ideas,” so loving what you do is important. Ditto having a thick skin. In this line of work, as with other creative jobs, you have to be able to take criticism, even when you don’t agree with the feedback. If you don’t hit it out of the park the first or second or third go-round, dust yourself off and try again. It’ll make your home run that much sweeter.

How can I get my foot in the door?

Kick off your career with a degree in art or (graphic) design and a portfolio that will impress potential employers.

Breaking into an art director role

Stepping into the role of an art director is no small feat. It requires not just a mastery of design principles and a deep well of creativity but also the ability to lead, inspire, and communicate effectively with a team. Your journey from honing your craft to leading projects as an art director will be filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and, most importantly, moments of creative triumph.

Remember, the essence of becoming a successful art director lies in marrying visionary ideas with practical execution. It’s about pushing the boundaries of what’s possible while remaining grounded in the projects’ and your team’s needs. As you navigate your path, keep your creative fires burning, remain open to feedback, and never stop learning and experimenting. The world of art direction is dynamic and ever-evolving, offering endless opportunities to those willing to take the reins and drive their creative visions to fruition.

So, arm yourself with a strong portfolio, a resilient spirit, and an unquenchable passion for your craft. The art director’s chair awaits those ready to lead with creativity, imagination, and determination. With each project, you’ll bring visions to life and carve out your unique mark in the creative world. The journey may be complex, but the rewards of seeing your ideas influence and inspire are unparalleled. Here’s to your future as an art director—may it be as vibrant and impactful as the work you aspire to create.

Find the art director position you’ve been searching for on Mediabistro’s job board.

FAQs on Advancing to an Art Director Position

1. What are the primary responsibilities of an art director?

Art directors are responsible for setting a project’s artistic vision and direction. This role involves using visuals to bring concepts to life across various platforms such as websites, magazines, advertising campaigns, television, film, photo shoots, and video games. Daily tasks vary greatly, from conceptualizing ad campaigns and creating brand identities to overseeing photo shoots to ensure the vision is accurately realized.

2. What skills are crucial for an art director?

Key skills for an art director include strong conceptual abilities, excellent communication to articulate vision and ideas clearly, and a solid background in art history, photography, graphic design, and typography. Being a hands-on artist and having proficiency in tools like Photoshop are also important, but creativity extends beyond software skills.

3. Who typically oversees art directors in a creative organization?

Art directors usually report to executive creative directors or associate creative directors. These positions are often seen as the next steps in an art director’s career progression, offering opportunities for further advancement within the creative hierarchy.

4. Are there similar roles to art directors in the industry?

Yes, roles such as design directors and creative directors carry similar responsibilities, including conceptualizing projects and guiding their execution. These positions might be ranked differently within company structures but share the core task of leading creative direction.

5. How can I stand out and succeed as an art director?

Passion for your work and the ability to continuously generate new ideas are essential for success. Resilience and the ability to accept and learn from criticism are also crucial, as the creative process often involves multiple iterations before achieving excellence. Staying engaged with your creative pursuits and maintaining a thick skin in the face of feedback are key traits of successful art directors.

6. What educational background and initial steps are recommended for aspiring art directors?

A degree in art or graphic design, coupled with a compelling portfolio that demonstrates your creativity and skill, is the foundation for launching a career as an art director. Your portfolio should showcase diverse work and highlight your ability to conceptualize and execute your creative vision effectively.

7. Where can I find job opportunities as an art director?

Job boards dedicated to creative careers, such as Mediabistro, are excellent resources for finding art director positions. Networking within the industry and maintaining an up-to-date portfolio can also open doors to opportunities.

8. What is the importance of having a “thick skin” in the art director role?

Creative work often involves subjective evaluation, which means art directors must be open to feedback and criticism. Developing a thick skin allows you to learn from critiques without taking them personally, enabling growth and improvement in your creative output. In the face of criticism, resilience is crucial for personal and professional development in creative fields.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Work Spaces

How to Be Your Own Publicist

Branding experts reveal ways to market your best product: yourself

By Vicki Salemi

5 min read • Originally published March 11, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Vicki Salemi

5 min read • Originally published March 11, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Whether or not you work in public relations, in this day and age we’re basically all publicists and masters of our own communications.

We have the potential to become personal branding gurus displaying the best product—ourselves—in the best possible light offline, online and all the time.

Brand Thyself

Jeffrey Hayzlett, host of The C-Suite on Bloomberg, explains, “Every person is [his] own brand and you have your own promise to deliver. Do you want somebody else telling that story or do you want to tell it?”

The author, speaker and sometime cowboy adds: “If you don’t tell your story, if you don’t represent yourself, someone else will do it for you. I would much rather control what’s said of me and how it’s said than having other people do it. And I’d like to react to that as well.”

Beth Feldman agrees. The co-founder of full-service public relations consulting firm BeyondPR Group and founder of parenting blog network RoleMommy.com emphasizes putting yourself out there “no matter how uncomfortable that may feel.”

And if you feel uneasy talking about yourself on TV or radio, Feldman suggests hiring a media trainer to get you comfortable in an interview situation.

Feldman also suggests reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell, especially the part about the “10,000 hours” rule. The gist is if you can determine in your life where you’ve spent 10,000 hours doing something, then you will feel the most comfortable talking about it and becoming an expert.

“The more experience you have, the more comfortable you will feel and the more people will take you seriously,” Feldman says. Getting taken seriously can be as simple as starting to do radio interviews to get your messaging perfected and then moving onto TV.

Feldman points out, “A platform isn’t built in a day but if you prepare for it with media training and practice, you will eventually break through and make an impact. Making an impact, whether getting your voice heard on local media, involves consistency.”

Never Stop Selling

When it comes to your messaging, “Never stop selling,” says Hayzlett. The key to being effective, he indicates, involves messaging in such a way that doesn’t feel intrusive to the recipient.

Some people may feel tempted to “stand there with a megaphone and just shout it out.” Considering that can get annoying very quickly, he says there are some particular moments when that’s okay.

For example, says Hayzlett, sending an email to everyone you know to say you just landed a television show and you’d love for them to tune in—that’s big news.

“But the fact that I’m speaking at a small group or I just won a small award probably isn’t,” he notes. “You only want to go to the well so many times.” That said, you should develop a rhythm to disseminating information on a regular basis. Leverage social media by reaching people who follow you; they are the most receptive to your updates.

Dan Schawbel, author of Promote Yourself: The New Rules for Career Success, suggests connecting with fellow journalists via Twitter. “Help them find sources, answer their questions and retweet them. This way, they will take notice of you,” he says.

Studying media shouldn’t be a stretch for media folks since we speak the same language. As you reach out to journalists with your bio and pitch, Schawbel recommends reading every article they’ve written within your beat. His advice? “Make a spreadsheet listing the publication, journalist name and email address.”

As you create your media list, Schawbel suggests, write down your professional story that links every work experience you’ve had with your vision for your future. “Without a story that makes sense, is meaningful to you and captures your vision, the media won’t acknowledge you,” he says.

Build a Local Following

Getting acknowledged by the media can be as simple as beginning where you are. Feldman underscores the importance of becoming a rock star in your own backyard.

“Reach out to local media first,” she advises. This means starting with your local newspaper, radio station, blogs and TV stations. After building a local following, leverage that coverage to potentially secure a national booking.

“Third, Feldman says, connect with reporters via social media and attend events where you can actually meet key contacts in person. No matter how effective it is to engage via social media, there is nothing that quite compares to a real life (IRL) connection.”

And keep in mind persistence pays off. Whether you’re looking to plug a recent book you wrote or keep your name out there as an expert, work your connections.

For example, Feldman is launching a new wearable tech health-and-wellness device for dogs called Voyce. After reaching out to media contacts via Twitter and Facebook, she and her group tried different ways to connect with them.

She recalls, “Two of my pitches took several times to finally land a story, but they say, ‘Good things come to those who wait’—we landed placements in the Wall Street Journal and CNN among many others.”

Choose the Right Partners

Another strategy involves cross-promotion. Build your platform with another individual or brand that may have a large following. Feldman explains, “I am a firm believer that synergies with the right partners can absolutely generate additional exposure. I always like to be in my rowboat with more than one person.”

Think outside the box and team up with a brand, retailer or expert who supplements your area of expertise.

If you just wrote a book about the benefits of Pilates and the barre method, she suggests teaming up with Lululemon to do a book signing at their store or build a 10-city tour to appear in their stores and then promote yourself to local media.

This begins with concocting a well-crafted strategy to share why you would add value to them via media exposure.

Feldman says even a few months prior to landing a book deal you should research potential partners: “It’s never too early to plan, and brands typically do their planning 12 to 18 months in advance.”

Be Genuine

Above all, success in becoming your own publicist involves strategy, consistency, persistence and of course, authenticity.

Hayzlett says, “The biggest thing that most speakers, authors and thought leaders have difficulty with is they have to be genuine and relevant.”

While many people want the brass ring, he says, they don’t always want to do the hard steps it takes to get there: “The best way to get it is to be it.” Even as you create a sizzle reel to demonstrate your speaking abilities, he adds, “Show me more of your content than your flash. Show me more meat than sizzle. Spend more time picking up the steak than deciding how to cook it.”

Looking for more ways to up your PR game? Check out Mediabistro’s course: Fundamentals of Public Relations.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Networking

Skills & Expertise

Marketing Storytelling Skills: Why Narratives Make You a Better Business Leader

It’s a common phrase describing a popular method of brand building. Here’s how to do it better

By Laura Montgomery

3 min read • Originally published March 28, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Laura Montgomery

3 min read • Originally published March 28, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Why Storytelling Skills Make You a Better Business Leader published on The Executive Education Navigator blog.

“Storytelling” has become a ubiquitous buzzword in the business world as the marketers’ pursuit to weave the most creative and compelling narratives about their brands and products races on.

Let’s take a look at why this has become such a hot topic, and what you can do to become a stronger storyteller yourself.

Why Businesses Need Powerful Narratives

Storytelling is being increasingly utilized for building customer loyalty externally, as well as for motivating internal stakeholders and developing stronger connections among employees internally.

Why are stories the chosen tool to achieve these aims? Because they serve as emotional “handholds” for communicating the complex information that we seek, explains storytelling expert Frank Rose.

“You can memorize data, but to have it change opinion and behavior you need story,” says Rose, who co-teaches an executive-education course at Columbia Business School on storytelling strategy.

The Art of Storytelling in a Digital World

Here’s a quick, well, story to illustrate Rose’s view on storytelling strategy: Back in 2006, as a journalist for Wired magazine, Rose interviewed director James Cameron, who was filming Avatar at the time.

“He told me the best way to think about the story was as a fractal experience,” recalls Rose. “The casual viewer could enjoy the movie on a basic level. But for the more intense fan, the meaning could unfold in unlimited powers of ten, all within a unified experience.”

Rose likens Cameron’s approach to cinematic storytelling to contemporary media—a fragmented yet unified universe where we can tell stories that allow greater or lesser degrees of involvement.

Key Ingredients of Successful Storytelling

You can find stories almost anywhere you look in a company—an earnings chart, a corporate timeline, a client testimonial. The real challenge is to develop stories that are true, interesting and engaging to your unique audience.

Whether the end destination is on billboards or in boardrooms, Rose highlights four key qualities of compelling stories:

1. Originality

Do an honest inventory to discover what is unique about your brand or company—its founding, evolution and vision for changing the world.

2. Authenticity

What does your company stand for? How do leaders and employees feel about the business? Try to focus on real people and genuine emotions.

3. Empathy

Even when a story is about your company or product, the customer should always be the focal point. How does who and what you are translate into customer benefits?

4. Consistency

Finally, it’s crucial to define a singular voice and tone you will use to tell your story across various media and platforms. The only question that remains is: What stories could you be telling?

Laura Montgomery is an independent higher-education consultant.

The Executive Education Navigator is a first-of-its-kind search and discovery tool launched by The Economist Careers Network to aid executives’ search for their ideal executive education programs. Its blog includes posts on career hacks and industry trends.

Browse executive courses on storytelling. For a quick introduction to brand storytelling, consider a Mediabistro online course on brand writing.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Skills & Expertise

UX UI Designer – The Design Job, Role, Functions, How to Break In

Work your design skills to chart your path in this growing field

By Jenell Talley

3 min read • Originally published April 19, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Jenell Talley

3 min read • Originally published April 19, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you have a design background, a keen interest in digital products, and a desire to work in the tech industry, then a UX or UI designer career might be your calling. However, you might wonder: What exactly do UX/UI designer jobs entail, and how does one embark on this career path?

You’re in the right place for answers. We’ve consulted several industry experts to get the lowdown. Here’s what they shared.

What exactly does a UX/UI Designer do?

Firstly, it’s crucial to understand that UX and UI design are distinct yet interrelated aspects of a single consumer experience. UX, or user experience, is all about how a product functions and how users interact with it. UI, or user interface, on the other hand, deals with the aesthetics—the look and layout of the product.

Matthew Cogswell, a senior art director and UX/UI designer at modop, a digital advertising and marketing agency in Los Angeles, likens UX to the mechanics of a car—how it drives, shifts gears, or protects you in an accident—and UI to the color and design of the car.

A UX designer ensures a product is intuitive and logical, guiding the user effortlessly from one step to the next. Meanwhile, a UI designer focuses on ensuring that each page or screen visually echoes this logical path.

Devin Harold, a UX architect/UI designer at iCiDIGITAL in Chicago, describes his role as multifaceted. Some days are dedicated to wireframing a system, while others involve bringing it to life with an appealing color palette, depth, and interaction.

Key Skills for Success in UX/UI Design

The skill set required for UX/UI design is diverse. “A UX designer needs to be adept at executing, facilitating, and analyzing research and data. UI designers, on the other hand, should excel in composition and graphic design, with a keen eye for palettes, typography, and branding to make an interface stand out,” says Harold.

Problem-solving skills and empathy are crucial. “A good UX designer understands how the user acts, a better one focuses on how the user thinks, but the best UX designer will consider how the user feels,” Cogswell notes.

Collaboration and communication are also key. According to Eric Guess, a UX designer with iCiDIGITAL in Raleigh, North Carolina, effectively conveying your design story to stakeholders is essential. Being well-versed in information architecture to organize information clearly is also important.

Career Path and Progression

Typically, a UX/UI designer may report to an art or creative director, although this can vary. The field also has a range of titles like web designer (UI), experience designer (UX), and interaction designer (IxD), which may differ in responsibilities across agencies.

Advancing in the Design Field

Continuous learning is the key to advancement in this field. Guess advises always striving to improve and broaden your skills to stay ahead.

Breaking into UX/UI Designer Role

While some designers may have a fine arts degree, it’s not just about academic qualifications. Building a comprehensive portfolio that showcases your process from start to finish, especially with finished comps, is vital. Persistence in job seeking is also crucial—never take ‘no’ for an answer.

The Future of UX/UI Design

As technology evolves, so does the role of UX/UI designers. With the rise of AI, VR, and other digital innovations, designers must adapt their skills to design new interfaces and user experiences. Staying ahead of tech trends and understanding how they impact user behavior will be crucial for any aspiring UX/UI designer.

Integrating Design with Business Strategy

Increasingly, businesses recognize the value of UX/UI design in driving product success and customer satisfaction. As a UX/UI designer, understanding business objectives and aligning your design strategy with them can significantly impact the product’s market performance and user satisfaction.

By exploring these facets of UX/UI design, you can better prepare for a successful career in this dynamic and rewarding field. Remember, the key to UX/UI design success lies in combining technical skill, creative vision, and a deep understanding of user needs.

Check out open UI UX and digital media jobs on Mediabistro’s job board.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Hot Jobs

10 Hot Media Jobs in Phoenix

Want a media job in the Phoenix area? Look no further.

By Katie Hottinger

@katiehottinger

Katie Hottinger is a content strategist and UX designer with over 15 years of editorial experience across brands including JPMorgan Chase, Google, Condé Nast Traveler, and Mediabistro. She specializes in digital content strategy and multi-platform editorial execution.

3 min read • Originally published April 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Katie Hottinger

@katiehottinger

3 min read • Originally published April 20, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re feeling the call of living and working in Phoenix, or if you already live and work in the largest city in the American Southwest and are looking for a new job, now might be the perfect time to make your move.

There are always lots of media jobs in Phoenix on our job board. Below, find a list of 10 of our favorites. From local news organizations to websites, these employers may have the job for you.

Phoenix New Times
1. Editor in Chief
Phoenix New Times, the local alternative weekly newspaper published by the same group behind the Village Voice, is looking for a new editor in chief to head its print and daily website. A solid background in hard news and experience in leading staff and producing stories that engage readers and define a community are required.
Apply to the Editor in Chief Job

Meredith
Media giant Meredith Corporation publishes leading national magazines, such as Better Homes and Gardens and Family Fun, but its local media division owns television stations across the country, including two in Phoenix: KPHO-TV, the local CBS affiliate, and independent station KTVK.

2. Photojournalist
There’s an opening for a photojournalist to shoot and edit news video and still pictures for broadcast, the Web and social media. On- and off-camera interviews of newsmakers are part of the job.
Apply to the Photojournalist Job

3. Traffic Manager
If you have previous experience in TV traffic and are highly organized, this position managing the scheduling of programming and advertising throughout the day could be the one for you.
Apply to the Traffic Manager Job

4. Centralcast Operator
There’s also an opening for an centralcast operator to monitor the on-air signal of multiple television stations, using technical hardware and other systems related to on-air operations.
Apply to the Centralcast Operator Job

KTAZ
5. Producer
KTAZ, the local affiliate of the American Spanish-language television network Telemundo, seeks a producer to conceive and write news stories and banners, coordinate with field reports, coordinate interviews and more. Strong writing skills in Spanish are a must.
Apply to the Producer Job

Dorado Brand Studio
6. Senior Marketing Consultant
Dorado, a Southwestern lifestyle magazine and website, is looking for a senior marketing consultant to sell Dorado Brand Studio content-marketing solutions to companies on the West Coast.
Apply to the Senior Marketing Consultant Job

Creative Circle
Advertising and creative staffing services agency Creative Circle has two listings for jobs:

7. Art Director
One Creative Circle client is looking for an art director/graphic designer to guide and direct a vision for a brand. Projects include ads, signage, brochures, videos, websites and more.
Apply to the Art Director Job

8. UX/UI Specialist
A Creative Circle client in Tempe seeks a junior UX/UI specialist to design for both Web and mobile experiences. Designing with an emphasis on user friendliness and experience while following brand standards is key.
Apply to the UX/UI Specialist Job

9. KJZZ
Broadcast Producer Manager and Weekend Host
KJZZ, a local jazz station owned by and operated on Rio Salado College, is looking for a broadcast producer manager to host weekend programs. Responsibilities include delivering on-air news; writing conversational-style copy for newscasts; and performing daily on-air operations, including board operation.
Apply to the Broadcast Producer Manager and Weekend Host Job

10. EXOS
Visual Designer
EXOS, a company that focuses on health and performance for elite athletes, is looking for a multifaceted designer for digital, mobile and print. Requirements include an exceptional eye for design as well as an enthusiasm for helping people get healthier.
Apply to the Visual Designer Job

Topics:

Get Hired, Hot Jobs

Hot Jobs

Green Jobs in Media: 12 Earth-Friendly Career Opportunities

If you’ve got a passion for environmental causes, don’t miss out on these open jobs

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

Valerie Berrios is a published author and senior content manager with nearly two decades of experience in digital publishing, including roles at Audible, Disney Streaming, Everyday Health, and Mediabistro. She specializes in content strategy, editorial operations, and international content launches.

4 min read • Originally published April 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Valerie Berrios

@valerieberrios

4 min read • Originally published April 21, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

In honor of Earth Day, we dove into our job board to gather 12 current openings that focus on the environment or sustainability issues. If you’re passionate about eco issues, and looking for a new job, one of these earth-friendly even dozen may be just the one to help you and your career turn over a new leaf.

MindBodyGreen
This lifestyle publisher dedicated to wellness and holistic healing, and whose Brooklyn digs reflect its zen principles, seeks two experienced department editors who are passionate about natural products and trends.

1. Senior Yoga Editor
The brand is looking for a yoga devotee with excellent editorial chops who’s also interested in meditation and fitness. Meeting deadlines is must, as you’ll be writing and editing multiple stories a day.
Apply to the Senior Editor Job

2. Senior Beauty & Style Editor
This role calls for a candidate who is excited about natural beauty products and remedies, as well as athleisure and eco-fashion. You will be responsible for meeting daily deadlines, and editing and writing multimedia content.
Apply to the Senior Beauty & Style Editor Job

Clean Plates Omnimedia
3. Editorial Director
A New York–based digital media company that delivers content on eating locally sourced, organic and sustainable foods, Clean Plates is looking for an editorial director who will be responsible for assigning, editing and writing stories for its newsletter and website; developing content strategy; and shaping the young company’s editorial voice and point of view.
Apply to the Editorial Director Job

Rodale
The venerable wellness publisher, with headquarters in Emmaus, Pennsylvania, and New York City, was at the forefront of the organic movement almost 75 years ago and continues its mission to “inspire health, healing, happiness and love in the world.” It has several job openings, including the following:

4. Midwest Corporate Sales Executive
There’s an opportunity with Rodale’s corporate sales team in its Chicago office to expand the company’s product reach and ad-sales revenues, attract new clients and strategize new ways to grow the business.
Apply for the Midwest Corporate Sales Executive Job

5. Health Editor, Men’s Health
Rodale’s core men’s service magazine seeks a seasoned health editor for its Emmaus headquarters who can translate the latest health research and trends into smart, practical features and department content.
Apply for the Health Editor Job

6. Integrated Marketing Manager, Runner’s World
Rodale’s title for running enthusiasts is looking for an integrated marketing manager to join the New York–based team to develop initiatives that drive print, digital and sponsorship revenue.
Apply for the Integrated Marketing Manager Job

National Audubon Society
7. Web Editor
Audubon, a nonprofit dedicated to conservation and restoration of bird habitats, seeks a web editor for its Manhattan headquarters to lead all editorial content on Audubon.org, manage freelance contributors and work closely with conservation experts. Bird expertise is not required, but curiosity and enthusiasm for environmental sciences are musts.
Apply for the Web Editor Job

Sierra Club
The country’s largest grassroots environmental organization, the Sierra Club is dedicated to wildlife preservation and clean energy. If you want to work for this action-driven organization, based in Oakland, California, here are two opportunities to explore:

8. Managing Editor, Sierra Magazine
The Sierra Club’s award-winning print magazine seeks a managing editor who can juggle operational and editorial duties to keep the publication on-deadline and on-budget. Responsibilities will also include writing and editing content for print and digital.
Apply for the Managing Editor Job

9. Content Editor, Sierra Magazine
The magazine is also looking for an editorial pro to help oversee print and digital news reporting. The job entails assigning content, editing, and tracking Web metrics, as well as a familiarity with social-media best practices.
Apply for the Content Editor Job

Crius Energy
10. UI/UX Digital Designer
A Stamford, Connecticut–based retailer of electricity, natural gas and solar products, Crius Energy seeks a versatile UI/UX digital designer to join the marketing team of one of its energy providers. The candidate will need to be able to conceptualize and implement responsive Web designs that meet various marketing and sales goals. Developing wireframes, app solutions, and email and social-media campaigns are also part of the gig.
Apply for the UI/UX Digital Designer Job

Ceres
11. Senior Associate, Communications
This nonprofit organization, whose work involves mobilizing business leaders, investors and public-interest groups to support clean-energy initiatives, is looking for a senior associate to join its Boston–based communications team. Responsibilities include writing research-driven original content for blogs, guest articles and press releases; establishing working relationships with writers and other media sources; and participating in company events.
Apply for the Senior Associate Job

Springer Nature
12. Head of Nature Careers
Springer Nature, the world’s largest academic book publisher, is on the hunt for someone who will lead a team in building an online content hub serving scientists who want to further their careers. The content will also be published in Nature’s print magazine.
Apply for the Head of Nature Careers Job

Topics:

Get Hired, Hot Jobs

Job Search

Easy Ways to Update Your Resume

The #WeekendJobSearch Assignment 5: Give your resume a polish, and make yourself instantly more hireable

By John Lombard

John Lombard is a content strategist and writer with over a decade of experience creating interactive and video content for brands like Apple, IBM, and Samsung. He previously worked at Mediabistro and now serves as a Client Strategist at Ceros.

2 min read • Originally published April 22, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By John Lombard

2 min read • Originally published April 22, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Hey! Welcome to week 5 of the #WeekendJobSearch, our ongoing series that breaks the whole job-search process into 13 totally doable to-do items.

Last week, we showed you how to research your top companies to target employers you’d like to reach out to for informational interviews, and start your intel-gathering for when you get a real job interview.

This week, we’re asking you to update your resume. Scared? Don’t be—it doesn’t have to be a painful process. With a few step-by-step instructions, we’re going to help you brush up your resume, making it irresistible to hiring managers.

The #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #5

Update Your Resume

To give your resume a nice clean update, use this list as a starting point.

1. Remove positions that are no longer relevant to your goals.
That job you had at a local sandwich shop in college? Nix it. “The person reading your resume needs to know what you do, where have you been and how you got there,” says human resources executive David Gaspin.

2. Consider cutting the career statement.
Resume real estate is tight. To make space on yours, consider cutting the career objective. If your resume is laid out well—thorough job titles and descriptions, education and skills—it will tell your story for you.

3. Add recent positions and brush up the details.
If you’ve been meaning to add new positions to your resume, do so now. And if you’ve been freelancing or working contract gigs, make this known on your resume.

A few more things you can do right now:

Edit your resume down to make it a one-page document.
Keep your current position in present tense and your previous positions in past tense.
Check your chronology of jobs is correct (with most recent at the top).
Double-check for grammar and spelling mistakes. (Are you ending your bulleted sentences with periods? Are you using serial commas? Neither of these style points is wrong, but use them consistently.)
Focus on results in your descriptions, changing sentences from “Managed PPC accounts” to “Increased PPC ROI by 125 percent.”
Have a friend take a good look over your updated resume.
If you’re applying for a particular job, use keywords and phrases to show a hiring manager that your skills can seamlessly transfer to the new role.

While this list is a great place to start, it’s never a bad idea to have a career professional audit your resume as well.

And that’s week 5! We’ll see you next week when we’ll work on networking, giving you some small but powerful actionable steps that’ll grow your network and get you closer to your top job.

Start from the beginning: #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #1

Share your progress on Twitter: #WeekendJobSearch

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

What do you do as an audience engagement editor?

How did you get into social media/audience engagement?

What’s it like acting as the voice for a large publication?

How do you think social media strategy differs on Twitter versus Facebook or other platforms?

What advice do you have for someone trying to get into social media?

Who is your favorite person to follow on Twitter?

What’s your personal favorite social media platform?

1. Descriptions of Previous Jobs

2. A Niche or Specialty

3. Links to Your Work or Clips

4. Charity Work and Professional Affiliations

5. Contact Information

6. A Photo of Yourself

7. Professional, Well-Written Content

The Bottom Line

Immerse Yourself in the Field

Writing vs. Editing vs. Copy Editing

Prepare for Pay Day

Getting Started

What exactly does an art director do?

What skills do you need?

Who would be my boss?

Are there other titles with similar responsibilities?

What do I need to get ahead in this position?

How can I get my foot in the door?

Breaking into an art director role

FAQs on Advancing to an Art Director Position

1. What are the primary responsibilities of an art director?

2. What skills are crucial for an art director?

3. Who typically oversees art directors in a creative organization?

4. Are there similar roles to art directors in the industry?

5. How can I stand out and succeed as an art director?

6. What educational background and initial steps are recommended for aspiring art directors?

7. Where can I find job opportunities as an art director?

8. What is the importance of having a “thick skin” in the art director role?

Brand Thyself

Never Stop Selling

Build a Local Following

Choose the Right Partners

Be Genuine

Why Businesses Need Powerful Narratives

The Art of Storytelling in a Digital World

Key Ingredients of Successful Storytelling

1. Originality

2. Authenticity

3. Empathy

4. Consistency

What exactly does a UX/UI Designer do?

Key Skills for Success in UX/UI Design

Career Path and Progression

Advancing in the Design Field

Breaking into UX/UI Designer Role

The Future of UX/UI Design

Integrating Design with Business Strategy

The #WeekendJobSearch Assignment #5

Update Your Resume

Monique El-Faizy