Production Artist Success Tips From Industry Pros

Adweek production artist Yuliya Kim on building your portfolio

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.

5 min read • Originally published August 18, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

5 min read • Originally published August 18, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Getting your foot in the door and climbing the ladder in media can be a challenge: The industry is always changing, career paths can be ambiguous and social media never sleeps.

To help you find your way, we’re talking to media pros with a few years under their belts. Our Advice From the Pros series gives you real-world insights and advice you can apply to your job search, job interview, and—when you land that next gig—your new job, too.

Then when you’re ready, check out our job board.

Yuliya Kim is a production artist at Adweek.com, a position she’s held for a year. That means she’s responsible for creating and finding art for every new article that comes her way. The job is a combination of technical and artistic skills, and requires an understanding of Facebook, Twitter and the other social media platforms Adweek uses. Originally from Uzbekistan, Kim graduated from the University of Missouri with a journalism degree, and now calls New York City home.

So how’d she get her current job, and how’s she getting ready for the next stage of her career? Read on. (And look for her on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.)

What was your first job? And your first job in your chosen career?

My first job was as a photo intern for a wedding photographer. It was the summer before my senior year of high school, and I thought it was vital to get some hands-on experience. I got the job after asking my photography teacher if she knew anybody that needed assistance.

My first job in my chosen career was during my junior year of college—a communications intern position at a financial services company. I’d had multiple internships previously, but this particular job really launched my graphic design career.

I asked if my colleagues could use help with a startup branch I was interested in and found out they needed a rebrand. They trusted me with their designs, and I ended up creating a new logo and look and feel for the brand.

How did you get your current job?

I started out as an editorial intern and worked under the Web team with responsibilities ranging from art to social media. One of my classmates who met David Griner, the managing editor of Adweek.com, knew the magazine was looking for a graphic designer who had social media experience.

I sent him my resume and a quick description of my experience. Immediately he called and offered me the job after a brief interview. Then after proving myself worthy of a full-time offer, I made the smooth transition from intern to production artist.

Is this where you always thought you’d end up?

I never thought I would be working at a magazine, but I’m happy to be getting this experience. I’ve worked on many different projects, from app development to assisting with social media accounts for major brands.

What have you learned so far in this role?

I learned very quickly that not every company trusts you with so much responsibility. For me, as a very young professional, this is absolutely the most valuable aspect of a job because it gives you the most room for growth.

What about your job gets you excited to jump out of bed every morning? What makes you want to hide under the sheets?

It’s funny, the thing that makes me want to jump out of bed is also the thing that makes me want to hide under the sheets.

Having a project such as designing an infographic from scratch is daunting yet exciting. While I’m thrilled at working on projects like this, the pressure of making it the best it can be is equally terrifying!

What’s your favorite thing about working at your company?

I love my team! I am very fortunate to work with very talented and personable people. I also really enjoy the opportunities and the freedom we have to initiate our own projects.

How do you stay on top of trends in your field?

Social media is a blessing when it comes to following trends. I follow a lot of graphic design accounts on Twitter as well as content producers that are like our site. I follow, read and analyze the way they present art, and take note of their successes and mistakes.

What leaders or companies in your field do you follow on Twitter?

Accounts I like include: @WIRED, @designtaxi, @nytimes, @FastCompany, @VICE, @broadly and @RGA.

What are you reading and watching right now?

Currently I’m reading Infinite Jest; Guns, Germs, and Steel; and The New Yorker weekly. As for shows, I just finished “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” I’m watching “The Office” reruns, and I’m anxiously waiting for the next “Orange Is the New Black” and “Black Mirror” seasons.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your role?

I think more than having misconceptions about my role, people just don’t really know what I do. Since the job of a production artist encompasses so much, oftentimes people don’t know what our expertise is. Being a production artist requires you to be a jack of all trades.

What skills should you have when applying for a design job?

Be flexible with skills. You have to dabble in a lot of different things, from design to social to many other fields of interest. People will seek your opinion on what’s best beyond just the art world. Do your research and be prepared for a project that you may not be familiar with.

What advice would you give someone looking to break into this field?

Watch design tutorials so you feel comfortable enough to perform at least the basic duties, but also make sure to stay active in the social media realm. Go to design conferences and Meetups, and practice on your own. This will definitely help you stand out and find your own artist’s voice.

What tips do you have for those seeking mentorships?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions! Beyond that, always have your work at the ready—whether it’s your website, a mobile version of your portfolio or having your business card on hand. People are more willing to help you when they know more about you.

Check out our job board for openings in graphic design, digital media and advertising.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Job Search

How to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job in Media and Marketing

Follow these tips to gain credibility, appear more professional and up your overall visibility

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.

3 min read • Originally published August 23, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

3 min read • Originally published August 23, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

If you’re like any savvy job seeker, you know the importance of a solid Linkedin profile, which is why we’re all about it.

In the past, we’ve shown you how to launch your career using LinkedIn. Now we’re tackling a more fundamental question: How can you use LinkedIn to find a job?

To gather even more LinkedIn tactics, we stopped over to Quora to see what those experts had to say.

Turns out, there are a few more things you can do to really crank up your LinkedIn game.

Let’s jump in.

1. Upgrade Your Photo

“It’s worth spending money to get a professional headshot.” —Mark Meloon

A good LinkedIn headshot photo shows you’re professional and confident. But if you can’t spring for a professional photo, Mark Meloon suggests finding an online retouching service that can up the look of your homemade headshot on the cheap.

2. Ask For Recommendations

“Seek recommendations from your managers, seniors and team-mates.” —Ayan Kumar Halder

Sure, it’s a little awkward to ask for a recommendation, but it’s definitely worth it. A good review helps verify your accomplishments, works towards your profile completeness and provides a snapshot of your soft skills.

3. Complete Your Profile

“There is evidence that a completed profile garners far more clicks and attention [than] even mostly completed profiles.” —Andy Parker

Not only does a completed LinkedIn profile make you look more professional, it also dramatically ups your visibility. So next time LinkedIn tells you to update your profile, see what steps it’s recommending you take. The goal? To achieve LinkedIn’s All-Star status, a level of profile completion that can make you 40 times more likely to get contacted on the network.

4. Interact and Publish

“Something as simple as liking content while you’re on the morning commute goes a long way in the ripple effect of visibility on Linkedin. Remember—as soon as someone else likes something you share, it shows up on their connections feeds as well. One of their connections could be holding the dream job you want.” —Kushaan Shah

This on-the-train or while-the-coffee-brews activity is a great way to show your face a little more on LinkedIn. To take it one step further, publish an article that you found interesting (and that relates to your field). Think about it, you’re always reading industry articles anyway. Might as well share them and reap the networking benefits.

5. Follow Your Top Companies

“Find as many companies you would like to work for to follow. Many of these companies will have a job postings page that gets updated constantly. LinkedIn even sends you email alerts if certain companies have a job opening that you would be a good fit for.” —Aaron Freres

Once you’ve discovered your top companies, follow them on LinkedIn. Not only will you learn more about the companies you’re vying for, you’ll stay on top of any job-related action.

Ready to take your LinkedIn profile to All-Star status, and create optimal alignment between it and your resume? It’s time to get a pro involved with a professional LinkedIn edit.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Skills & Expertise

What Does a PR Director Do? Role, Skills, and Career Path

It's all about formulating strategies, crafting messages and building relationships

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.

3 min read • Originally published August 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

3 min read • Originally published August 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You’re a strategic thinker, collaborative leader and gifted storyteller and writer.

And you’ve already been working in public relations for a few years, or you’re a journalist thinking of making the switch to PR.

Is a PR director position for you? Check out what a few PR pros have to say about the job and then start writing the next chapter of your career.

What exactly does a PR director do?

A PR director conceptualizes and implements strategic public relations initiatives for clients. The gig involves keeping several balls in the air, including building relationships with key media, coordinating interviews and photo shoots, serving as a formal spokesperson, and writing talking points, crisis communications, speeches, press kits and more.

“Lots of my days are spent writing press releases, media alerts, blogs and more,” says Janel Noblin, director of public relations at GEM Advertising in New Haven, Connecticut. Other daily duties include researching clients, their competitors and media outlets, as well as monitoring the news for trends and analyzing the results of PR campaigns.

As director of publicity at Best Seller Publishing in Pasadena, California, Michelle Sandoval manages publicists, media relationships and marketing staff to ensure the needs of her clients are being met. “I also work closely with our sales team and project managers to develop unique publicity strategies catered to each specific client to make sure they get the most of their campaign,” she says.

Check out open PR director positions and other public relations jobs on Mediabistro’s job board.

What skills are required?

It’s vital to have speaking and writing skills that are strong—think Popeye after he eats his spinach. “PR is all about storytelling and being persuasive,” says Noblin, “and none of this is possible if you can’t communicate well.”

“You need to be a people person and able to talk to anyone,” says Samantha Martin, director of public relations at needls, a tech startup based in Toronto. “This job is all about creating and maintaining relationships with people.”

You also need tough skin. When you’re pitching media, you may hear “no” 1,000 times before hearing your first “yes,” says Martin, so don’t take it personally. In the words of Taylor Swift, “shake it off.”

How important are digital skills?

If you’re thinking about relying on your interns to navigate the digital realm for you, think again. “Traditional media is slowly becoming less relevant, and if a PR director does not keep up with the digital trends, [she] will be left behind,” says Sandoval.

Martin agrees: “I haven’t seen one job posting in the last five years that hasn’t required candidates to have digital media skills.”

Who is a PR director’s boss?

You’ll probably report to a VP of communications and/or marketing.

What jobs are similar to this one?

PR manager and director of marketing share some similarities.

What do I need to get ahead in this position?

Things change in this biz, sometimes at a moment’s notice, so you have to be able to pivot and roll with the punches, says Martin. Of course, you’ll be most successful if you’re passionate about what you do and interested in the industry you work in, she adds.

How can I get my foot in the door?

A degree in English or marketing will help but isn’t always necessary. Internships usually are. Say yes to all industry opportunities that come your way to gain experience, says Martin, who also advises finding a mentor. Gaining insight from—and forging a relationship with—an industry insider is invaluable.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Interview Tips

How to Reschedule a Job Interview Without Losing the Opportunity

Lead with honesty, and don’t forget the apology

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 August 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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 August 29, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

You landed an interview at a killer company and you’re ready to blow them away. Then, the unavoidable happens: You get sick, or something else comes up forcing you to reschedule the interview.

Some things in life are just out of your control. So first of all, relax. But how can you prevent ruining your chances at getting the job?

To make sure you handle this sticky situation with the utmost professionalism and care, we reached out to hiring managers asking, “What’s the best way to reschedule an interview?”

If you have a few days

Cain Richards, a digital analyst for seoworks.com, says in instances where the candidate can identify an issue such as an emergency medical appointment, he expects a minimum of two days’ notice via email.

“This gives me a chance to reschedule my time efficiently,” says Richards.

“And hopefully leaves me with enough notice to set up a replacement interview.”

Want even more help on your interview preparation? The counselors with Mediabistro’s Career Services can help you refine your interview skills in a one-on-one session.

In case of emergencies

Sometimes, things just happen at the worst possible moments: Your cat needs to be rushed to the vet, your pre-war apartment starts leaking from the ceiling, you wake up with a 24-hour bug.

There are always instances that cannot be predicted. In cases of last minute emergencies, Richards recommends opting for an email with a brief reason for having to cancel, followed by a phone call to ensure the message was delivered.

Don’t forget the apology

For Stefanie Parks, digital marketer and founder of Dermwarehouse, the most important part is to apologize, letting the company know how disappointed you are that you’ll have to push the interview.

Parks also believes a little integrity goes a long way. “I think the best way to handle it is to just be honest,” says Parks. “Tell them why you can’t make the interview, and hopefully, they can understand that things happen and things come up that you can’t help.”

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Interview Tips

How to Prepare for a Job Interview Like a Pro

No matter how many interviews you’ve had, you’ve got to prepare for each one individually

By Karla Ahern and Naomi Keller

3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Karla Ahern and Naomi Keller

3 min read • Originally published August 31, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

How to Prepare for a Job Interview was originally published by the American Marketing Association.

A crucial part of our job as recruiters is preparing our candidates for their interviews. No matter how experienced you are or how many interviews you’ve completed, it’s imperative to sit down and prepare for each one individually.

Although it may sound obvious, it’s essential to get to know the company. Don’t make the mistake of focusing solely on your own background when prepping for an interview. You should have a basic understanding of the company’s history, especially if it’s a smaller organization, and any recent news—mergers, leadership changes and so on.

Want even more help on your interview preparation? The counselors with Mediabistro’s Career Services can help you refine your interview skills in a one-on-one session.

Google them on the day of the interview, as you never know what news may have broken overnight. The same goes for hiring managers: Be sure you look up the people you’ll be meeting with on LinkedIn to get a sense of their background. It’s helpful to know their educational backgrounds, their volunteer involvement and how they arrived in their current roles so that you can more easily establish commonalities with them.

If you’re working with a recruiter, glean as much information as you can from them. They’ll often have additional insight into some of the more nuanced features of how the organization functions, such as company culture, work style and organizational structures.

They’ll also have information about a person’s interview style and can help you understand what types of questions you may be asked. If your recruiter hasn’t already prepped you with that information, make sure to ask.

Prior to walking into any interview, make sure that you’ve thought of specific work examples that you can discuss when prompted. Start by writing down a list of real work situations that you can pull from. The STAR method, a widely used technique, provides a great framework for tackling each potential question.

STAR stands for situation, task, action and result. You should open with a brief description, explain the task that you had to complete while detailing any specific challenges, describe the action that you took, and close with the quantifiable results or impact of your efforts. Writing down these points prior to the interview will cement them in your mind, allowing you to reference and adjust them as needed to meet the demands of the interview.

It’s also important to remember that in an interview, the questions should go both ways. Interviewers expect candidates to ask them questions. Be sure to have at least two questions for each person interviewing you.

They could be specific to that person or they could be specific to the role. If the interviewer hasn’t already covered it, it’s good to ask what that person enjoys most about working at the company, what the challenges are and what would make a person successful in this position.

After the interview, be sure to follow up with everyone. You should leave with business cards from each person you spoke with.

Send a thank-you email within 24 hours of the interview. Make sure to personalize each email by referencing something that you spoke about to illustrate your engagement and interest.

Although a lot of this may seem very basic, we hear all too often from clients that candidates fell short in one of these areas. Taking these simple, preparatory steps beforehand will allow you to relax during your interview.

You’ll have a mental Rolodex of potential responses, which you can tailor on the fly. Your interview should feel conversational, and by putting in the time to prepare, you’ll ensure that your talents are conveyed with a seemingly effortless sparkle.

The American Marketing Association is the pre-eminent force in marketing for best and next practices, thought leadership and valued relationships, across the entire discipline of marketing. Its online publications include posts on industry trends, career advice and more.

Topics:

Get Hired, Interview Tips

Skills & Expertise

How to Find and Land the Right Career Mentor

Experts explain why you need a mentor, where to find one and how to make the connection

By Vicki Salemi

4 min read • Originally published September 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Vicki Salemi

4 min read • Originally published September 1, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

As defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary, a mentor is a trusted counselor or guide. But perhaps missing from this definition is the value attached to it—the esteem of connecting with a seasoned professional for his or her guidance, encouragement and effective strategies.

The rule of landing a mentor and cultivating a successful relationship aren’t always clear-cut. After all, you have to keep in mind the different personalities and roles involved.

Securing a valuable mentor is one challenge and making the most out of that connection is quite another. Experts say it’s critical to outline what you’re hoping to gain from a mentor, and then put forth the effort to make the most out of the relationship once it’s intact.

Here are some steps you can take toward selecting the right mentor to help inspire and motivate you to achieve career success.

Why do you need a mentor?

Ask yourself why you want a mentor in the first place. Is it to guide your overall career? Help you get a promotion? Help you take a tactful leap from a ho-hum day job to a lucrative freelance career?

Knowing the answer to this question is a critical step to a fruitful mentoring relationship, says Heather Cianchetti, managing director of The Execu|Search Group’s creative and digital division.

“[Mentors] can help you think through challenges, deal with sticky career situations, develop strategies and evaluate opportunities,” says Megan Dalla-Camina, a workplace psychology expert.

She also advises choosing different mentors for different purposes. For instance, if you’re in broadcasting you could reach out to a producer whose career path you aspire to emulate, and then find a prominent blogger in your circle who could help you strengthen your visibility via social media.

After defining the scope of what you’re seeking, says Cianchetti, take your mentor’s personality and chemistry into account. If someone intimidates you or doesn’t seem invested in you, it will be challenging or even stressful to approach them.

“Your meetings should feel like a conversation, not a lecture,” she advises. “If you don’t feel comfortable expressing yourself, asking questions and communicating your concerns, you’re not going to gain much from the relationship.”

Where to find a mentor.

Seeking someone who is a leader in your field has obvious advantages. Whether your potential mentor has knowledge about your particular industry or about dealing with company politics, the more seasoned professionals can help you advance your career with their guidance and tutelage, says Cianchetti.

When you aim high in your search for mentors, you’re able to gain valuable insight and learn from any mistakes they’ve made on their road to success.

Sunil Sani, co-founder of CareerGlider.com, a resource for education and career information, didn’t have to look very far to land his own mentor—his father. “He is entrepreneurial in nature and loves starting new businesses,” Sani says.

A mentoring relationship can also be found right next door. Literally. Sani suggests reaching out to a neighbor if the networking opportunity makes sense.

How to connect with a mentor.

Once you’ve identified the mentor or mentors to approach, there are a few ways to handle it. Dalla-Camina explains that you can seek an introduction from a mutual connection or send an email directly to the person and ask for 30 minutes of his or her time.

“Be specific in your request,” she points out. “Open-ended requests can scare people off.” Tell your potential mentor what you admire about him and three things you want to ask during the 30-minute meeting.

Depending on your situation, the relationship and introduction itself may be less formal and that’s okay. If, as Sani suggested above, you’ve found your mentor next door and, let’s say, she is a successful marketing consultant, ask if you can tag along with this person to one of her events.

“You’ll be doing two things: helping others and learning from a master,” says Sani. “While [at the event], get introduced to as many people as you can and be sure to follow up by adding your new contacts on LinkedIn and Google+.”

If the initial connection goes well, find out if your contact is willing to meet on a monthly or quarterly basis. “The mentee needs to drive the relationship,” says Dalla-Camina; however, “be respectful of the mentor’s time and always express deep gratitude.”

Maintaining the connection.

Following up periodically is paramount to the success of the mentor-mentee relationship. While the mentor needs to set aside time in his or her calendar to invest in you, you need to be just as invested, if not more.

If you’re not willing to take the initiative and set up meetings and follow through, you’re simply not going to get much out of the exchange.

Once goals are attained and you’ve landed that promotion, you may think “What now?” Says Cianchetti: “I don’t think the relationship necessarily needs to end because the overall goal has been achieved. I think it’s important for the mentor and mentee to catch up every couple of months.”

Maintaining consistent communication is key to ensuring the professional relationship you built stays strong for months or years to come.

You never know when you might seek your mentor’s guidance once again. As Dalla-Camina puts it: “A good mentor can push you to the heights you are capable of when your self-limiting beliefs [are] holding you back.”

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Advice From the Pros

Education Manager Success Tips From Industry Pros

Mediabistro’s Lindsey Varghese turned a love of teaching and tech into a career outside the classroom

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 September 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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 September 2, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Getting your foot in the door and climbing the ladder in media can be a challenge: The industry is always changing, career paths can be ambiguous and social media never sleeps.

To help you find your way, we’re talking to media pros with a few years under their belts. Our Advice From the Pros series gives you real-world insights and advice you can apply to your job search, job interview, and—when you land that next gig—your new job, too.

Then when you’re ready, check out our job board.

If you’ve recently taken a Mediabistro course, you may have experienced a bit of Lindsey Varghese’s handiwork. As manager of our professional development programs for the past year, she’s in charge of developing online courses that address students’ evolving needs in the ever-changing media landscape; recruiting and guiding instructors through the content creation process; and managing program partnerships.

She hails from Long Island, New York, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Stony Brook University, and her master’s in education from St. John’s University.

So how’d she get her current job, and how’s she getting ready for the next stage of her career? Read on. (And look for her on LinkedIn and Instagram.)

What was your first job? And your first job in your chosen career?

My first-ever job and first job in my chosen career were actually the same—when does that ever happen? I was a teaching assistant in a program that encouraged girls in junior high to enter STEM careers.

I distinctly remember teaching a class on programming and Photoshop and thinking, I can’t believe I’m getting paid to do this, because I would probably do it for free.

How did you get your current job?

I reconnected with a former co-worker who let me know about the opening at Mediabistro—so it was thanks to networking, a little bit of luck and timing.

Is this where you always thought you’d end up?

I’ve always gravitated toward education, but spending a few years in the classroom helped me realize there were so many opportunities to expand on my teaching degree that didn’t involve traditional, day-to-day instruction.

I knew I wanted to pursue my everyday interests—writing and technology—but with an education spin. Developing online content and connecting students with the skills they’ll need to advance professionally seemed like a natural extension of my work experience.

What about your job gets you excited to jump out of bed every morning? What makes you want to hide under the sheets?

The positive aspect is seeing work translate into real life, like when a student lets us know, ‘Hey, your freelance writing course helped me a land a job,’ it’s the best. Paperwork and anything admin-related is a necessary evil.

What’s your favorite thing about working at your company?

Collaborating with other teams and contributing to projects outside of my traditional role. I recently connected with our marketing team and ended up drawing a few comics for our Instagram profile.

How do you stay on top of trends in your field?

There is way too much information out there to digest, so I use Feedly to keep up with news. It’s a curated reading experience every time.

I also like Social Media Week for social media and technology news, DesignLoveFest for art and design inspiration, and The New York Times’ Education section.

What are you reading and watching right now?

Currently reading Presence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges, by Amy Cuddy. And currently watching “Jane the Virgin,” because I secretly wish real life was a telenovela.

What’s the biggest misconception people have about your role?

That developing content for online versus in-person courses is somehow easier.

What skills should you have when applying for job as an education manager?

Project management skills, primarily. Also, knowing HTML/CSS and how to use Photoshop gives me a little bit more control in how content I work on is presented.

What advice would you give someone looking to break into this field?

If you think you don’t have formal professional development training, reframe how you’re thinking about your work history—because you probably do! For example, I used to create technology training guides for teachers in my district. At the time, I viewed it as just documenting and sharing knowledge, but it also qualifies as professional development experience.

What tips do you have for those seeking mentorships?

Redefine the traditional definition of “mentorship.” It’s easy to count someone out because they’re younger than you or in another industry. Every person you come across in your career is a mentor—even if they’re just an example of what not to do.

Check out our job board for openings in digital media, technology and marketing.

Topics:

Advice From the Pros, Be Inspired

Skills & Expertise

How to Build In-Demand Skills Without Going Back to School

Here’s how to advance your marketing skills and career, without an advanced degree

By Zach Brooke

4 min read • Originally published September 6, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Zach Brooke

4 min read • Originally published September 6, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

How to Add Skills to Your Resume Without Going Back to School was originally published by the American Marketing Association.

Marketing, as a field, is broader than ever.

“I think [marketing] has fragmented and specialized more in the last decade. There have always been various niches in marketing but I think that the digital space has grown as so many new startups have formed,” says Tim Boswell, executive vice president and general manager at Mediabistro.

The opinion is shared by Eric Siebert, vice president of global digital marketing at Boston Scientific Corporation and author of the Kindle book Careers in Marketing: The Comprehensive Guide to Traditional and Digital Marketing Careers. Recounting the beginnings of his 30-year career as a marketer, Siebert says, “Technology was the network, TV and radio, and other analog devices that distributed your one-way message to your consumer. And that was it.”

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This fragmentation creates problems for marketers looking for new opportunities. Whereas in the past, all marketers spoke the same language, specialization has brought different dialectics to the profession and is showing signs of forming whole new languages that are unrecognizable to people not directly immersed in new categories.

What happens when marketers want to switch companies or even roles but lack the specialized training sought in certain job postings. Are they eligible?

“I think that certainly someone who begins in an area that is at the center of the wheel in terms of strategic marketing, they’ve got to have skills that can translate into any of them,” Siebert says. “If someone goes in and specializes in promotion, or specializes in media management, I think it’s tougher for them to make a transition to one of the other paths.”

Learning the hottest new marketing skills is the best way to keep workers in demand, but how can they go about doing that, short of going back to the classroom for grad school?

For Siebert, the solution lies in work experience. While teaching a class at Bentley University, Siebert developed his book in response to student interest in the professional marketing world. “What I really encourage job seekers to do is to go to either a nonprofit, or small local business, or even [use] your own hobby and build a website and understand the principles of how to design a user experience and navigation and content experience on a website,” he says.

“Understand the basics. Try to drive organic search traffic by doing your keyword planning and optimizing the content on the website for that. Dabble a little bit in Google Adwords, spend a few dollars and learn how you bid and develop a search ad,” Siebert says.

Besides the expertise that comes from developing a new skill, having a real-world example can give marketers concrete examples to point to in interviews.

“To go in and say, ‘I haven’t done it at IBM or General Electric, but I have written a digital marketing strategy for my local chapter of the Boys and Girls Club. I took their website traffic from 5,000 a month to 10,000 a month and I know the mechanics of this.’ That’s the best way to do it,” Siebert says.

Taking Online Training Courses

Marketers looking for a more traditional route, or a smaller commitment, can instead pursue continuing education and professional development courses, like those offered by Mediabistro as online training courses.

Developed to address the most in-demand skills on job board postings, Boswell says that the course offerings have been recently revamped. According to Boswell, the new format packages classes into 10 to 15-minutes videos, with each course totaling about three to four hours of running time.

They can be taken anytime, not just during the traditional academic calendar. Some of the most popular offerings so far for 2016 include SEO writing, building an editorial calendar for social media channels and e-mail marketing. Boswell also says plans are in the works to include value-added extras, such as a tool that builds campaign trackers into URLs and KPI dashboard templates in spreadsheet form.

“All of these have been big for a while but we’re still seeing big volume in this area. Consequently, we’re looking to try to ensure we cover those skills to be able to give [jobseekers] a chance to play in that space,” Boswell says.

Zach Brooke is a staff writer for the American Marketing Association.

The American Marketing Association is the pre-eminent force in marketing for best and next practices, thought leadership and valued relationships, across the entire discipline of marketing. Its online publications include posts on industry trends, career advice and more.

Topics:

Climb the Ladder, Skills & Expertise

Job Search

Weekend Reads: Career and Job Search Advice Worth Your Time

Make the most of your early September weekend and catch up on these articles and prepare to get going on your job search

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

2 min read • Originally published September 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

By Mediabistro

The Mediabistro editorial team draws on 25 years of media industry expertise to cover jobs, careers, and trends shaping the industry.

2 min read • Originally published September 9, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

Got weekend plans? Whatever you do between now and Monday morning, be sure to carve out a few minutes to for some reading that’ll do some good for your career.

We understand how busy you are at work, so we’ve rounded up our best recent career and job search advice so you can spend some downtime in the next few days fueling your job search.

What’s the Best Way to Reschedule an Interview?: No matter how much you want an interview, sometimes—because of illness or an emergency—you’ve got to reschedule. Here’s how to do it without ruining your chances of an offer.

What Does a PR Director Do?: If you have a couple of years’ experience in PR, now may be the time to make the jump to director. Here’s what it takes.

Videos That Can Turbocharge Your Job Search: Tap the power of a range of videos to land the job you want.

Why You Need a Mentor, and How to Land One: A quick course on what a guide can do for your career, and no-fail ways to make the connection.

How I Got a Job by Reframing My Work History to Fit the Position: Here’s how Mediabistro’s Lindsey Varghese turned her background and passion into a job in a new field—and you can too.

Add Marketing Skills to Your Resume—Without Going Back to School: Want to up your skills, but not your student loan debt? Check out these lower-cost solutions.

12 Awesome Websites to Kick Your Freelancing into High Gear: This can-do dozen will help you find gigs, showcase your work and get paid like a boss.

Easy LinkedIn Tweaks That’ll Help You Snag a Job: Find out how to get recruiters to notice you, and how to leverage your resume in your profile.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

Job Search

Fall Job Search: Tips to Land a Role During Peak Hiring Season

From Twitter pointers to LinkedIn outreach, here’s the info you need to land a job after summer

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.

3 min read • Originally published September 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

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.

3 min read • Originally published September 12, 2016 / Updated March 19, 2026

It’s well after Labor Day, which means that more jobs are being posted as the job market slowly picks back up. So now’s the perfect time to put some energy into making your job hunt count.

And to be sure you’re ready to hit the ground running—and snag the right job for you—check out these tips from Emmelie De La Cruz, a personal branding expert and author of Make Yourself Marketable.

1. Start Now

Sure, fall doesn’t technically begin until next week, but don’t let that stop you from getting a head start on the competition. Cruz says to take advantage of this time—when your competition may still be recovering from summer downtime.

Right away, make sure your resume is updated with your most current roles and accomplishments, your profile picture reflects your current look, your online portfolio shows your latest and best work and your social profiles don’t scare away hiring managers.

2. Grow Your Twitter Followers

One thing employers look for—especially if you’re going after jobs in media—is your social following. “Unfortunately in media and marketing, follower counts have become some sort of credibility factor,” says Cruz.

To up your follower count, start with a headshot and an elevator pitch as your bio. Then use your posts to increase your value. “Posting consistently and sharing information that your peers and colleagues will find valuable is what will get you a larger following,” says Cruz.

And, if you’re looking for a little shortcut, Cruz recommends conducting a Twitter chat, an easy way to “engage with your audience, grow your following and share your expertise,” she says.

3. Create a Twesume

Using Twitter Ads, create what’s called a Twesume—a Twitter resume that explains your background, skills and what you’re looking for in your career—and target the exact people you’re looking to get in front of.

When Cruz was job hunting, she wanted to increase her visibility with professionals, recruiters and hiring managers in the communications industry. She successfully executed this by creating a Twitter ad targeting people who followed accounts like New York Women in Communications Inc. and ColorComm.

“While it didn’t automatically get me a job,” says Cruz, “it put me in front of the right people, got my Linkedin profile seen and increased my Twitter following with people in my industry.”

4. Get Alerted When the Right Job Comes Along

Between resume updates, portfolio tweaks, interview prep and every other time-consuming job search task, you run the risk of missing out on a great job opening.

For this, Cruz recommends using Warble, a software that sends customized alerts from Twitter to your inbox daily. You might add parameters such as “now hiring” or “seeking copywriter,” and you can tweak as you go.

And another tool you don’t want to forget is Mediabistro’s Job Alerts. Just set it once, customizing the alert to the exact type of role you’re looking for, and watch your tailored job alerts come rolling in.

5. Think LinkedIn

While you’re scouting the job boards looking for your next gig, recruiters are scouting LinkedIn for their next hire. This is why Cruz recommends having a LinkedIn outreach plan in place: Make it easy for people to find you, and once they discover you, make sure they’re impressed.

“LinkedIn is a search engine and you need to think like a recruiter,” says Cruz. So when developing the content for your LinkedIn page—including your headline and summary—you should be trying to figure out what search terms a recruiter might use to find somebody like you.

And once a recruiter does make it to your LinkedIn page, impress them with a complete and well-crafted profile that clearly states your skills and accomplishments, passions and career goals.

Topics:

Get Hired, Job Search

1. Upgrade Your Photo

2. Ask For Recommendations

3. Complete Your Profile

4. Interact and Publish

What exactly does a PR director do?

What skills are required?

How important are digital skills?

Who is a PR director’s boss?

What jobs are similar to this one?

What do I need to get ahead in this position?

How can I get my foot in the door?

If you have a few days

In case of emergencies

Don’t forget the apology

Why do you need a mentor?

Where to find a mentor.

How to connect with a mentor.

Maintaining the connection.

Partnering With Small Businesses and Nonprofits

Taking Online Training Courses

1. Start Now

2. Grow Your Twitter Followers

3. Create a Twesume

4. Get Alerted When the Right Job Comes Along

5. Think LinkedIn

Diana Ghazzawi