E-MEDIA (ELECTRONIC MEDIA)

The following assessment is provided to help you become better acquainted with discovering which media field is right for you.  Use this assessment as step one in planning now for a clear investment into your future.  Keep in mind this assessment is only a tool to help you find your best fit in the media workplace.  It is not a career placement test, but based on your responses, you should have an idea of which media field you are likely to enjoy the most. At the end of this test, you should know more about your top media strengths and weaknesses.  Do your best to judge yourself honestly.  The closer your answers are to your true skills and career desires, the more accurate your results will be.  Remember, with the right talents and education you can look forward to a truly exciting and stimulating career.

What other forms of media do you use everyday?  How about electronic media?  These are diverse media that utilize electronics for the end user (the audience) to access the content. This is in contrast to print media such as newspapers and magazines, which are most often created electronically, but don't require electronics to be accessed by the audience in the printed form. The primary electronic media sources familiar to the general public are better known as video recordings, audio recordings, multimedia and slide presentations, CD-ROM and online content.  Most new media are in the form of digital media, but electronic media may be in either analog or digital format. 

Television stations now have a website component that provides viewers with information and access to archived news video and also allows them to watch the news live on their computers.  You can also find a career in TV and Film Design where you would create animations, credits, and use digital manipulation for special effects among many other techniques used for live television and online newscasts.  Any equipment used in the electronic communication process (e.g. television, radio, telephone, desktop computers, game consoles and handheld devices) may also be considered electronic media.  You can eventually develop a career in web design and animation, the particular use of technologies like Flash and incorporation of streaming video and sound into web pages.  You could even become a game designer who designs two and three dimensional graphics, characters and scenes for the vast video games industry. 

You can earn a degree in interactive media as well with classes that include mass marketing, multimedia design and communication plus any other classes you wish to take depending on your personal focus.  Interacting with your audience has always been an attractive concept and now with interactive media it becoming increasingly possible for those in the field who can keep up with technological advances.  Everything from computer tutorials, educational programs and even interactive marketing can also fall under the umbrella of electronic and interactive media.

1. What kinds of electronic media do you find yourself using daily?
2. Which kinds of electronic media do you feel are the most informative?
3. Would you prefer to watch the news live on your computer or by use of a conventional television?
4. Which one appeals to you the most:

1. Writing news stories for the web?
2. Creating graphics for a live television show or newscast?
3. Designing content layouts and animations for a website?
4. Developing ideas for special online projects and news features?

1. How much do you enjoy using the web to search for news and entertainment stories?

YOUR SELF-ASSESSMENT EVALUATION

Now that you’ve taken the time to think about the questions and information listed above, let’s evaluate your answers.  By the details in your responses, you should now know whether you’re primarily interested in one of the following areas:

1. Print media (Newspaper & Magazine)
2. Broadcast media (Radio & Television)
3. E-media (Web-based, online and interactive media)

If you’re still unsure or would like more info, please take a moment to find your way to additional resources for your academic and professional career selection process in our Media Resource section.