Finding Work and Getting Paid: Predictors of Success in the Mass Communications Job Market

Abstract

This article focuses on the determinants of success in occupational entry for persons trained for work in mass communications. Two separate criteria are used to judge success in entry: actual employment and salary and benefits earned upon employment. Experiences in media organizations (internships or working on college media), specialization in any area of study, and grade point average (GPA) were all positively associated with finding a job. Prior experience with the employer was a positive predictor of salary, whereas a generalized job seeking strategy and being a woman were negative predictors of salary. Women, however, were more likely to have a job with a large number of benefits than were men.