Career Compass: Mapping Educational Routes to Media and Publishing

17 Feb 2025

Taylor's Team (Editor)

IN THIS ARTICLE

Lost at what to study? Discover your direction with our Career Compass! Explore opportunities in the media and publishing industry to map your educational path.

The media and publishing industry bridges creators and audiences through diverse platforms like platforms like books, podcasts, videos, and online articles. By blending creativity with technology, this field shapes how we communicate, learn, and share ideas. It continues to evolve with advancements in digital tools and trends, creating exciting opportunities for aspiring storytellers and communicators.

What is Media and Publishing?

But what exactly is media and publishing, and why should you, as a high schooler or high school graduate, consider a career in this industry? The answer lies in the power of this field to transform how stories, ideas, and information are shared globally.

With technology driving latest trends like gamified storytelling, interactive media, audiobooks, and podcasts, media and publishing have become more essential than ever. This dynamic industry merges creativity and innovation to produce content that informs, entertains, and connects people across cultures and platforms.

What are the careers in Media and Publishing?

The media and publishing industry offers a range of career paths that blend creativity, technology, and communication. Whether you’re interested in writing books, reporting on current events, crafting immersive Extended Reality (XR) experiences, producing podcasts, or lending your voice to narrations, there’s a niche for you. Let’s explore five exciting careers in media and publishing and the educational routes to achieving them.

1. Book Author

Girl is listening to audio via headphone while writing in the outdoor

What does this career do?

A Book Author writes stories, narratives or informational content for platforms like print, e-books, and audiobooks, focusing on storytelling, research, and creativity. They work with editors and publishers to polish their work and adapt it for different formats to engage readers effectively.

Where can you work in this career?

GerakBudaya: A renowned Malaysian publisher and distributor, specialising in thought-provoking and socially impactful books.
Fixi: prominent Malaysian publishing house focusing on modern fiction, offering opportunities for authors to explore unique and bold storytelling.
Pelangi Publishing Group: One of Malaysia’s top publishing houses, focusing on children’s and educational books that combine storytelling with valuable learning content.

Who is this career for?

This career is ideal for those who have a passion for storytelling and enjoy creating content that engages and inspires readers. If you love crafting compelling narratives, developing characters, or sharing ideas through the written word, this role is for you.

What to study for this career?

High School: Focus on Visual Arts and languages such as English, Chinese, and Malay.
Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Arts or Communication.
Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication.
Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in digital publishing, marketing, and branding, as well as instructional design can be beneficial.

2. Multimedia Journalist

A girl and two boys are setting up the cameras and lighting

What does this career do?

A Multimedia Journalist researches, writes, and produces stories for various platforms, including print, online, radio, television, and social media. They combine text, audio, video, and graphics to create engaging, multi-format content that informs and captivates audiences. Their role often involves investigating current events, conducting interviews, and using digital tools to package stories for a wide range of audiences.

Where can you work in this career?

Astro Awani: A prominent Malaysian news platform that integrates multimedia content for TV, digital, and social media.
BFM 89.9: Malaysia’s leading business radio station, focusing on multimedia storytelling in areas like business, technology, and industry trends.
The Star Media Group: A diversified media company producing news, lifestyle content, and multimedia features for digital and print audiences.

Who is this career for?

This career is perfect for those who enjoy storytelling across various subjects, including current events, business journalism, and cultural reporting. If you are curious, adaptable, and passionate about crafting engaging content, whether for news, podcasts, or feature stories, this role is for you.

What to study for this career?

High School: Focus on subjects like Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and languages such as English, Chinese, and Malay.
Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Arts or Communication.
Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication or with specialisation in Digital Media Production.
Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in media management, crisis journalism, or niche journalism specialisations can be beneficial.

3. Extended Reality (XR) Storyteller

Lady discusses about animation in front of audiences.

What does this career do?

An XR Storyteller crafts immersive narratives using cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR), Virtual Reality (VR), and Mixed Reality (MR). By blending storytelling with interactive experiences, they engage audiences in journalism, entertainment, and marketing, redefining how stories are told and consumed.

Where can you work in this career?

Virtualtech Frontier (VTF): A leader in XR solutions, crafting immersive narratives and interactive applications for marketing campaigns and corporate storytelling.
Ministry XR: A Malaysian company specialising in creating immersive XR content for marketing, training, and storytelling, using AR, VR, and MR technologies.
TrueXR: Focused on producing high-quality XR experiences for industries like media, entertainment, and marketing to enhance audience engagement.

Who is this career for?

This career is for individuals who love storytelling and have a passion for using emerging technologies to captivate audiences. If you enjoy blending creativity with innovation, designing interactive experiences, and engaging audiences in unique ways, this is a perfect fit.

What to study for this career?

High School: Focus on subjects like Physics, ICT, and Visual Arts.
Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Digital Design or Information Technology.
Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Interactive Spatial Design, Creative Media Design, or Computer Science.
Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in cinematic VR, immersive audio, or immersive journalism can enhance your expertise.

4. Podcast Producer

What does this career do?

A Podcast Producer oversees the end-to-end production of podcasts, from planning and recording to editing and publishing. They collaborate with hosts, guests, and technical teams to create high-quality audio content that informs, entertains, or engages audiences. Their role also includes developing episode concepts, managing schedules, and ensuring seamless post-production for various platforms.

Where can you work in this career?

BFM 89.9: Malaysia’s leading business radio station, focusing on multimedia storytelling in areas like business, technology, and industry trends.
Blankslate: A Malaysian creative media company specialising in producing podcasts and engaging multimedia content.
Geeks In Malaysia: A podcast that delves into pop culture, movies, comics, and all things geeky, offering humorous and insightful commentary.

Who is this career for?

This career is ideal for those who enjoy audio storytelling and have a keen interest in creating engaging, high-quality content. If you are detail-oriented, love working with audio equipment, and thrive in collaborative environments, this role is for you.

What to study for this career?

High School: Focus on subjects like ICT and languages such as English, Chinese, and Malay.
Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in Arts or Communication.
Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communication or with specialisation in Digital Media Production.
Beyond: Advanced degrees or certification in media entrepreneurship, media law and intellectual property or immersive audio can be beneficial.

5. Voice Over Artist

Woman doing voice recording while looking at script

What does this career do?

A Voice Over Artist bring stories and experiences to life through their voices. They specialise in narrating for audiobooks, storytelling apps, video games, and other forms of interactive media, using tone, emotions and expression to captivate audiences. Their role is crucial in making digital content both engaging and immersive.

Where can you work in this career?

Nusantara Audiobooks: A platform dedicated to producing and promoting high-quality audiobooks, showcasing stories from Malaysia and the Nusantara region.
Andovar: A global content localisation company headquartered in Singapore, specialising in voiceovers, dubbing, and narration for audiobooks, video games, and multimedia projects.
Voice Guild Malaysia: An organisation representing professional voice talents, connecting narrators with projects across advertising, audiobooks, and interactive media.

Who is this career for?

This career is for individuals who enjoy storytelling and can express emotions through narration. If you’re passionate about bringing stories to life, enjoy using audio tools, and have a talent for captivating audiences, being a Voice Over Artist might be the path for you.

What to study for this career?

High School: Focus on subjects like English, Malay, and Chinese.
Pre-U: Consider a foundation or diploma in either Arts or Communication.
Undergraduate: Pursue a bachelor’s degree in Performing Arts or Mass Communication.
Beyond: Advanced degrees or certifications in AI and synthetic voice integration or dubbing and localisation can enhance your expertise.

Conclusion

The publishing and media industry is a dynamic field where creativity, communication, and technology come together. Whether you’re interested in storytelling, immersive experiences, or producing engaging content, there’s a path for you to explore. By focusing on the right subjects in high school and pursuing relevant degrees and skills, you can turn your interests into a meaningful and rewarding career.

Remember, the world of publishing and media offers endless opportunities to innovate, inspire, and make an impact across education, entertainment, and beyond!

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