For any individual to become a media coordinator, a number of qualifications are expected of a successful candidate. Most media coordinators should hold a Bachelor’s Degree related to their field, such as communications or advertising, or at least two years of experience in related fields. The next step to become a media coordinator will typically involve teaming with a firm or organization in which these learned skills will be an asset. The media coordinator will then work to establish and maintain long-term relationships with advertisers, and to ensure that his or her clients receive the best ad sizes and spots at the most competitive rates. Likewise, he or she will work to ensure maximum profit for the firm, while providing the lowest-cost solutions for customer needs.
Both education and experience are key factors to become a media coordinator. Employers will rarely consider potential candidates for a job if neither has been attained prior to an interview. Seeking a degree in advertising or communications is perhaps the most helpful step to become a media coordinator, as the skills learned about the related fields will later be invaluable resources at the actual job. Obtaining a media-specific degree is helpful, but certainly not mandatory to become a media coordinator. A liberal arts degree will typically include enough related material to help prepare a future media coordinator for real-life business scenarios.
It is helpful for media coordinators to possess the social and problem-solving skills needed to approach new and old clientele about business propositions or contracts. Common sense and creativity are two indispensable qualities in this profession, as every day may present new and unforeseen challenges. The more a media coordinator can know and understand a client, the more likely he or she can fulfill that particular client’s advertising needs and wants. Picking the most profitable avenues and mediums for each client will help to assure continued support from both new and old accounts, all while increasing financial gain for a company. Keen networking skills are also very important.
Having gained either a degree, field experience, or both, a media coordinator should begin searching for potential job opportunities. Media firms or advertising agencies recruit coordinators to assist in the day-to-day advertising and business transactions between the agency and their clients. A good coordinator should do rigorous research to determine the best ad placement, size, and circulation for a variety of customers and difficult situations by keeping demographics and statistics in mind at all times. A good media coordinator should also be able to perceive and foresee change in the industry and economy and understand its potential effects on business.
