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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

What can I do with a minor in photography?

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SUNY Oswego - Career Services

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Photography Club The Oswegonian

Search for opportunities

  • Portrait Photographer
  • Freelance Photographer
  • Visual Designer
  • Marketing Production Assistant
  • Wedding Photographer

Search for employers hiring graduates in your minor

Employers in NY: 6,128
Employers in the U.S.: 111,426

 

Explore the numerous career fields related to your major

Photography
Areas
  • Fine arts
  • News
  • Commercial and industrial
  • Portrait
  • Nature
  • Scientific
  • Journalism
  • Food
  • Underwater
  • Weddings/Events
  • Fashion
Employers
  • Museums
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Websites
  • Photo agencies
  • Studios
  • Libraries
  • Large corporations
  • Self-employed
  • Venues
Sample occupations
  • Develop proficiency with photo editing software.
  • Because more than half of all professional photographers are self-employed, it is important to develop knowledge and understanding  of business principles.
  • Apprentice with a free-lance photographer.
  • Maintain an up-to-date portfolio of both black and white and color photography.
  • Obtain an internship or part-time job with the campus newspaper, local newspaper, website or other media outlet.
Print Design
Areas
  • Magazine design
  • Newspaper design
  • Book design
  • Brochure, flyer, newsletter, menu, packaging, poster publication design
  • Cover/label design
  • Advertising layout
  • Photo editing/Photoshop art
  • Illustration
  • Logos, business cards, stationery, billboard, car wrap design
  • Infographics
Employers
  • Magazine, Periodical, Book, Directory, Newspaper, Textbook,
  • Greeting card publishers
  • Design firms
  • Advertising agencies
  • Publishing houses
  • Business form companies
  • Publicity firms
  • In-house creative departments
  • Large retail stores
  • Toy companies
  • Nonprofit organizations
  • Government agencies
  • Universities
  • Self-employed (freelance)
Sample occupations
  • As a designer, you are creating numerous visual and text communication works, small to large, from posters to identity systems.
  • Research all the niche areas and gain the tools and technological skills to succeed in that area.
  • Assemble a portfolio of work samples.
  • Complete a related internship to gain relevant experience and to contribute to your portfolio.
  • Work on campus publications in design or layout or find a part-time position with a local publication.
  • Develop excellent communication skills and learn to work well on a multidisciplinary team.
  • Volunteer to create brochures, newsletters, or other publications for campus organizations.
  • Develop problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines.
  • Join professional associations as a student member.
  • Become knowledgeable in production and printing processes.
  • Develop broad software application skills in MAC and PC based programs and a solid background in design.
  • Participate in local or campus design contests.
Media
Areas
  • Journalism production, design, art criticism, editing
  • Art direction
  • Sales
  • Programming
  • Video
  • Illustration
  • Animation
  • Story board
  • Film
  • Social media
  • Digital imaging and editing
Employers
  • Newspapers
  • Magazines
  • Websites
  • Book publishers
  • Studios
Sample occupations
  • Develop excellent grammar and writing skills along with knowledge of the history and culture of art.
  • Learn HTML and other computer programs to prepare for online work.
  • Work with campus or local newspapers.
  • Create a portfolio of work samples, especially those that have been published.
Social Media Management
Areas
  • Strategy
  • Content planning
  • Community management
  • Marketing and promotions
  • Blogging
  • Copy writing
  • Search engine marketing
  • Online customer service
Employers
  • Public relations firms
  • Marketing agencies
  • Advertising agencies
  • Social media management companies
  • Media outlets
  • Corporations in a variety of industries
  • Web application companies
  • Freelance
Sample occupations
  • Get experience with social media platforms, (e.g., Facebook, YouTube, and Twitter) and location- based social media sites, (e.g., Yelp and Gowalla).
  • Be adept at learning new technology and tools quickly. 
  • Stay up to date with industry news.
  • Establish an online presence for yourself, and use it in your job search.
  • Complete an internship in social media.
  • Volunteer to maintain social media for campus organizations.
  • Develop skills important to this field including: communication, creativity, relationship building, and project management.
  • Take courses in marketing, journalism, copy writing, and technology.
  • Research an industry of interest to learn about its social media presence.
  • Learn how to effectively manage negative press.

General information and strategies

  • A bachelor’s degree is valuable for entry-level positions, but an advanced degree is usually necessary to attain competitive, upper-level positions.
  • An art-related degree can and should be tailored to areas of specialization.
  • Save artwork for a strong portfolio – too much is better than too little.
  • You may need to relocate to the larger markets of metropolitan areas where more opportunities exist.
  • Join appropriate professional and student organizations.
  • Volunteer with fundraising efforts for the arts.
  • Gain valuable experience through volunteering, internships, part-time and summer jobs, and apprenticeships.
  • Seek exposure to photography by visiting museums around the country and world.
  • Conduct informational interviews with professionals in areas of interest to learn more about opportunities and strategies for these areas.
  • Pair this area with other career interests to increase opportunities and provide supplemental income.
  • Develop skills in business management, computers, marketing, and other related areas to increase marketability.
  • A career in the arts takes dedication, patience, flexibility, talent, and some luck.
  • Develop proficiency with photo editing software.
  • Because more than half of all professional photographers are self-employed, it is important to develop knowledge and understanding of business principles.