If you’re studying for or preparing for a future career in the realm of digital, social, or visual media and communication, you’re entering a field where creativity, strategy, and real experience really matters. Your degree is a highly valuable asset, but most employers look for more. They want to know that you haven’t just learned, they want proof that you can apply what you’ve learned.
Gaining knowledge through classes, networking through internships and work opportunities, and developing your creativity through personal practice, all work to the benefit of your future career. Here are 10 ways to prepare for professional work while you’re still in school.
1. Build a Professional Portfolio Early and Update it Often
A portfolio is a curated collection of your best work. As you go through your schooling, practice, or creating personally, you work on projects that you can add to your personal portfolio. Portfolios complement your degree and it shows employers what you have done and what you can do.
Portfolios can include:
- social media campaigns you’ve created
- graphic designs, videos, and motion graphics
- analytics examples and results
- Other media created for social or digital platforms
Choose platforms like Adobe Portfolio or a personal website where your work can be easily viewed and accessed by others.
2. Take Advantage of Hands-On Projects in Your Classes
The curriculum for the Social/Digital Media and Visual Communication degree at BYU-Idaho includes practicum courses and hands-on classes where you work on real or simulated projects. These assignments mimic professional tasks, and give you an accomplishment to show employers.
As well as the projects you complete in your schooling, consider working on your own personal projects. Create something that you want to work on. Your personal projects should be added to your portfolio as well.
3. Choose Internships That Build Real-World Experience
Internships prepare you for professional work by giving you real experience and connecting you with potential future employers. Previous BYU-Idaho students completed internships as:
- Content Creator for Porter Pro Media
- Video Editor for Mug Media
- Marketing and Communication Intern for Intermountain Cassia Regional Hospital
- Graphic Designer Anthem Broadband
- Brand Manager for Porter Pro Media
- Creative Digital Marketing Intern at Mountain View Hospital
At BYU-Idaho, internships must be directly relevant to your major and be approved by your department. Connect with the Career Center to start your internship search.
4. Make Your Portfolio Stand Out with Narrative and Metrics
Within your portfolio, show the how and the why of accomplishing your projects.
Consider including:
- A brief description of the goals of each project.
- The steps you took as you worked on it
- The results (engagement and growth)
- Screenshots or embeds of work
When possible, tie your projects to real numbers, like follower engagement or reach, to show the impact and influence of your projects.
5. Master the Tools Professionals Use
Knowing your way around common social media platforms like Instagram or TikTok is great, but proficiency with digital tools cannot be overlooked. It is an essential skill to have in the professional world. Digital tools employers value efficiency in include:
- Adobe Creative Suite (like Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere)
- Design tools (like Canva, InDesign)
- Social scheduling tools (like Buffer, Social Sprout)
- Basic analytics tools (like Google Analytics, Semrush)
6. Practice Strategic Storytelling and Copywriting
Digital media isn’t just about visuals, it’s about sharing messages that connect with people. Clear writing and thoughtful storytelling will help your work rise above noise. This includes learning how to write compelling captions, strategic headlines, and audience-focused content.
7. Network and Find Mentors in the Field
Professional connections can lead to opportunities you might not find on your own. Attend events, participate in campus organizations, and reach out to professionals you admire. Networking doesn’t have to be intimidating, it could be connecting over LinkedIn or conducting informational interviews. Visit Networking in the Career Center to start connecting.
8. Establish a Professional Online Presence
Your digital footprint is an important thing employers will look for. In addition to keeping personal accounts appropriate, establish yourself professionally online. A professional online presence will share with others who you are, what you do, and the skills you have. Creating professional profiles (especially on LinkedIn) can showcase your work and accomplishments easily.
TIP: Separate personal and public professional accounts when possible.
9. Know the Career Paths You’re Preparing For
A degree in Digital/Social Media and Visual Communications will prepare you for several different professional roles. Graduates can pursue jobs such as:
- Social Media Manager or Strategist
- Content Creator or Marketer
- Brand Coordinator
- Multimedia Specialist
- Graphic or UX/UI Designer
Knowing the kinds of jobs available to you will help you tailor your portfolio and internship choices to the path you want.
10. Understand and Build the Skills Employers Want
In today’s media landscape, hiring managers look for a balance of technical, creative, abilities (like video editing, photo editing, and design) and strategic skills (like storytelling, analytics, and brand strategy). Employers value:
- Visual Content Creation - designing graphics, edit videos, and creative content
- Platform-Specific Knowledge - Understanding how different platforms function, including posting formats, audience behavior, and emerging features
- Strategic Storytelling - Knowing how to communicate clear messages and build narratives.
- Digital Copywriting and Messaging - Writing concise, engaging captions, headlines, and calls to action that reflect brand voice and connect with target audiences.
- Data Awareness and Basic Analytics - The ability to interpret performance metrics such as engagement, reach, and growth, and use that information to improve future content.
- Trend Awareness and Cultural Literacy - Staying current with online trends
- Professional Collaboration and Communication - Working effectively with clients, team members, or supervisors.
- Portfolio-Ready Experience - Demonstrating real-world application of skills through portfolios that showcase projects, processes, and outcomes.[Text Wrapping Break]
These skills align with BYU-Idaho coursework that teaches brand strategy, analytics, and content creation.
Begin Now and Grow Every Semester
By combining classroom learning with real experiences like internships, portfolios, networking, and tools mastering, you’re building a resume and a professional identity. Employers don’t just want a degree; they want proof that you can turn knowledge into creativity and influence.
Begin now to build your professional career, so you will have the confidence and ability to step into your career after graduation.
References
BYU–Idaho — Communication (Digital and Social Media) B.S.
BYU–Idaho — Communication Internship Requirements
Coursera — Job Leveling Matrix for Social Media Career Pathways
Jobya — Building a Social Media Portfolio
Enstacked — Top 5 Social Media Scheduling Tools in 2025
RecurPost — Social Media Internships
Sprout Social — Social Media Skills for Managers and Marketers
Texas A&M University–Corpus Christi — Social Media Internships
University of Idaho — Emerging Media Careers
Western Governors University — Social Media Manager Career Guide