Job Roles

There are different kind of roles within a company that it is important you understand what they are and what they involve. That way when you apply for a certain type of job role you know what you will be expected to do and don't get a nasty surprise. So the main different kinds of roles are; creative, technical, editorial, marketing, managerial, administrative, legal and financial. Here you will find a brief description of what each of the roles involve.

Creative: If you are in a creative role, it means that you are in charge of designing and developing an idea. For instance, if you are a scriptwriter, it's your job to creative something that will entice an audience and make a profit for your company. For example if you are a brand manager then it is your job to identify what is currently in need within the marketplace and then develop something which people will want to purchase. So if we take the media industry for example then a producer will want to make something that is going to sell to an audience. So they may research what people want to watch and then create something which will appeal to them and leave a lasting impression.

Technical: If you go for a Technical job role then you will understand more of technical side of things, such as being able to operate a camera, be able to set up lighting systems and so on. You will understand how the technology works. Technical workers often have a good understanding of IT. Technical Authors, or also known as information designers, technical writers and technical communicators, are there to make understanding how systems work in an understandable way. An IT technical support officer is in charge of the running of the IT systems within a company or department. This may mean that they are installing computers, installing software/ hardware onto a computer and diagnose any faults within them. They are often known as ‘Help-desk’ operators, technicians, maintenance engineers or applications support specialists.

Editorial: If we are speaking in terms of a media industry then the editor is the person who is in charge of editing together a film from a raw product into a finished product which is to a suitable standard to broadcast. An editor may work as part of a team in order to deliver the best standard of work and therefore deliver the best quality product that they can. Most often an editor will work much like a freelancer and work on short-term contracts with different post-production studios, television companies and corporate employers. However you may also come across the term editorial in different areas of work, most commonly within journalism. An editorial assistant aids and support senior members of staff in all stages of publishing, whether it be a book or gossip magazine.

Marketing: In a marketing role you are expected to be able to come up with and execute marketing campaigns which will promote a product. This includes being able to plan, advertise, organising events, product development, distribution, sponsorship and research, as well as being involved in any public relations. Marketing departments are found within both public and private sectors, with marketing executives working in a range of departments from financial, retailing and media industries to voluntary and public sector organisations. Marketing executives are also known as marketing officers and coordinators. Marketing is an often seen as a challenging and varied job which is also exciting.

Managerial: The job of somebody in a managerial role is to plan, direct and coordinate the running and operations within a company. They are in charge of making sure that the office runs smoothly and are in charge of formulating policies, managing the daily operations and planning the appropriate use of materials and human resources. The manager is also a diverse role so they cannot be classed in one particular area such as purchasing or administration. They are a part of both public and private sector organisations.

Administrative: An administrative role is one that helps to keep everything moving. An administrator will be in charge of taking calls and messages, booking locations, setting up rooms and ensuring that clients are looked after. Although it is a 'behind the scene' job compared to others, it is important as it allows for the smooth operation of an office or, if we talk in a media sense, a set.

Legal: Legal advisors are in charge of any legal issues within a company or organisation. This includes preparing any legal documentation and paperwork, which could be complaints, appeals, motions, subpoenas and etcetera. A legal executive is a qualified and skilled lawyer who is specialised in one particular area of law. They will have five years experience working under a solicitor within a practice or in the legal department of a private company or local or national government.

Finance: If you have a financial job then you are in charge of the finances and anything to do with transactions. This includes making sure that all records are accurate and up-to-date, but also that transactions are dealt with swiftly and effectively. This job also includes being able to give monthly updates and presentations of the business’s profits and losses, and assist in any meetings or committee decision makings that may occur as a result. Financial advisors are also known as Treasurers. They are in-charge of organising, or at least helping to co-ordinate, any fundraisers and help work with sponsors.