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Get yourself a Career in the Media

Every year, new entrants to the TV, film and radio industries show that there are no rules about relevant qualifications for getting employment. Media Studies may seem like an �obvious� choice, but it may not be of great help to you in the longer term as it won�t guarantee you work.

The truth is, many media studies courses are more about giving you a general overview and appreciation of the various forms of media and are not designed to prepare you for a career in TV, film or radio. At least half of the people starting out in the industry every year come from backgrounds with no obvious links to the industry e.g. English, History graduates. There are many different entry routes into the media so plan yours carefully.

Find out about the jobs in the industry so you have a clear and realistic idea of what you want to do and what�s involved in that job � this will make choosing the right course for you easier.Visit www.skillformedia.com for an A-Z of jobs in the industry and the skills needed to do them. skillsformedia is the media industries� careers service. The website has all the information you need to start your career or you can call them on 08080 300 900.

If you do decide to go the media studies route, maximise your chances of getting work after you graduate by choosing a course designed for those wanting to work in the media and not just those who want to study a general overview of it.

Check out the lecturers. Speak to them if you get the chance. What experience do they have? Have they worked in the industry? Finding a lecturer who still freelances in the industry would be a result.

What kind of links with industry does the University and lecturers have? Do they have industry contacts that you can learn from? Or better yet get jobs from? Does the course involve any work experience or placements?

What equipment will you have access to? Technology is constantly changing in this industry, if your course can�t keep up you may find yourself learning skills that are outdated before you even graduate. And do they have enough equipment for everyone to use regularly?

Most people working in the media are graduates so employers will expect you to have a degree but don�t expect it to open doors for you. Work experience will.

In this industry everyone starts at the bottom � no matter what degree you did. Starting off as a runner is most likely but some people get breaks as researchers as well so you might want to choose a course that shows you have gained research skills.

Runners are responsible for doing anything and everything that no one else has time to do. This usually involves the most mundane tasks on set like making the tea, photocopying and getting lunch orders. The hours are long and the pay is low but you will get to experience how the industry really works and you�ll be able to make those all important contacts. Runners� jobs are not usually advertised as employers are sent so many CV�s all year round they don�t need to bother with an ad. Do some research at your University or on the internet, get a list of independent production companies and post production/facilities houses and send them your CVs. Try to make it stand out but don�t do anything too wacky!

Researchers help to fill the content on news, educational and entertainment programmes. Anything from daytime chat shows to factual shows like Crimewatch will need researchers. You will need to show you can spot a good story that will be of interest to viewers and that you can do the leg work e.g. find background info or respected experts on the subject. To get an edge on the competition you might think about targeting programmes that relate to your degree subject e.g. if you did a science degree apply to Tomorrows World or similar. Or with your CV send in some ideas of topical stories you think they should be covering. It�s a chance to show you�re up to date with the news and can find a creative angle � it will also show you know what kind of audience that programme is trying to reach.

Remember: Be persistent, be humble and show your enthusiasm for the industry and your understanding of the realities of the work.

Contributed by Skillset www.skillformedia.com

THE SECTOR SKILLS COUNCIL FOR THE AUDIO VISUAL INDUSTRIES