Media & creative
Calling all media junkies!
So you’re obsessed with the latest gadgets, you know exactly what Paris Hilton was wearing yesterday and you live by the motto of why text when you can tweet. Then it seems you’re destined for a career in the media!
With the rise of the internet, the social media breakthrough and celebrity culture the media has become an even more exciting and fast-paced industry to enter. Be it newspapers, magazines, television, film, animation, radio, computer games and all the advertising and PR that coincides this is still an overcrowded sector despite the vast apparent opportunities. However many companies offer internships and work experience which can pave the way to your exciting media career!
What kind of work can I do?
Depending on what area of the media you choose to enter your job role will be very different.
The media can be broken down into seven key areas: film, TV, radio, animation, computer games, magazines and newspapers. There are a hybrid of opportunities in each area suiting both creative minded and technical minded individuals and for the lucky few there are also in-front of the camera roles.
Typical roles could include:
- Researchers
- Reporters
- Script writers
- Directors/ producers
- Artists/designers
- Journalists
- Camera crew
- Sound and lightening technicians
- Set designers/ engineers
- Make-up artists
- Wardrobe assistants
- Actors
- Publicists
- Presenters
What are employers looking for?
Unfortunately the saying ‘it’s not what you know but who you know’ is apparent in the media industry. Saying that gaining media contacts can be easier than you think as lots of media companies offer graduate internships. Although this is largely unpaid they are a great way to get your foot in the door and make future contacts.
It is also important to show passion for your subject area, so if you’re a keen writer start a blog, write a short play for your local film, festival, if you’ve always dreamed of being a presenter get on your student or hospital radio. Not only does this give you invaluable skills for your chosen career it also gets your work into the public domain important for anyone hoping to pursue a career in the media.
Is this the right career for you?
Don’t be fooled by the glitz and the glamour working in the media industry is tough with long hours and often for graduates just starting out poorly paid wages.
But if you are passionate about the media and the career path you wish to pursue then this can be an incredibly exciting and rewarding industry to enter.
Key articles for Media graduates