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

Recruiters in this sector:

Access Creative College

Access Creative College is more than just a college; we are a hub for young creative entrepreneurs who are shaping the future of the creative industries.

bet365

bet365 is the world’s favourite online sports betting company serving over 80 million customers across the globe and employing over 6,000 people.

Brunel University London

The School of Engineering and Design is one of the largest and most successful engineering and design Schools in the UK

CGP Books

CGP has grown quickly to become the most successful and respected educational publisher in the UK.

Chivas Brothers

Chivas Regal. Ballantine's. The Glenlivet. Royal Salute. Behind these iconic global brands is Chivas Brothers — the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard.

DMG Media

Multi-channel media company which is home to some of the biggest brands and newspapers.

Experian

Experian is the world's leading information services company and we operate the UK's largest credit reference agency.

GlobalData

We are a world-class data and analytics company, helping our 4,000 strong client base to decode the future to be more successful and innovative.

Houzz

Starting out in Silicone Valley, Houzz has become the leading home renovation and design platform in the world.

Lattitude Global Volunteering

We are an international youth development organisation that provides voluntary work experience/internship-style placements for young people.

Ofcom

Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries.

Red Academy

RED Academy is a technology & design school with an agency-style environment that focuses on real client projects in UX/UI design, web & app development & digital marketing.

Revolution Beauty

REVOLUTION BEAUTY is a market disrupter. As the Sunday Times' 3rd fastest growing beauty brand in the UK, we are bringing the concept of “fast beauty” to life.

Sky

9 years of experience. 23 million customers. Seven countries. Sky, Europe’s leading entertainment and communications business, is more than just television, mobile and broadband. With pioneering technology, innovative minds and forward-thinking teams, they make the future happen.

The Economist

The Economist offers authoritative insight and opinion on international news, politics, business, finance, science, technology

The Telegraph

The Telegraph is an award-winning, multimedia news brand synonymous with quality, credibility and authority for more than 162 years. We are renowned for the analysis, perspective, opinion and insight our journalism provides to a diverse and discerning audience.

Venture Marketing Group

Venture Marketing group is a dynamic London-based events company, producing a portfolio of high-quality exhibitions, magazines and websites.

Virgin Media

We're the first provider of all four: broadband (up to 120Mb), TV (including the revolutionary TiVo), phone and mobile phone.

Vista Entertainment Solutions

At Vista, we’re looking for smart enthusiastic team players to join our UK based, world-leading software team to fulfil our goal of global domination.

Writemedia

The Writemedia Partnership is a multi-skilled agency based in Pembrokeshire operating across the UK.