Working in the Media Industry

Working in the Media
      Industry

Media Myths
(and the truth behind them)

1. You must be a graduate


 Statistically the majority of new entrants
  happen to be….. but by no means all

 Vocational courses in FE/HE Colleges e.g.
  studio crafts, IT, journalism

 Significant work experience instead of
  Higher Education

 Once in a media organisation your starting
  qualifications are largely forgotten

2. You need to study Media Studies


 Divided opinion in the industry about the
  value of such courses

 Strong interest by media employers in
  specialist subject knowledge e.g. science,
  languages, economics, politics,
  engineering

 Stronger commitment and passion for the
  area often shown by non Media Studies
  students with relevant practical experience

3. Media companies are mainly
     interested in qualifications


 Rarely the case

 Particular A-level grades or degree class
  never sought

 Practical experience and evidence of
  passion for the media much more important

Journalism: the exception


 55% of UK Broadcast Journalists (Radio & TV)
  enter via a BJTC accredited course


 Most employers look for:

  accredited undergraduate degree
  accredited postgraduate diploma
  MA in Broadcast, Bi-Media, Multi-Media, TV or
   Online Journalism

Working at the BBC


 Mostly not a ‘9 to 5’

 Wide variety of jobs

 Training excellence

 Fast moving environment

 Good career development

 Creative atmosphere

 Pride in your job

 Fun!

What kind of jobs?

 Programme Making
  Factual & Learning; Sport; Children’s; Drama;
  Entertainment; News


 Journalism
  Television; Radio; Interactive Media; World
  Service; Worldwide


 Specialist Technical & Design Services
  Sound; Vision; Design; Post-Production; Floor,
  Studio & Production Management

What kind of jobs?


 New Media & Technology
  Research & Innovation; Interactive Technology;
  Information Technology


 Business Support & Management
  Marketing, Sales & Advertising; Human
  Resources; Legal & Rights; Finance; Strategy;
  Information & Archives

What kind of people?


 Thorough research of organisation and job

 Enthusiasm and passion for the area

 Broad general knowledge and curiosity to
  learn more

 Practical work experience

 Determination and persistence

How do I get in?

Get some Work Experience

Volunteer on your student
 newspaper

Get involved in student radio

Work for hospital/community radio

Enter competitions

Be aware of all opportunities

BBC Work Experience


Placements throughout the UK

170 different departments

Available to anyone aged 14+

Up to 4 weeks

Varying criteria

 www.bbc.co.uk/workexperience

Why do we offer it?

It benefits the organisation

CSR

Staff development

New ideas
For the BBC work experience is an opportunity to
get more involved with the wider community; to
spot new talent; and to assess an individual’s
potential. They also play a part in developing the
industry’s future skills base and diversity.

How can you get it?
Top Tips

 Don’t always go for the obvious

 Make a statement, stand out

 Be persistent

 Sell yourself

 Make us know you are the right choice

If you demonstrate an interest in us, we’ll
   demonstrate an interest in you.

Why do you want it?

…………and how to make the most of it.

Imagination vs Reality - gain an insight
 into the industry and to learn about
 different job roles.

Learn skills that will make you more
 attractive to potential employers.

Gain confidence
Most importantly make a good impression
 and ask the right questions…

From their experience to our employee

Stephanie, 1Xtra, 2008; ’During my time on 1Xtra, I
assisted the specialist team on two shows. I was given the
responsibility of assisting the producers with creating audio
content, providing studio support and various administrative
duties. Soon after my placement finished I got shortlisted
for an interview. The experience I gained left me with a
much better idea of what the positions of Broadcast
Assistant entails. A week after my interview, I got a call,
saying that I had got the job. Work Experience with the
BBC, has opened a lot of doors for me.’


Katie – Radio Newsroom work experience in 2006 aged
20, is now a Producer for World Service.

Are you interested?

The 2nd most viewed webpage in the UK is hosted
by bbc.co.uk:
                              www.bbc.co.uk/news

The BBC employs staff from Glasgow to
Guernsey:
              Around 25,000 are currently on staff

40,000 applicants applied for work experience:
                Around 2,500 gained a placement

The BBC offers placements as varied as
Broadcast Support to Blue Peter to Business &
Economics:
                      Radio 1 is the most popular

Next Steps


Find your passion and follow it

Get Involved, Get training, Get qualified

               Do it now
      www.bbc.co.uk/workexperience
          www.bbc.co.uk/jobs

Useful websites


www.bbc.co.uk/workexperience

www.bbc.co.uk/jobs

www.skillset.org

www.bbc.co.uk/blast

www.bbc.co.uk/21cc/outreach/

www.bbctraining.com/