How do I get a job in media?

It’s not unusual for people to be unsure of the career path they want to take, and it can be quite a big decision to make, so it’s important you take your time and look into your options first. However, it’s a good thing that you know the general area you would like to work. Next you’ll need to find out what you need to do to get into the media industry.

Working for TV or radio is very competitive, so it would be worth looking into something that will give you the edge over other applicants. A good place to start may be looking into work experience in this sector. This may be at the bottom of the ladder but it will give you a foot in the door, as well as experiences that you don’t have at present. You could try and contact local media organisations or radio stations, TV stations, theatres and amateur dramatics groups.

The route that’s best for you will depend on your individual circumstances. You might find it helpful to get some advice about different career options open to you. Skillset is a useful organisation that provides information and advice to people who want to get into the audiovisual industries. You could call the free helpline where an advisor will ask you questions about your situation to help find the best option for you.

It may be an idea to check out any courses or training you can do to move you closer to a career in this area. There are lots of different jobs in media and therefore they will all require different qualifications. You could contact media institutions directly or speak to local colleges or advice services, to find out more.

It might also be worth speaking to an organisation such as Learndirect about your learning options. You can call the helpline on 0800 100 900 to speak to an advisor about possible careers.

If you still feel really stuck you could try filling out an employment personality questionnaire. These are available from local careers centres, schools and colleges. Prospects has a really helpful online questionnaire to help you work out the best job for you.