Developing skills through work experience
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Getting your first job in media, I will be honest from the start- it isn’t easy. There aren’t that many opportunities around, and there are lots of people keen to take that first step.
Having said that – new ideas, creativity, talent and fresh thinking are the lifeblood of our entire industry. So employers are always on the lookout for people who can bring those qualities and more. As you’ll discover, persistence, tenacity and determination count for an awful lot too.
Work experience
Work experience is increasingly seen as a way into a first job. In fact, many people believe that this is more important to employers than academic qualifications. Most jobs in the industry are never formally advertised, although there are some exceptions like specific training schemes leading to jobs. Most people will tell you that it’s a contacts business – and they’re right!
Transferable skills
I went to Bournemouth University to do a degree in Media and it is was brilliant, but now to have a career in the media you do not have to have studied media, I like to see people have other interests and be able to transfer these interests into a passion and enthusiasm for this industry so do not worry if you want to study Geography and still work in the media, go for it!
What is important is to be yourself, watch and interact with the media, but get as much experience as possible be that work experience, working on a school magazine, acting in a local theatre group, making short film, all these skills show a passion and drive that you can use and build upon either at university or in the world of work.
Doing the research
When I started in the media 14 years ago you went down one of two routes either a creative or a business route. Now the routes are limitless and this can feel daunting. What is important is researching what areas you are interested in the companies that you want to work for. Talking to teachers, career advisors, family and friends for advice is something that I certainly used and would encourage you to do the same.
Opportunity and competition
At Channel 4, we offer a very limited number of placements to individuals from schools and colleges. As you can imagine, these are in high demand and you will need to demonstrate a real hunger to work in the media. Here at 4Talent we encourage you to find your voice and give you the routes to do that whether that is writing a blog for our website, coming into C4 for an open day or making a documentary on screen. The media industry is fast paced, exciting and ever changing to work in so get involved and join us!
Jo Taylor, Head of Learning & 4Talent, Channel 4
Find out more about available placements and how to apply
Jo’s career journey..
A Levels in English, History and Sociology – Degree in Media Production – Account Executive West One Television – BBC Production Manager for Watchdog – BBC Production Executive, Consumer and Investigations Unit, producing programmes such as Watchdog, Roguetraders and Rough Justice – BBC Managing Editor, Documentaries and Factual Programmes – Optomen Television, Head of Production Talent – Head of Learning & 4Talent, Channel 4.
