To get a high status job in the media industry, it is a good idea to have as much education on the industry as possible, meaning you also have higher qualifications. This is turn proves to employers that you have closely studied the subject and are interested in it, and know what you are talking about.
Apprenticeships
Post 16 education offers a chance to participate in an apprenticeship scheme, where you will be training on the job, whilst getting paid. You can get an apprenticeship in most sectors of the media industry, such as TV and film, marketing, journalism etc. This is a good way to start in the industry, as when you have finished the apprenticeship you have practical experience of the business and your employer may want to permanently employ you.
Education
Going on to higher education is a very popular way to continue. Under/graduate media courses are run in most universities across the country, and the length of time varies as to which course you take. A full-time course would usually be 3 years. A part-time course would be 6 years. These courses are usually made up of practical units, and are often assessed through coursework. If you take a part time course, this gives you a chance to work when you are not studying. You could gain experience from applying to different work placements, which would help get you a better job later on. There are different level courses that you could take – Foundation (level 2) or Higher (level 3). Your entry to either course will depend on your results from previous assessments, such as GCSE’s. These are usually BTEC courses. Going onto a higher course may give you the chance to partake in many different areas of the industry, such as a film and TV course will have you complete units on documentaries, reality shows, film production etc, so this is a good way to help you decide and ensure you are following the right path. Colleges and universities also often have ties to certain media companies, such as the BBC. These will often give you an opportunity to carry out work experience or make a project for the company. You may also get a chance to use their equipment. Participating in any of these educational courses are highly likely to develop you career, as you would have better qualifications than someone who hadn’t taken the course. The qualifications will show an employer that you have worked hard to gain the achievement.
Skills Analysis
Education not only teaches information critical to the industry, but it also teaches skills that are needed to survive in the general working world. For example, personal skills such as communication are learnt by socialising in the classroom and listening to others. This is part of the hidden curriculum taught in education and working in the media industry, and being able to work in a team is something very important to the job, which is also used a lot in practical projects in the classroom. You will also learn skills on the computer, which, in the media industry, is very important. Computers are part of new age media, and they will be around for a very long time, so it is important that an employee is educated on how to use one efficiently. Most universities use software called Final Cut Pro, which is an editing software on an Apple Mac. This is one example which employers want employees to have experience with, and if you have already learnt this in the classroom then they are more likely to employ you. All practical media courses will provide you with a chance to use camera and lighting equipment, which is another factor which is important to employers. People with experience of equipment are more likely to get the job over others who do not have experience. This is where educational courses are going to give you more skills than some other routes can offer you.
Sources of Information
Unions are in place to support and fight for employees rights. If an employee feels they are being mistreated in any way then they can go to their union and they will give support and advice on what to do. They are also there to give information, should you need it. They can inform you about your rights as an employee and contract issues, for example. Sector skills councils are run by employers, and they are there to improve skills of workforces and to improve the productivity. These organisations will benefit the employees as they are there to improve skills and to make working life more comfortable for everyone. A careers advisor will give you advice on certain career paths and advise you on the best way to go about your aims. You can get a lot of information in a career in the industry from an advisor, as they know what they are talking about and they can give you information on different people in the industry to contact. This is helpful in developing a career, as you will gain more information and positives and negatives on all areas of the job. You can go into the job knowing what you are responsible for and what you are entitled to.
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