Getting into the Media

Before we go any further let's get some facts straight so we know where we all stand. There are currently more people studying degrees 'relevant' to TV, than work in the whole of the BBC ... it's estimated 200,000 people work in the media industry at any one time but each year there are 60,000 people trying to get into the industry.

There are also currently over 30,000 people studying a media related course at under-graduate and post-graduate level in the higher education sector in the UK. And just to finish you off, there are over 15,000 students studying a media related course in Further Education and wishing to progress into the industry. These are some scary figures but at least they show you how media related courses have become some of the most popular in Britain.

You need to have these facts so you can make the right choice of course for what you want to do. You need to know what competition you'll be up against and you need to know whether studying is actually the best way to do what you want to do. You need to think carefully about what career you're looking for and which course will be most appropriate. If you want to work in TV or film a media course may not necessarily be the best way.

Every year, new entrants to the TV industry show that there are no rules about 'relevant' qualifications for getting employment. Media Studies may be an 'obvious' choice, but it may not be of great help to you in the longer term as it won't guarantee you work. At least half of the 'career starters' come from backgrounds with no obvious links to TV. There are many different entry routes into the media industries so plan your route carefully. Many people, whatever they've studied, have to start at the bottom as a 'runner' making the tea, building their experience and making contacts for future work. There are also new entrant schemes, some run by the major broadcasters such as Granada and the BBC and others funded by Skillset to develop new entrants for the freelance market. Either way, these are very competitive to get onto. See the Skillset website for more information on these new entrant programmes.

There are over 2950 media courses at several hundred institutions across the UK and these are one of the biggest growth areas in terms of number of courses and number of applicants. Many media courses now have far better links with the industry than 10 years ago when many courses were more about critical analysis with very little practical experience. These days most colleges insist lecturers retain industry contacts. When considering where to study it is important to research the links the college or university has with the sector you're looking to work in. This could be far more important than the grade you get and could provide you with useful contacts once you've completed your course.

The 'media industry' covers a wide range of different careers and has expanded even more in the last five years with the growth of digital media. Courses available to study in the UK range from a BTEC National Diploma in Media to a BA (Hons) in Multimedia Design and Digital Animation to an MPhil in Film Theory or Film History. Think carefully about what would be best for you, do you want a more vocational course ? Do you need to learn cutting edge technical skills ? What level is most appropriate for you ? What experience and knowledge do you have already ? If you want to study a technical course be aware that syllabuses will change every year due to developments in technology so make sure the college or university is at the forefront of these changes.

Don't let all this put you off though!! There are organisations to help you. Skillset has recently become the first of the new Sector Skills Councils to receive its licence from the government to address skills issues in its industry. Prior to this Skillset was the National Training Organisation for the broadcast, film, video and interactive media industries and has been tackling skills and training issues in the industry for nearly 10 years.

One of Skillset's key roles is offering careers information for those looking to enter the industry. The Skillset website has lots of useful careers information and you can also search for training courses via an on-line database operated jointly with the British Film Institute. A careers handbook has also been published in the last year and has been a top seller. You can order this on-line at the Skillset website. For media careers information though, there's only one place to visit and that's the skillsformedia.com website. skillsformedia is a service which Skillset has established in partnership with the trade union BECTU. It is the UK's one-stop-shop for all media careers information and advice. Careers advice sessions and CV surgeries can also be booked contacting the number below or by visiting the website.

The skillsformedia.com (www.skillsformedia.com) website offers real life case studies of people who've made it to various levels in the media, how they made it, what they like about it and lots of tips and advice. It also has an in depth careers resources section with organisations to contact, advice on self-marketing and where to get training and funding. skillsformedia, in partnership with the national careers service, learndirect, has recently launched one careers helpline for all media careers enquiries in the UK. The helpline - 08080 300 900 - will provide general career and training advice to all callers looking to get into the media. Individuals needing more specialised advice or specific guidance will be referred to skillsformedia for one-to-one support from an advisor who is a professional currently working in the industry.

Whilst you're studying make the most of any part-time jobs, work experience and out-of-college activities related to the industry and network with anyone in the industry as much as possible. This will make you more employable once you qualify. Once you get into the industry or if you're already in you may want to get a Skillset Professional Qualification. These qualifications have been developed by Skillset in approximately 20 vocational areas and are taken whilst doing your job. They prove you can do your job to a certain level and in a freelance industry like ours this can be particularly important in getting your next contract. If you've been in the industry for years you could get a qualification in a few months once you've collected the evidence together. If you are new to the industry it may take you a bit longer but will give you a structure to develop your skills and experience to a recognised level.

So, don't be put off by the statistics, if you've got the talent and determination there's nothing to be scared of. Just make sure you research and pick carefully what and where you study. And remember this industry is built on contacts, so network, network, network and get to know as many people as possible. You never know when someone may be able to help you with your next 'break' ! Good luck !!

For more information visit the Skillset website at www.skillset.org For all careers enquiries call 08080 300 900 or visit www.skillsformedia.com

Related Links:

A Career Pathway to Marketing
Journalism Courses