Proffesional Development

Introduction

Media is an ever-changing industry and in order to be successful  it is imperative to keep up-to-date with various techniques and conventions. In this post I will be explaining the actual process of getting a job as well as progression routes.

Education

Education is an important aspect when it comes to getting a job within the media industry. Although it is not completely necessary to have a college education in order to succeed it can help. Taking a course in the relevant subject will make you more appealing to employers.

There are a range of further education options available upon finished secondary school. These option may be limited depending on what grades you got in you GCSE'S. The two main options in the UK are BTEC'S or A-Levels.

BTEC - A BTEC is a vocational course (usually part-time) consisting of only coursework  They are usually more practically engaging than an A-Level and often offer hands on experience in the subject. In college they are made up of three levels. What level you start on will normally depend on what grades you achieved during school. As you complete each level achieving at least a pass grade you progress onto the next level of the course. Eventually upon finishing the course you will receive a final grade. These will normally be in the format such as DDM (Distinction,Merit,Distinction.) This will then grant you access to specific courses within university which require that grade or BTEC equivalents to A-Levels. Of cause, with a BTEC being very hands-on it is not imperative to go straight to university in order to get a job. Sure it makes you more appealing to employers but usually experience is valued more than education.

A-Levels - This form of further education is much more theory based. Usually you have to take a minimum of three different subjects. Again, it is more preferable to choose at-least one media related one if you want to get into the industry. A-Levels are aimed more a people who have there heart set on going to university. They are not designed for a student to go straight into work after A-Levels. It is debated whether A-Levels are more accredited than a BTEC but each are a valid form of education.

As I have stated there is no straight forward route in getting into the media industry. Going to college and then university will not guarantee you a job. However, it is important to keep up-to-date with the progression and changes in the industry.

Development during education/experience

Regardless of whether you are involved in higher education or not, it is highly important to gain relevant experience in the industry. This can be done through many ways depending on what sort of job-role you are aiming for. During your education it is possible to gain this experience. This can be done by asking for work experience during the days you are not in college/six form. This is effective as it will somewhat put your foot in the door and give you something to show employers on your C.V. Another option is an intern-ship. These are normally un-paid work but gains you experience and understanding for the job-role. For example if you want to become a Journalist than you could get an intern-ship at  a news office. You could also engage in freelance work which is possible whether you are in education or not. This relies on marketing yourself and building your professional reputation. 

Continuing Professional Development

Even if you have managed to land yourself a job it is still important to continue your development. This can be done through your line of work by pursuing more ambitious endeavour and building your reputation. It is also important to make sure you continue gaining valid education and experience relevant to the time. This is because the media industry is always changing and you will no longer be an assets to the industry if you do not keep up-to-date with the times. It is possible to gain training on the job in which you will be given the valid and accredited training in order to work at the best standard possible.

Conclusions

All in all, it is important to continue your development and training throughout you careerer. All relevant and impressive experience, education or training can be recorded and placed on your C.V . This can then be shown to potential employers to ensure them that you are fitted for the job and have enough experience.