How to Enter the Media Industry?
What is media?
Media is just a term used to refer to information or entertainment that is conveyed to a wider audience.
Media is just a simple way of saying ‘medium’. Due to the increased use of technology and the rise of the internet, there are numerous ways which media can be distributed.
Traditionally the word, media is used to refer to; newspapers, magazines, radio and television. In addition to this, media has many people working behind the scenes, polishing the content for release to the wider audience.
Media jobs breakdown:
Within the media there are numerous moving parts that need to come together to create a final piece. If a role in media is something that appeals to you here is a break down of a few roles within the industry:
- Editor: As an editor you will be enlisted with a wide range of roles and responsibilities dependent on the organisation you work with. Newspaper and magazines editors are often assigned the task of deciding which content is most relevant and engaging for publication. Editors need to be able to restructure stories to ensure clarity and and accuracy of the content itself. Within the realm of publishing editors need to be able to guide less experienced creators with polishing their work and ensuring it is suitable for release.
- Photographers: Photography is an art which many never quite understand the importance. With the advance in technology being able to capture images has become more accessible. However capturing a high quality image which is able to tell a story is a skill that is learnt via experience. Photographers often work freelance or self-employed. Many often disregard full time employment. Meaning they may make take on many different projects simultaneously. Photography isn’t just about pointing a camera and capturing a picture. Photographers need to have some knowledge about light and composition in order to capture high quality engaging images. In addition to this knowledge on how to edit may be necessary to provide the audience with an experience that indulges them.
- Copywriters: Copywriters are often found within the walls of media and ad agencies. They are entrusted with the creation of; ads, emails, scripts, and other material that incorporates marketing. They often work alongside designers to ensure that ads and campaigns are consistent enough to be published. In addition to this, the need for good english skills is a necessity. In order to provide compelling and engaging copy, writers need to be equipped with good grammar and spelling with the addition of creative intuition.
A job in the industry:
Many individuals that are attempting to navigate a path into the media industry are often academic graduates. Major organisations within the industry often have ties with preferred schools and universities in regards to apprenticeships.
Leaving education and trying to acquire a position within the media industry is difficult for the majority of academics.
Unfortunately these major organisations tend to disregard individuals that haven’t been through apprenticeships. Apprenticeships are often necessary to convey your experience.
However alternative routes could be taken through freelance. Acquiring a portfolio through freelance projects is another way that those interested in occupying the media space, can use to convey their knowledge and expertise in a particular area.