Getting into Media
How to get into the media industry with experiences from Hereford Times Reporter Paul Rogers, a past InSITE contributor.
Paul Rogers can back me up when I say getting a career within the media industry is easier said than done. Now is the time to sit up, open your eyes and ears and get your notebook at the ready because I’m about to give you some tips and advice to help you slip through the net and stand out from the masses. Paul is now a reporter for the Hereford Times and recently spoke to me about his experience of getting where he is today.
Work experience, work experience, work experience!
I can’t stress enough how important it is to get some experience within your chosen field. Even if it’s only a week or you just shadow somebody to see what they do. This is vital and will make your CV stand out from others with no relevant experience.
What Paul had to say:
“Get as much work experience as possible - editors love people who are willing to work for nothing. While I was at university I did work experience at Southampton Football Club working on their website and during the summer at Hereford Journal. Last year I worked at Birmingham News (a free weekly paper) on my days off for six months. I also worked on the sports and news desks at a newspaper group in Tamworth and for the local paper in Sutton Coldfield. I worked for InSITE for two years after uni, which I enjoyed very much as you try your hand at everything and have a real say in the local community”
Research - know your field
Make sure you know as much as possible about the current news and developments concerning the form of media you are interested in and keep up to date. For example if your interest is in film it’s good to know what’s happening within the film industry at all times (not just Hollywood, find out about the latest Art House films too). Who are the new up and coming actors/directors? What’s the latest technology being used by filmmakers? Any additional knowledge that you can drop into conversations or at an interview will always make you stand out. Some background/historical knowledge is always useful too as it will help you to understand how things have developed over the years. Look into courses at university and if you can afford it and there’s a course relevant to what you want to do then it’s a good idea to try and get onto it.
What Paul had to say:
“I enjoy writing and read newspapers on a daily basis. I have always been fascinated by news and wanted to write about it. I did a BA (hons) Media with Cultural Studies degree at Southampton Solent University. Last year I did my training at Sutton Coldfield College and obtained my NCTJ preliminary exams (enabling me to become a trainee reporter.) I have to do my NCE's to become a senior reporter. At uni the course was quite broad, so I did all sorts of media stuff (i.e. video, radio, TV) as well as studying popular culture. That helped me gather skills in the media industry, but I always wanted to do journalism so decided to train for my NCTJ's last year after taking a couple of years break to work”
Auteur research - Find out about your favourite artists/professionals
Whether you want to go into journalism, photography, filmmaking or any other media form it is important to research people that you admire who already work within the industry. If you want to get into journalism find a journalist whose work you like and think about why you like it. Research their life and how they got to where they are today and if possible go and meet them or talk to them over the phone. Knowing about others shows your interest and you might learn something from them too.
Advice from Paul:
“ Be strong willed. You are going to get setbacks but if it is something you want don't give up. My tutors at college were excellent and were key to me getting my job at the Hereford Times. Whatever you want to do just go for it. Get as much work experience as possible - editors love people who are willing to work for nothing, so ring up your local papers during school/college holidays and try and arrange something and get back to them so they remember your name. I knew that it would be pressurised and there will be some boring stuff to learn but the reward at the end will mean it'll be worth it”
Portfolio
It’s important to build up a portfolio of work that you can send to possible employers (or take to an interview) to show what you are capable of. Regularly creating your own work will help to keep your skills up to date and you will probably find that you’ll keep getting better at what you do. If you’re sending work out or taking it to an interview make sure you have it in a suitable format. E.g. For video work put everything onto a DVD or if it’s written work take paper copies and also bring a disk for them to keep if they wish.
Interviews
If you are preparing for an interview make sure you do some research on the company you are applying to and find out as much as you can about their history and what they do now. If they have a website see if you can find their mission statement and call or visit to ask if they have any leaflets/info about what they do. Sign up to their newsletter if they have one. Knowing about the company will show that you are aware of their aims and objectives and will give you a better understanding of the purpose of the job. Don’t forget to dress smart, shake hands and smile!
Good luck,
Catherine Owczarski, InSITE editor
Don’t forget . . .
If you are aged 13-19 and interested in media or journalism remember that Youth Times is here to help you. If you want some experience writing for InSITE or would like to attend a workshop and learn some new skills then just get in touch. You can contact the Youth Times team on 01432 344039 or email info@insitemag.net
