How to Prepare for a Job in the Media Industry

For many a job in the media industry is a dream. Career possibilities include those at television networks, radio stations, magazines, record labels, newspapers, websites and other communication companies. Though the industry is highly desired, it certainly is not one that is easy to get your start in. Once you have decided that a career in media is right for you, you will need a lot of determination and focus to achieve your goals. The good thing about this industry though is, once you’re in, you’re in. Read on to learn how to prepare for a job in the media industry.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Get your degree. Most companies are looking for employees with at least a Bachelor’s degree from a college or university.

2. Choose an area of study that closely relates to your future media career goals. Examples of these majors might include communications, journalism, English, media studies, public relations, broadcasting, marketing and others.

3. Take classes outside of your major that might complement your studies. For instance, if you want to work in the music industry, take some classes within the music department. The business department might also offer some worthwhile classes.

4. Become involved with campus activities. The school newspaper, radio station, TV station and campus programming club are a great way to gain valuable experience and are an excellent addition to your resume.

5. Get your name in print. Write anything you can. Strong writing skills are imperative in this industry, and employers are impressed by portfolios with writing samples. In addition to clips from your college paper, why not volunteer to write the press release for the Public Relations Society event you are attending? Or why not offer to write the text for a new local business' website? Get your name out there any way you can.

6. Gain as much internship experience as possible. Competition is stiff in the media industry, and internships play an extremely large and important role in gaining that first entry-level position.

7. Try out an internship in New York City or Los Angeles, where most of the major media companies are located. An internship at a big name company like Condé Nast, CNN or Island/ Def Jam is sure to gain your resume major attention, as well as an excellent chance to make some great contacts while testing out city life.

8. Find a great internship locally. If New York or Los Angeles do not fit into your summer plans, stress not. Try out your local newspaper, magazine or radio stations for internships. Take a look also at places like art museums and galleries or event planning companies. These companies will usually have public relations or marketing internships, which can offer major hands-on opportunities.

9. Talk to everyone. When speakers come to your class, approach them afterwards and initiate conversation. Talk to your neighbors and the family you babysit for--you never know who they might know. Volunteer for media events and talk to everyone you work with about your future goals. Collect the contact information of those you meet, and when you are ready to enter the work world, send out an email with your resume attached. Using your contacts to your best advantage is one of the best ways to get ahead.

10. As you are nearing graduation, begin searching big media sites like Mediabistro, Gawker, Ed2010 and EntertainmentCareers. Yahoo's Hot Jobs also has a lot of media jobs, and never forget about the individual companies that have their own internal job boards--Viacom, Time Warner, and Sony, are just some. Apply with a strong resume and a clear, concise cover letter.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply to jobs when they are first posted to avoid being buried in a pile of other resumes.

Resources

• Mediabistro
• Gawker
• Ed2010
• EntertainmentCareers
• Hot Jobs

[kimlucatorto]

on 7/25/2009 A great resource for getting your first media job and/or internship is: www.HungryGrad.com