How to Find a Job in Television

Finding a job in television requires patience and persistence.

Whether you want to become a celebrity or you'd like to work behind the scenes on a production set, pursuing work in television is an exciting career choice. The television industry is saturated with dreamers looking to kick-start a career, and you'll need to know how to differentiate yourself from thousands of other job-seekers. When seeking a job in television, knowing what you want is important, and persistence is key.

Instructions

1. If you don't already know the options available in the television industry, research different careers and decide what you want to do. Mediacollege.com breaks television jobs into four main categories: operational (video editor, camera operator), on-screen (actor, presenter, newscaster), media commentary (critic, professional expert) and management (producer, director). Ask yourself what excites you most about working in television, and try to choose a role that will give you the greatest exposure to your interests.

2. Once you know what you'd like to do, determine what kind of educational experience you'll need. For many positions, you'll need specific skills that you might get only through formal education. Look for college programs that emphasize hands-on experience. If you're looking to work in news, even as an on-air personality, you'll need a journalism or communications degree. For aspiring actors, a Bachelor of Fine Arts from a prestigious acting school can help open doors, but it's not as important as personality and people skills.

3. After you get your education, network, network, network! Whether you're looking for a position in front of the camera or behind, starting your own YouTube channel can be a good way to start building a global network of contacts. You can show off your personality, creative ideas or camera work. Attend networking events. Mediabistro maintains an updated list of upcoming media events, and the Actor's Network can help actors connect with casting directors.

4. Look for work using your network of contacts, job search sites, and television-specific job search sites. When you're just starting out, you may have to work for low pay or even for free, but remember that even these experiences build your portfolio and your resume.

References

• Mediacollege.com: How to Get a Job in Television
• Mediabistro.com: Events
• The Actor's Network: Welcome

Resources

• mandy.com: International Film and TV Production Resources
• TVSpy: TVSpy Job Bank
• College Confidential: Theater/Drama Colleges