7.

4 Know about employment opportunities and job roles in

the media sector

Task 1: Employment Opportunities

Freelance
There are many advantages to becoming a freelancer within the creative media.
For example, an average freelancer rate can easily be double that of a full time
employee and because you are working for yourself you are entitled to all the
profits made from your work. Another advantage is that freelancers are paid
higher rates due to the flexible nature of the relationship with clients and the fact
that many projects can the relatively short term, however on occasion freelance
contracts can last for years. Also depending on individual skills in the media
industry, you can receive very high rates. A freelancer is paid the chosen rate for
every hour that they work and also have the opportunity to do overtime at a
higher rate than original pay. A freelancer can also work for multiple clients on
different projects, which can increase income by a large amount.
Skill development is a key part of being a freelancer as you work in many
different roles and for many different companies and this helps to build a wide
and unique range of skills and experience. It also helps people gain a really good
insight into different company cultures, processes, operations and structures.
Working in many different companies also gives the ability to build up a detailed
CV and a wide range of experience. Also depending on the type of freelancer a
person is, they will gain added experience of different types of products and
services which will add to their experience level and make them more interesting
to future clients and in addition to this working with different organizations gives
someone the ability to advance their career and knowledge without being limited
to a single employers processes and procedures.
There are also a few disadvantages to becoming a freelancer. For example,
freelancers are responsible for finding their own work and making sure that they
have a steady income, this means that if they dont find work they will not have
any money. Freelancers are also responsible for negotiating a hourly or day rate
which is suitable for them and also they employer. Also freelancers are
responsible for managing their own finances, for example, tax, VAT and national
insurance contributions, which can be a daunting prospect if they do not have
good maths or accountancy skills and this is where it is important to have a good
accountant.
Multi-Skilling
Multi-skilling is the training of a person in multiple skill sets. This is important in
the creative media sector because, there are so many different areas in the
creative media that is is good to have a wide skill set as if you have more
knowledge of several areas the more income you will produce and the more
projects you will work on with different companies. There are many skills needed
I my chosen sector, which is journalism, multimedia storytelling skills are needed
for producing slideshows with sound and other visual media formats for example,
video, editing and writing for the web. Data and statistical skills are also needed
examples of this are, collecting, editing and analyzing data to produce factual and
compelling interactive maps and graphics. Another skill needed is audience
development sills this is managing online comminutes and interpreting data
based on audience behavior this can be done by crowdsourcing for information
and interacting with an audience to gain an insight in to the options of the public

to create a compelling and meaningful statement within a piece of writing.

Journalists have to have a good understanding of basic programing, as this is
important when using computer software to create a piece of writing. Journalists
use these skills to help news organizations generate revenues without
compromising ethics.
Skills I have
Writing
Communication
Keen interest in news and people
Good organization and the ability to
work under pressure

Skills I have to gain

Better Spelling

Voluntary
There are many different areas in journalism in which I could volunteer for to gain
experience. For example,
Job Name
Voices of the World

Where
Argentina, Bolivia,
Cambodia, China, Costa
Rica, Ethiopia, Ghana,
Jamaica, Mexico,
Mongolia, Philippines,
Romania, Samoa, South
Africa, Sri Lanka,
Tanzania and Togo

Journalists for Human

rights volunteer

Eastern Africa & Southern

Africa

Why is it helpful
This is a voluntary project
overseas. There are many
different placements that
can be done on this
project in many different
countries. For example, a
print journalism
placement, which
includes gaining
experience working in the
newspaper or magazine
sector as well as a
broadcast placement in
which, you work within
the radio or television. On
the print media
placement you will gain a
detailed view of how
publications are run and
will also compile an
impressive portfolio to
help with university
interviews and job
opportunities.
Journalists for human
rights work to harness
the power of the media to
combat human rights
abuses by building the
capacity of the media to
report effectively on
human rights issues. This
is helpful as I would like
to write about topical
subjects, such as

BBC television/news Work

experience

England

Grazia Magazine work

experience

England

discrimination and other

issues and I think this
may provide me with the
right skills to be able to
write about topical
subjects successfully and
emotively.
The BBC offer placements
to work in their television
and news sections of the
company. The BBC
television section offer
work placements at many
different places within the
BBC television channels,
for example, Childrens
television (Cbeebies &
CBBC), Comedy, Drama,
Entertainment, News and
current affairs and Sport.
I think this would be help
because as journalist I
think it would be
beneficial to have
experience in every
sector of media
journalism to gain an
insight to the processes
involved with working in
this particular sector. Also
the more experience I
gain the more the
possibility earning money
when working as a free
lance journalist.
The aim of the grazia
magazine work
placement is to help
develop work skills in
order to inspire a good
work ethic and improve
employability chances
though practical
opportunities. I think is
would be beneficial for
me as I would like to work
as a fashion journalist
and as grazia is a fashion
magazine it would help
me to gain an insight into
how it works and the type
of content written about
in a fashion magazine. It
would also help to
possibly gain
employment, as I would
have had experience in
my chosen sector.

Recruitment
https://www.journalism.co.uk/media-reporter-jobs/s64/ - Journalism.co.uk offers
many job opportunities to journalists form inexperienced to very experienced.
This site also allows freelancers to advertise their services to possible employers.
http://www.holdthefrontpage.co.uk/jobs/- holdthefrontpage is a job and resource
site for journalists. This offers jobs all around the country as well as events and
training days for new journalists to gain experience.
http://www.pressgazette.co.uk/subject/Journalism%20Jobs - Pressgazette is
another jobsite for journalists and it forces on every aspect of the journalism
sector, for example, Broadcast, fashion. Media journalism ect. This site also has
many training and tip pages for new journalists as well as resources and
advertising pages.
http://www.rbi.jobs/journalism-jobs/- This site allows journalists to find jobs in their
area and also around the world. This is a good website for journalists who would
like to travel and experience new places, collecting information as they go. This
site much like the others, also offers learning opportunities and resources.
http://careers.hearst.co.uk - Hearst Magazines is a world-renowned company,
which, produces influential content and they company, publishes some of the
worlds leading magazine titles for example, Elle, Cosmopolitan, Harpers Bazaar as
well as many others. Hearst Careers offer career opportunities to journalists at
every level of experience as they also offer on the job training.
All of these websites would be helpful to me because I would like to work in the
journalism sector. Therefore these sites would be very helpful. Most of them
provide training and resources for new journalists and this is great for me as this
would enable to to gain more experience in my chosen sector as well as working
at the same time.
Digital Dorset
South Coast Social (southcoastsocial.com) South Coast Social is a company
based in Bournemouth, which specializes in brand promotion though the use of
social media and other outlets. I think this would be a good job for me as I am
very interested in hoe social media effects businesses and their income.
Funky Digital Agency (funkydigitalagency.co.uk) this is an agency for people
who work across online platforms such as YouTube and Blogging sites. This would
be good for me as I find YouTube and blogging very interesting and may be a
career path I will take in the future.
Transcend Marketing (transcend-marketing.co.uk) This is a company, which
promotes online businesses though social media and advertisements as well as
developing adverts for brands. This is interesting for me as I would like to be part
of the development process for adverts as I think the construction and the
information that goes into adverts needs a lot od thought I I think this would be
good as it is very creative.

Networking
Networking is about making connections and building relationships with
costumers and suppliers. Networking provides the most productive and most
proficient tactic at connecting with new people and customers. Without
networking, a business may struggle to gain customer engagement levels and
increased sales, so it is very important that networking is clearly established for a

business. Social media is a very important tool for networking as it is a way to

connect with many people at one time, for example, blogging is a great social
media tool that lets you share a wide array of information and content with
readers and this is good for networking as it is a way to share pervious work so
that potential employers can see the type and quality of work you produce. Social
media is also a good way to promote yourself or your business. Marketing is most
powerful if you can keep your name in front of your audience on a regular basis.
Social networking is an effective marketing tool for both businesses and
individuals. It's as easy as taking a couple of seconds to update your status daily.
You can use social networking to say great and positive things about yourself or
your business. If you are looking for a job, you want to essentially publicize all the
things you can't fit into your CV. Social networking provides a platform to promote
your skills in a planned campaign.
I could use networking to self promote, by using social media such as twitter,
where you can use hash tags to connect with people in similar industries to you,
which is very good as it enabled you to connect with employers and other
journalists a like. I could also use business cards and other advertising techniques
such as online adverts to connect with employers. Another form of networking I
could use is websites and sharing it across social media platforms to encourage
traffic to visit my page and view my past works in order to increase employment
possibilities. I could also use community events to promote my work as this would
alert people within my area to get involved with my work.
Current and Future Potential Networking
Current
Social media As social media is a great why to self promote and currently I
have many social media accounts with other 1,000 followers in each. Therefore I
could use these to promote myself as a journalist and try to encourage people to
read and evaluate my work in order to receive feed back on the types of things I
need to improve on.
Online platforms/websites I currently have a personal website on which I
prost all my work. This makes my work assessable to anyone who would like to
read it so, this increases my chances of future employment.

Future
University university is a good way to network as you meet a lot of new
people, which allows you to connect with the suitable people for employment.
Work experience Future work experience in my chosen sector will help me to
connect with new people to learn new skills to allow me to be equip for different
types of writing and future employment.
Social Media Presence
Without a strong online presence, its much harder to promote yourself, connect
with peers or be an active voice in an industry. You can miss out on important
news, networking opportunities and job opportunities. It not just a powerful tool
for connecting with friends it can also be beneficial when connecting with
businesses. Its also an essential way to enhance your reputation: crucial when
more employers are searching social networks for insights into the candidates
theyre considering hiring. Using social media platforms allows for everyday
communication with employers and can be a great place to provide a higher level
of information.. Giving your employers the option to connect with you through
social media gives them the ability to offer opportunities and feedback, and gives

you the ability to quickly respond to job chances. Also social media platforms
allow you to stay connected with your customers to increase loyalty.
With the rise of Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn information is constantly being
shared, pictures are being uploaded, people are researching and buying services.
With all of this content, social media platforms are a potentially the best place to
find employment. Posting positive information increases your rankings in search
engines and keeps people who follow you on social media engaged. Sharing
content through social media carries over into a more effective promotion,
leading to higher visibility, more traffic, and ultimately more jobs.. Social media is
also the perfect place to connect with potential partners. As your companys
social network grows, so do your opportunities.
Task 2: Job Roles in Your Chosen Media Sector

Name of Job
Writer

Roles &
Responsibilities
This covers
various forms of
writing such as.
Poetry, short
stories, novels,
scripts, nonfiction, print media
and web-content.
researching the
market including
reading relevant
publications or
blogs, and staying
up to date with
writing that is
being produced in
your chosen field;
selecting subject
matter based on
personal or public
interest, or
commissioned by
a publisher or
agent;
undertaking
background
research including
desk based
research and
conducting site
visits or
interviews;
writing individual
pieces, including
using the technical
skills of writing
and being able to
structure and plan
individual projects;
editing, revising
and reviewing

Qualifications
needed
N/a academic
qualifcations apart
from English.
terary skills;
imagination;
a clear,
entertaining style;
the ability to work
to tight deadlines,
while also
maintaining
attention to detail;
excellent research
skills, both literary
and businessrelated;
self-discipline and
time management
skills;
the ability to work
alone for long
periods of time;
networking skills
and the ability to
develop media
contacts;
marketing skills
and an
understanding of
new media as a
tool for selfpromotion;
IT, web, typing
and editing skills;
the necessary
financial skills to
manage yourself
in the employment
market;
the ability to
understand and

Route into Job

Study literate and
writing at
university.
Freelance writing

work especially in
response to
feedback;
working to tight
deadlines,
especially for
theatre, screen
and radio;
submitting
material for
publication in the
required and
expected format;
networking with
other writers, as
well as others
involved in the
industry such as
publishers,
booksellers and
organisers of
literary events;
liaising with
publishers, agents,
script editors,
producers and
directors;
finding, pursuing
and maintaining
knowledge of
publication
opportunities;
marketing
including
maintaining an
online presence
through a website,
blog or social
media presence;
talking about your
work at events
and conducting
readings or book
signings;
teaching writing in
further or higher
education settings
or running
workshops
privately;
critiquing the work
of other writers
including
sometimes
providing
mentoring or
coaching services;
managing the
business side of

accept criticism;

writing including
maintaining
financial records,
checking contracts
and submitting
invoices and tax
returns.
Magazine
Journalist

Broadcast
journalism

researching a
subject and story;
writing and editing
news stories and
features in the
publication's
house style;
ensuring work is
well written,
accurate and
submitted to
deadline;
conducting
interviews, either
in person or
remotely;
attending
seminars,
conferences and
fairs (some
magazine
publishers hold
exhibitions and
events to allow
advertisers to
meet their
readership);
generating ideas
for stories;
sourcing images to
accompany
written pieces;
meeting with
colleagues to plan
the content of the
issue and the
character of the
publication;
keeping up to date
with trends and
developments
relating to the
magazine's
subject matter
generating ideas
for stories and
features and
following leads
from news
agencies, the
police, the public,

GCSEs
A minimum of five
GCSEs grades A to
C or their
equivalent and
one of which must
be English.

Freelance
journalism
University

A-levels
Degree
writing/journalism

GCSEs
A-levels
Degree
writing/journalism

University

press conferences
and other sources;
pitching ideas to
editors and
commissioners;
researching,
verifying and
collating evidence
and information to
support a story
using relevant
information
sources such as
the internet,
archives,
databases, etc.;
writing scripts for
bulletins,
headlines and
reports;
selecting
appropriate
locations, pictures
and sound and
exercising editorial
judgement on the
best angle from
which to approach
a story;
identifying
necessary
resources and
deploying and
managing
technical crews for
location shoots,
including sound
operators and
camera crew;
providing
directorial input,
advising crews on
what to film or
record;
using portable
digital video (DV)
cameras and other
equipment to
record material
and appropriate
editing software to
produce complete
packages for
broadcast;
preparing and
presenting
material 'on air'
for both prerecorded and live

pieces;
identifying
potential
interviewees,
briefing them,
preparing
interview
questions and
conducting both
live and recorded
interviews;
preparing timings
for each news
item and
monitoring these
during broadcast;
deciding on the
running order for
bulletins and
making any
necessary
changes during
broadcast;
collaborating with
the editor to put
together the
completed
programme or
item;
developing and
maintaining local
contacts and
assuming a public
relations role;
understanding and
complying with
media law and
industry codes of
conduct
Task 3: Professional Development
University Course/About
Multimedia Journalism BA
(Hons) - This course
combines multi-disciplinary
training in TV, radio,
newspaper, magazine, and
online journalism
These creative areas are
enhanced by the traditional
benefits of an academic
education
The programme has close
contact with leading
journalists, editors, and
professional training bodies
Practical work is project-based

Location
Bournemouth University

Requirements
5 Gcses A* to C with English
and maths included.
300 to 320 tariff points from 3
A-levels, including 120 points
from one A-level, or
equivalent qualifications.
BTEC Extended Diploma: DDM

with students writing

newspaper and magazine
copy and producing radio and
television bulletins and
packages to industry
standards and deadlines
A professional working
environment is simulated in
dedicated newsrooms and
digitally equipped studios
Journalism BA (Hons)

Creative Arts University,

Surrey

Journalism & Creative

Writing BA (Hons)

Creative Arts University,

Surrey

Fashion Journalism BA
(Hons)

Creative Arts University,

Surrey

Four GCSES grade C or above,

including English
Minimum entry criteria of 220
UCAS tariff points
Or Pass at Foundation Diploma
in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
Or Pass at Extended Diploma
(Level 3)
Or Access Diploma
A portfolio isn't required for
this course
Four GCSES grade C or above,
including English
Minimum entry criteria of 220
UCAS tariff points
Or Pass at Foundation Diploma
in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
Or Pass at Extended Diploma
(Level 3)
Or Access Diploma
Four Gcses grade C or above,
including English
Minimum entry criteria of 220
UCAS tariff points
Or Pass at Foundation Diploma
in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
Or Pass at Extended Diploma
(Level 3)
Or Access Diploma

Alternatives to University
Name
BBC Journalism Trainee
Scheme
ITV Journalism
Apprenticeships
Online Media and
Visual Media
Apprenticeship
Improving Job Prospects

Location
Many locations in the UK,
including, London,
Dorset, Ireland and
Scotland
ITV London

Frontier London

Requirements
No academic entry
criteria to apply.
Proof of quality of
pervious work
Do not have a degree, a
level 4 qualification or
have already completed a
similar apprenticeship
Do not need any
academic qualifications

CV A CV is important to be able to get a job because, it showcases all your

previous experiences and past education to potential employers so that they will
judge whether you are suitable for the job.
Personal Website It is important to have a personal website because it gives
hiring employers a glimpse into your personality and creative freedom to express
your personality in ways that are not possible through a traditional CV. Also having
an informative website also sends a message that you take your career seriously
and a successful showcases your work within a chosen sector.
Portfolio A portfolio clearly defines your strengths with the sector to the
audience and aims to set you apart from other students or job applicants.
Blog A blog is another good way to showcase work as a journalist as you can
write about any subject of interest in your spare time or as a hobby. This is also a
good way to gain a large audience to view you content meaning that you may
become more famous as a freelance journalist or produce an audience to
feedback on your writing.
Social Media Presence Having a strong media can increase job prospects as it
is a good way to receive information on future jobs and increase audience and
traffic on a personal website or blog and possibility receive job offers and
feedback on work.
Other Methods of Promotion Other methods of promotion such as , business
card are helpful as they promote your skills within the local area and may
highlight you to possible employers.

Importance of Functional Skills

ICT ICT is very important in jobs and education as most of the work done in
todays sociality is completed on online. Therefore it is very important to know the
basic skills of ICT such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint and the internet in order to
successfully get a job and work within a media sector.
Maths Maths is important for calculations regarding finance in the workplace.
English English is important as you need to be articulate within a interview and
job in is especially important within journalism as an article needs to be concise
and intelligently written.

Task 4: Professional Behavior

Reliability

Attendance and Punctuality

Commitment

Efficiency

9 This has been used by being able to

get assignments in on time. This also
links with group work as I am always
reliable when working ing a group
10 I have attended every one of my
lessons so far in the course
9 I am committed to handing in all my
work before the deadline date and I am
committed to achieving the best grade
possible.
9 I have efficient at getting work done
by the deadline,
attending lessons and
getting work done when

Contribution to team projects

Time Management
Personal Responsibilities
Communications

working in a group.
8- I feel I am very good a contributing
to projects as my idea was going to be
used for my film unit.
9 I am very good at managing my
time when writing assignments.
6 working to a deadline, pitching
ideas, writing work to the best of my
ability
9 I am very good at communicating
with my other team members when
working in a team and pitching ideas.