The Media: Advice

Over the past three years I have asked numerous professionals in all areas of the media and they have given me some basic tips on how to get into the media. Whilst I am sure that in good time you will all know these I thought I would save you the trouble and put it in a "handy" list.

• Work for free- obvious but effective, everyone I spoke to that worked for the BBC started their answer to "how did you get into the media" with "well, I was working for free and...". Basically if you work for free they can learn to trust you without any economic risk.
• Network- Networking and the media go together. Simple. The hard truth about a lot of the media is that it is who you know not what you know. Try to make contacts with as many people as possible but remember if they seem like arseholes/arse kissers, they probably are so try and distance yourself.
• Speculative letters/emails/articles- Most media jobs are not advertised so the best way to hear about jobs is to create a dialogue between you and some media companies. At the very least they could give you some advice and may point you in the right direction.
• Create- If no one is giving you a job then go and make one for yourself. Set up a blog, a video company, write sketches etc. Whats the worse that will happen? It shows you have drive and it helps to give you some experience.
• Work hard- I mean it, work your arse off and people will notice.

Whilst these do not guarentee jobs they should help you get on your way.

I think that covers most things but if anyone has anything else to add then please do.

Cheers

Johnny