From television, film and radio, to everything on the internet, media is everywhere, and it can influence just as much as it can entertain.

Working in the media is fast-paced and highly competitive. To achieve a successful career in media, you will need to be confident, motivated and work well under pressure.

The increasing ways in which media is produced and consumed via digital services, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video, means the demand for talented graduates is continuously growing.

Careers in Media

Production companies across the media sector require employee that can communicate ideas and concepts on TV screens, or through over mediums such as the internet, radio and publishing:

  • Actor: Actors communicate a character or persona to an audience through speech, body language and movement. Actors are employed across the media sector but are most commonly involved in the film and TV industry. Becoming a successful actor can be a challenge. You will need to be committed, driven and confident to succeed.
  • Music producer: Music producers assist musicians in the development of recorded, creative content. Music producer may work at live events or in a recording studio.
  • Television or radio presenter: Well-suited to confident, enthusiastic individuals, a career as a TV or radio presenter involves entertaining and inform an audience in an accessible and exciting way.
  • TV/film producer: Producers oversee all elements of the production of a film or TV series, from the early concept stages, execution, editing as well as marketing and distribution. To succeed as a producer, you will require a combination of creative and business skills, and the ability to inspire and motivate members of your team.
  • Researcher: Media researchers provide support to the production team of a TV, radio, film or online project. Responsibilities may include sourcing contacts and deciding on filming or set locations.
  • Camera technician: A camera operator will work with digital, electronic and film cameras to produce the shots required. You will need both technical ability and a creative eye.
  • Journalist: Journalists work across the media sector and perform a variety of roles. Responsibilities could include researching articles, writing, editing and submitting copy, interviewing sources and attending key events.

Graduate Opportunities

There is no specific degree required to enter a career in the media sector. The jobs in this sector are so diverse that the type of degree and skills needed will be dependent on the role you are interested in. For example, to become a successful musician, a music degree would undoubtedly be helpful, but you will also need to be exceptionally talented at playing an instrument or singing.

One thing for certain is that creativity is usually an essential attribute for achieving a successful career in the media industry. Numerous undergraduate degrees can help develop creativity. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Multimedia design and animation
  • Literature or journalism
  • Art, design or fashion
  • Music
  • Film production

There are several competitive graduate schemes in the media sector, including:

The BBC offers several training schemes to help get university-leavers into the media sector. This includes graduate and trainee schemes in production, journalism, business and design and engineering. There are 12 different programmes in total, each aimed at candidates with different skills, interests and attributes.

4Talent, the Channel4 careers service, run a variety of programmes to help graduates wanting to kick-start their career in the media industry.