5 tips for getting media work experience

Building a digital portfolio, making a showreel, starting a blog or podcast, or creating videos on YouTube or TikTok can all increase your chances of gaining media experience

Build a digital portfolio

There are many things to consider when putting together a creative portfolio. If your heart's set on a media career, you'll need to demonstrate strong visual communication skills, ideally showcased through a digital platform, such as Behance or Weebly, that will store and share all of your best work.

Creating a website for an online portfolio is relatively straightforward, even if your web design skills are only basic. Website builders like Squarespace and Wix will support you through the design process.

Choose a website domain that features your real name in some form to appear professional to potential employers.

Your area of specialism will determine the content displayed on the site. For instance, you may be looking to get into video gaming and could have a go at coding your own game.

In addition to using a digital portfolio to show the work you can do, this is also a good place to host your video CV.

Start a blog

If you plan to become a journalist, copywriter, or editor, you may be interested in a journalism internship with a media organisation such as Sky or the BBC. You may also need to study a relevant journalism qualification.

Whatever your long-term goal, blogging is an effective way to work on your:

• editing
• tone of voice
• writing style.

A blog is simply a regularly updated website, usually written in an informal, chatty style and focused on an interesting topic. This can be anything from extreme sports and rock music to vegan recipes and fitness advice.

Writing your posts allows your voice to develop and mature, and you'll learn how to tighten up your writing to engage your readers. Uploading your blogs according to a carefully planned schedule also helps you practice good timekeeping and organisation.

To monitor your blog's performance, consider search engine optimisation (SEO) and use tools such as Google Analytics and Semrush to discover what your audience is searching for and to ensure your posts are seen.

You don't have to invest financially in blogging - free hosting sites such as WordPress allow you to create a blog within minutes. And you don't have to be an expert in coding and website design, as these sites offer a range of free website themes. However, your blog is a great platform to show these skills should you have them.

There are plenty of benefits to becoming a regular blogger. Networking with like-minded creators can provide a gateway to potential job and work experience opportunities.

Media employers are more likely to take on interns who've already established themselves in the digital domain.

Become a vlogger

Vlogging, or video blogging, is becoming an increasingly popular form of content creation, especially with teenage audiences. Like blogging, vlogging involves sharing topics, thoughts, and opinions in video format.

While it's possible to make money from vlogging - as has been the case with some YouTube vloggers who've become famous - this is rare and shouldn't be your only aim for creating one.

With a vlog, your viewers seek more condensed, vibrant content, unlike blog readers, whose priority is informative, high-quality writing. By starting as a vlogger, you'll sharpen your video editing and public speaking skills while demonstrating your ability to identify what your viewers are looking for and present it in the most engaging way.

Filming a video is just one part of the vlogging process. You'll also need to learn how to frame and edit your videos creatively, publish them on a hosting site such as YouTube or TikTok, and market yourself to your audience.

There's plenty of advice online about starting a YouTube channel, but vlogging can be done from anywhere. It allows you to feature a range of locations and discuss whatever you're truly passionate about.

On a basic level, all you need is:

• a camera with a working microphone - the camera on your smartphone is fine
• editing software - many computers come with free editing software, and apps are available to download
• access to the internet.

Only a fraction of high-profile vloggers can make a living through advertising revenue. However, the digital experience you'll gain shouldn't be underestimated. Many student YouTubers are now being taken on and paid by their university to record videos on topics helpful to their fellow students. Read more about this and other student jobs at university.

After graduation, your online portfolio of vlogs can help you get a foot in the door for entry-level graduate jobs.

This is especially true if you're hoping to land a film or TV production role as a:

• film/video editor
• television camera operator
• broadcast presenter.

If you have singing ability or any musical talent with an instrument, you could also consider careers in music.

Launch your podcast

For those passionate about radio presenting, you could start podcasting to develop your skills. A podcast is an on-demand series delivered in the style of a radio broadcast and downloadable from hosting sites such as Podbean or BuzzSprout.

Launching a podcast is an easy way to gain valuable experience in a field where securing work experience placements with local radio stations is increasingly competitive and challenging.

At the most basic level, all you'll need to get started is:

• a computer with a built-in microphone
• access to the internet
• ideas or a theme for your podcast.

By starting a podcast, you'll refine skills essential to a career as a radio presenter, such as:

• the technological aspects of the job, through audio editing and publishing podcasts online
• effective scriptwriting - you'll learn the difference between writing a script to read directly from and a script to prompt a conversational tone
• growing and engaging an audience.

Like all content creators, you're not guaranteed to make money from podcasting. However, if you base your podcast around a topic you have a genuine interest in, you'll engage your listeners with enthusiasm and find the experience more enjoyable.

Having a podcast could lead to a job as a:

• radio broadcast assistant
• broadcast journalist
• broadcast presenter.

Discover how to start a podcast and listen to the Future You podcast from Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ»ÆƬ.

Make a showreel

Whether you're looking to get into acting, producing or broadcasting, a good video showreel (or sizzle reel) can convey the type of content that interests you. At the same time, it can potentially leave a strong impression on recruiters you'd like to work for.

A showreel should effectively highlight your best work within one to three minutes. Within this short time, you'll need to grab the viewer's attention and keep it entertaining, fast-paced and engaging. Don't repeat any clips and try to create a compelling opening scene.

The final part is your opportunity to introduce a call to action (CTA) by providing your contact details so interested parties can get in touch with you.

Once ready, it's essential to consider the social media platform you'll be publishing it to, as each has its distinct audiences. For example, LinkedIn differs from Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube because it's geared towards working professionals. Read more about creating compelling social media accounts.

Many people will watch it without sound (this is typical for those using mobile devices). To ensure it's widely accessible to all, including subtitles or closed captions is a good idea. You should also refresh the showreel every six months or so to keep it up to date.

Demo showreels are an excellent way for TV and film actors, sports broadcasting hopefuls, and those seeking radio work experience to demonstrate their talents and help get a work placement or secure an entry-level role.

If you're considering getting into acting, discover the 7 skills you need to succeed in performing arts.

How to secure media work experience

If you don't have any work experience to date, you may be able to land an internship or gain some form of work experience through a media company.

For instance, the Royal Television Society (RTS) provides information for those interested in entry-level training opportunities in television production.

Some TV and film production companies welcome applications for internships or work experience placements, including:

• Banijay UK
• Famegate Studios
• Lime Pictures
• Twickenham Studios

While big studios in the thriving video game industry rarely offer apprenticeships, internships may be available as a route into this popular field - see video game careers.

Set up to tackle a lack of diversity in the sector, Creative Access is an organisation that helps students from underrepresented ethnic groups and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds secure media internships. Read more about diversity in the workplace.

Find out more

• Search graduate jobs in the media sector.
• Consider getting into publishing.
• Explore how to become a professional photographer.