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how do I get into the the media industry?
I am interested in the media industry so I want intel on how I can get into the industry
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5 answers

Miha B
Academic and Career Counselor | Human Resources Specialist | Internal Auditor
15
Answers
Winter Park, Florida
Updated
Miha’s Answer
To get into the media industry, here are a few steps that can help:
Identify Your Area of Interest: The media industry is broad, so it's important to focus on a specific area, such as journalism, broadcasting, digital media, public relations, film production, content creation, or social media.
Education and Training: Many roles in the media industry require a background in communications, journalism, media studies, or related fields. You could consider a degree or courses in media, film production, digital marketing, or broadcasting. Internships and hands-on training are highly valuable.
Build a Portfolio: Create content that demonstrates your skills, such as writing articles, producing videos, editing content, or running social media accounts. Having a strong portfolio will make you stand out when applying for jobs or internships.
Gain Experience: Look for internships, freelance gigs, or volunteer opportunities in media companies. Real-world experience can help you build your resume and expand your network.
Networking: Attend industry events, join media-related groups or associations, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking is key to getting job opportunities and learning from others in the industry.
Stay Current: The media industry is constantly evolving, especially with digital and social media platforms. Stay updated on industry trends, new tools, and technologies.
Start Small and Be Persistent: It may take time to break into the industry, but don't be discouraged. Start with entry-level jobs or internships, and keep building your skills and network.
Identify Your Area of Interest: The media industry is broad, so it's important to focus on a specific area, such as journalism, broadcasting, digital media, public relations, film production, content creation, or social media.
Education and Training: Many roles in the media industry require a background in communications, journalism, media studies, or related fields. You could consider a degree or courses in media, film production, digital marketing, or broadcasting. Internships and hands-on training are highly valuable.
Build a Portfolio: Create content that demonstrates your skills, such as writing articles, producing videos, editing content, or running social media accounts. Having a strong portfolio will make you stand out when applying for jobs or internships.
Gain Experience: Look for internships, freelance gigs, or volunteer opportunities in media companies. Real-world experience can help you build your resume and expand your network.
Networking: Attend industry events, join media-related groups or associations, and connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. Networking is key to getting job opportunities and learning from others in the industry.
Stay Current: The media industry is constantly evolving, especially with digital and social media platforms. Stay updated on industry trends, new tools, and technologies.
Start Small and Be Persistent: It may take time to break into the industry, but don't be discouraged. Start with entry-level jobs or internships, and keep building your skills and network.
Updated
Melissa’s Answer
"The media industry" is very broad.
The media includes TV, Radio, Newspapers, Social Media, Podcasts, Blogs.
Are you interested in the technical side, creative side or editorial?
You can be a writer, producer, reporter or all three. Do you want to be a videographer, director or audio technician?
Do you want to work in news, sports, social media or entertainment?
There are too many options to list but whichever one you choose, you must be able to communicate and collaborate. Good writing skills are always beneficial but imperative for many positions.
"The media industry" is constantly changing and evolving.
Pick a path and reach out to people already working there. Show enthusiasm and ask questions like what drew them to this field, what their journey to success looked like, advice they would give to their younger self, what would they do differently.
Internships are the best way to learn and make connections when starting out.
Pro tip: Plan to have another stream of income until you are experienced and established.
The media includes TV, Radio, Newspapers, Social Media, Podcasts, Blogs.
Are you interested in the technical side, creative side or editorial?
You can be a writer, producer, reporter or all three. Do you want to be a videographer, director or audio technician?
Do you want to work in news, sports, social media or entertainment?
There are too many options to list but whichever one you choose, you must be able to communicate and collaborate. Good writing skills are always beneficial but imperative for many positions.
"The media industry" is constantly changing and evolving.
Pick a path and reach out to people already working there. Show enthusiasm and ask questions like what drew them to this field, what their journey to success looked like, advice they would give to their younger self, what would they do differently.
Internships are the best way to learn and make connections when starting out.
Pro tip: Plan to have another stream of income until you are experienced and established.
Updated
Malcolm’s Answer
Hey Thandile!
I would recommend finding a specific aspect of the media industry. There's Journalism, Public Relations, Management, Camera/Production Work, or even being a talent. I would write down the things you're personally interested in right now to then find an aspect of the media industry that best aligns with your interests or current skills. Then look at possible internships while also investing a ton of time on YouTube and research on the internet into your given field. Good luck!
I would recommend finding a specific aspect of the media industry. There's Journalism, Public Relations, Management, Camera/Production Work, or even being a talent. I would write down the things you're personally interested in right now to then find an aspect of the media industry that best aligns with your interests or current skills. Then look at possible internships while also investing a ton of time on YouTube and research on the internet into your given field. Good luck!
Updated
Marty’s Answer
That depends on what part of the media industry you're interested in.....
I'd suggest you choose your specialty (they're very different) - for instance, do you want to work in creative? Below the line production? Producing? Directing? Writing?
For any of the hands-on technical positions, such as camera, lighting, audio, I'd suggest getting an entry level position at a production rental company. You'll be handling gear, coiling cables, loading trucks and learning a bit about how the gear works. It's hard, often dirty work in warehouses that are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, however, it's worth it.
There are always crews who are prepping their equipment packages around; you can see what they're doing, and how they're doing it, and get a bit of experience. If you can interact with them, they'll come to know you and may invite you to be part of their crew on a project. It's great experience.
Good luck!
I'd suggest you choose your specialty (they're very different) - for instance, do you want to work in creative? Below the line production? Producing? Directing? Writing?
For any of the hands-on technical positions, such as camera, lighting, audio, I'd suggest getting an entry level position at a production rental company. You'll be handling gear, coiling cables, loading trucks and learning a bit about how the gear works. It's hard, often dirty work in warehouses that are hot in the summer and cold in the winter, however, it's worth it.
There are always crews who are prepping their equipment packages around; you can see what they're doing, and how they're doing it, and get a bit of experience. If you can interact with them, they'll come to know you and may invite you to be part of their crew on a project. It's great experience.
Good luck!

Steve Jacobson
Creative Leader/Content Creator/Producer/Editor/Storyteller
57
Answers
Westlake Village, California
Updated
Steve’s Answer
MEDIA INDUSTRY is as broad a term as you can imagine. Do you want to be creative and write and direct films or videos? Marketing? Entertainment? Both? Do you want to be on the business side of film production? Or advertising? Do you want to be involved in media strategy and planning? Lots of options here. You do need to come to terms with where your interests lie and pursue a strong education in those areas. If you are unsure, that's fine too. Then get a solid well-rounded bachelor's degree in business or english or writing or film production and get exposed to other areas of the media business.
Good luck.
Good luck.