English & Media & Cultural Studies CAREER INSIGHT
LJMU CAREERS TEAM 0151 231 2048/3719 â?š careers@ljmu.ac.uk
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
Introduction: English and Media and Cultural Studies The skills you gain through studying English and Media and Cultural Studies are marketable across a range of careers including journalism, teaching, publishing, marketing and advertising. The ability to communicate effectively through the written and spoken word is a core graduate skill along with the ability to absorb and critically analyse text and to share ideas. You will also build effective team working, research, problem solving and independent working skills whilst gaining a clear understanding of contemporary society, new communication technologies and the media environment. Planning for your career and gaining experience throughout your course will benefit you when you graduate. Take advantage of work experience opportunities and networking events to develop your skills and help you decide what area you want to move into. Try and make links with people through your course and get involved with the wealth of creative activities in Liverpool and beyond to broaden your skillset and open up opportunities.
Options with your degree: Teacher To qualify as a teacher at primary or secondary level you will need to complete a further period of training after your undergraduate degree. There are a number of training routes available and it is important to research them all as teaching is a popular career choice and entry is competitive. As well as the traditional PGCE run by universities, consider other routes such as Schools Direct, School Centred Initial Teacher Training (SCITT), or Teach First. The emphasis for these is more on school based training and all routes lead to Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) It is vital that you have recent work experience at the level you want to teach at before applying. It is recommended to gain at least 10-15 days recent experience working in a school but it is preferable to have more than the minimum requirement especially as competition for training places is fierce. Some course providers stipulate the minimum amount of work experience they require so always check with individual providers. Different course providers and schools set their own entry requirements so always check that you meet them before applying. Generally you will need at least a 2:2 or above and GCSE English and Maths at grades C or above for secondary teaching and Maths, English and Science grade C or above if you want to teach at primary level. Many institutions expect applicants to have at least a 2:1 degree or above. Entry requirements for Teach First are slightly higher possibly reflecting the fact that Teach First candidates are expected to assume leadership roles early in their career path. 2:1 degree or above plus 300 UCAS points (or equivalent, excluding General Studies) A degree or A levels that satisfy the teaching subject requirements. More information on these can be found on the Teach First website: http://graduates.teachfirst.org.uk/recruitment/requirements/index.html.
1
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
Grade C (or equivalent) in GCSE Maths and English Flexibility to work anywhere within Teach First's seven regions Commitment for the duration of the two-year Leadership Development Programme
Applications for PGCE , School Direct and SCITT programmes are made via UCAS , Teach First has its own on line application procedure. You can search for teacher training programmes starting in 2016 from 6 October 2015, and will be able to apply from 27 October 2015.
English graduates are often attracted to teaching more mature young people and adults in a Further or Higher Education setting or working overseas teaching English as a Foreign Language.
Further Education: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/further_education_lecturer_job_description.htm English as a foreign language teacher: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/english_as_a_foreign_language_teacher_job_description.htm Higher Education: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/higher_education_lecturer_job_description.htm
Media and Publishing: Editorial assistant: This is a popular entry level role for graduates. Publishing is an attractive career option for English graduates as it is an opportunity to put their subject to direct use. It is a highly competitive career, therefore it is vital to gain experience throughout university and to network at every opportunity. https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobprofiles/Pages/editorialassistant. aspx Magazine Journalist: Work related experience is essential. It is worth considering the type of magazine you would like to work for and target them for practical experience and/or advice. Consider setting up blog and an on-line portfolio of features you have written. https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/280589-magazine-journalist-jobdescription Newspaper journalist: As already mentioned, work experience is crucial as you need to provide practical evidence of your ability to write concisely and to engage the readers. Consider training courses endorsed by the NCTJ such as the course available at Liverpool Community College. http://www.liv-coll.ac.uk/NCTJ-Diploma-in-Journalism-c96.html http://www.prospects.ac.uk/newspaper_journalist_job_description.htm Broadcast Journalism: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/broadcast_journalist_job_description.htm
You may also like to explore the following job roles:
2
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
Academic librarian:http://www.prospects.ac.uk/academic_librarian_job_description.htm Advertising account executive: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/advertising_account_executive_job_description.htm Arts administrator: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/arts_administrator_job_description.htm Records manager:http://www.prospects.ac.uk/records_manager_job_description.htm Multimedia specialist http://www.prospects.ac.uk/multimedia_specialist_job_description.htm Media planner http://www.prospects.ac.uk/media_planner_job_description.htm Programme researcher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/programme_researcher_broadcasting_film_video_job_descrip tion.htm Public relations officer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/public_relations_officer_job_description.htm Runner: broadcasting/film/video http://www.prospects.ac.uk/runner_broadcasting_film_video_job_description.htm Television/film/video producer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/television_film_video_producer_job_description.htm Advertising account executive http://www.prospects.ac.uk/advertising_account_executive_job_description.htm Broadcast journalist http://www.prospects.ac.uk/broadcast_journalist_job_description.htm Information Officer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/information_officer_job_description.htm Market researcher http://www.prospects.ac.uk/market_researcher_job_description.htm Writer http://www.prospects.ac.uk/writer_job_description.htm
3
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
Š 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
Copywriter https://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/job-descriptions/276977-advertising-copywriterjob-description You may prefer to move away from the creative industries and look at roles in other sectors. Some that you could consider include: Roles in marketing and PR:
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_advertising_marketing_pr.htm http://www.getin2marketing.com/
http://www.cipr.co.uk/
Freelance Writer Writers are involved in the creation and development of works of fiction and non-fiction. This covers a number of wide and varied forms including poetry, prose, life writing, and material for the theatre, screen and radio. Most writers work freelance and are selfemployed. Many writers break into the profession by winning local or national writing competitions. These include fiction, poetry, screen /playwriting and usually can be found by a simple web search of 'creative writing competitions,' or 'screen writing competitions. Finally, some publishers run competitions to find new talent. For example, the children's fiction publishers Chicken House , in conjunction with The Times , run an annual children's fiction competition. The suggestions listed are by no means exhaustive so we would encourage you to consider other relevant options, e.g. based on previous work or voluntary experience, skills and interests. To explore job options by sector, check. You can also use career planning tools like http://www.prospects.ac.uk/myprospects_planner_login.htm and http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-report to generate initial career ideas. Ensure you check entry requirements for each area, e.g. will you need a degree in a specific subject? Is a 2:1 degree classification essential? Will you need to complete a postgraduate degree? Is any specific work experience required? Bear in mind that many graduate job roles are open to graduates of any degree subject discipline. Destinations of English graduates from last year years show entry to a range of careers, for example, Digital Marketing Officer, Social Media Officer, Content Developer, Assistant Director & Claims Handler Administrator. We also recommend that you download a copy of our “Planning your Career” guide from the Careers website at https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm
4
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
This includes a list of useful questions to help you explore your career options and introduces you to the DOTS model to help you with your career planning. Main employers All occupational profiles listed on http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm include a section on typical employers and vacancy sources, so use these as a starting point to research potential employers within the career areas that interest you. Useful links/websites
5
Arts Hub: www.artshub.co.uk listing arts and creative jobs including internships and work experience. Prolific North www.prolificnorth.co.uk P.R and Media industry news and articles, job opportunities. The Writers Guild of Great Britain: http://www.writersguild.org.uk/ The Reader Organisation: http://www.thereader.org.uk/ News From Nowhere: local radical book store, http://www.newsfromnowhere.org.uk/ The Windows Project: poetry education charity - been in existence for over 30 years http://www.windowsproject.net/index.htm Writing on the Wall: Liverpool Literary Festival runs annually http://www.writingonthewall.org.uk/ Careers Service Media Links: www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmedia.htm Publishing, Journalism, Media and Music links. Creative Choices: www.creative-choices.co.uk information, advice and resources to help you build skills and find opportunities in the creative industries. Online Directory of postgraduate courses in the UK: www.prospects.ac.uk/student/pgdir Media Week http://www.mediaweek.co.uk/ Creative Skillset: http://creativeskillset.org/ The Guardian: http://media.guardian.co.uk Your Creative Future: http://yourcreativefuture.net.au/ - Careers information aimed at students and graduates Department for Culture, Media and Sport: www.culture.gov.uk Art, Culture, Media Jobs: www.artsculturemediajobs.com provides a method of searching for agencies Indeed.co.uk: www.indeed.co.uk , search for creative jobs and location Periodical Training Council: http://www.ppa.co.uk/careers/ provides advice and guidance on working in broadcast journalism The Book Seller: www.thebookseller.com includes a comprehensive job vacancy listing and links to other recruitment services The Publishers Association: www.publishers.org.uk the trade association provides information on the industry and job roles. What’s new in publishing News: http://www.whatsnewinpublishing.co.uk/ The latest news in the industry.
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
The Looprevil Press: www.looprevilpress.co.uk if you want to get involved with student press and radio Transition traditions: www.transitiontradition.com Creative industries aimed at students and graduates. Broadcast Now (radio and television): www.broadcastnow.co.uk Grapevine Jobs: www.grapevinejobs.com for jobs in broadcast, film and music.
General: LJMU Vacancy System – myjobsandplacements http://ljmu.prospects.ac.uk/ Prospects – Careers information and graduate jobs – www.prospects.ac.uk TARGETjobs - Careers information and graduate jobs – www.targetjobs.co.uk Milkround – graduate jobs, placements & internships - http://www.milkround.com/ Get into Teaching: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching Follow relevant companies/websites through Twitter: @LJMUCareers @TheWritersGuild @getintoteaching @TeachFirst
Sources of work experience Gaining experience, whether it is through writing or in other areas of the creative industries, is really important. Networking is crucial and many contracts are filled through contacts and links with people who have worked together before. Download our mini-guide on “Making yourself employable whilst at University” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different types of work experience available and some general suggestions about finding work experience opportunities. LJMU has been managing a summer internship programme for Level 5 students in recent years, so keep an eye on your LJMU inbox for details of any opportunities.
Potential Work Experience Contacts list: Humanities and Social Sciences Students are sometimes unsure as to how to go about sourcing work experience opportunities. The Careers Team have put together a list of potential work experience contacts mainly in the Merseyside area to offer students a starting point. The focus is on writing and journalism contacts and voluntary organisations offering community and social science experience and the list is by no means exhaustive.
Liverpool Media Organisations
6
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
A list of possible companies to approach for work based learning opportunities in Merseyside based production companies. The list should be viewed as a starting point and is not exhaustive. Contacting media companies, schools, publishers etc. directly at networking events, via email or through LinkedIn may lead to work experience. It is important that you demonstrate that you are interested in the company and have spent some time finding out what they do. Even when applying to secure work experience for the first time in this industry, show the employer what you have to offer. Briefly outline the relevancy of your course. Look at the skills outlined above and try to discuss these in your CV, drawing on examples from your course and other work experience or extra-curricular activities to demonstrate these skills. Useful websites to research a range of voluntary opportunities include http://www.doit.org.uk/ and https://www.liverpoolguild.org/main-menu/volunteer. You could also contact LJMU Volunteering Manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356 or c.j.prescott@ljmu.ac.uk to enquire about current opportunities. It is also worth researching relevant organisations/charities and contacting them directly to find out about voluntary roles on offer.
Recruitment schedules Creative writing positions come up as and when required. It is important that you network and engage with employers and utilise the websites and Twitter feeds above to find out about opportunities. Many other roles within the creative industries will be through small or medium sized enterprises/businesses (SMEs). These types of SMEs will recruit ‘as required’. They may use their own application form but most applications will be by CV and covering letter. These positions will be advertised on company websites, relevant recruitment websites and national and local newspapers. The ‘creative’ or ‘speculative’ approach to job hunting is also important when looking for graduate roles. Making contacts and approaching organisations speculatively to look for work is a common route into employment. For more information about the speculative approach to job hunting, download a copy of our guide to ‘The Hidden Jobs Market’ from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm. Roles within public sector organisations, such as schools or museums, or creative organisations such as galleries, also recruit as required. However, it is more common to apply using an application form. A comprehensive person specification is usually included in the advertisement. Each point in this has to be addressed within the personal statement section within the application form. If you decide to take a different path outside the creative industries you can look at graduate training schemes, many of which are open to graduates from any discipline. If you are interested in these roles you will need to be aware of the graduate recruitment cycle. Many recruiters begin the graduate recruitment process during the autumn term for final year students. Most closing dates are in November and December but some are earlier so it is
7
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
important to start researching companies that you want to apply to early on. The application process usually involves completing an online application form, which may require you to answer ‘competency based questions’. Psychometric tests, a telephone interview and an assessment centre will usually follow. You may also need to submit your CV. Always carefully read through the information in the ‘careers’ or ‘graduates’ section of the employer’s website. For more information about graduate schemes, download the ‘Graduate Schemes’ guide from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm You can get advice about the recruitment process by booking a one-to-one appointment with a careers or employability adviser at your nearest Careers Zone or you can attend workshops or webinars arranged by the Careers Team.
Key events and networking
Liverpool Careers Fair: usually held in the autumn and spring of each year, see fairs website http://www.liverpoolfairs.org.uk/ for additional events
Manchester Careers Fairs: open to students and graduates from any university; check details http://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/events/graduaterecruitmentfair/
Careers and Employability events at LJMU: Keep an eye on our events pages at https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk for details of upcoming employability workshops, networking sessions and employer talks.
LiverpoolSU Clubs and Societies: http://ljmu.unioncloud.org/groups#club-society
LinkedIn: You could also consider setting up a LinkedIn account (http://www.linkedin.com/) to network online with professionals and organisations in your chosen industry
Other information Centre for Entrepreneurship - support for LJMU students and graduates interested in starting up their own business https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup/. Postgraduate Study - download our mini-guide on “Thinking about Postgraduate Study” from https://www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/123871.htm for an overview of the different options available.
Careers Zones Campus-based Careers Zones provide easy access to careers support in convenient locations at Byrom Street, Aldham Robarts Library and at IM Marsh, staffed by the Careers Team. Support available includes CV and application form reviews, Careers Adviser appointments,
8
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
© 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
drop-in quick queries, practice interviews and access to careers resources and information. The Zones also host regular employer visits during term time where you can meet and network with employers and discuss job and placement opportunities. For the latest updates and details of locations and opening times, try our Twitter and Facebook pages.
9
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
Š 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Career Insight: English and Media and Cultural Studies
10
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers
Š 2017. Liverpool John Moores University. The content of this document is copyright material of Liverpool John Moores University. No part of this document may be reproduced or distributed without prior written permission of the copyright owner.
Looking for out of hours careers support? Access our suite of online careers tools at any time, from anywhere ...
CAREERS ZONE
24/7
❙❙ CV builder ❙❙ Interview simulator ❙❙ Job search websites ❙❙ Careers Newsroom ❙❙ Psychometric testing and
assessment centre practice portal ❙❙ GoinGlobal international jobs database Access Careers Zone 24/7 from the Careers website:
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers LJMU CAREERS WORLD OF WORK CAREERSTEAM CENTRE 0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk || worldofwork@ljmu.ac.uk 0151 231 2048/3719
www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers www2.ljmu.ac.uk/worldofwork