Media and journalism

Significant numbers of Oxford graduates find ways into this sector every year – entering journalism, TV, radio, film and media management.

Journalists, broadcasters and directors form the public face of the sector, but there are many other roles. Researcher roles are popular entry points for Oxford graduates: these can involve fact checking content and finding people to appear in programmes. A large proportion of people employed in the sector are freelancers, with many more employed on short-term contracts, so flexibility and a willingness to be proactive are definite assets. The impact of digital media is redefining both journalism and broadcast content, and having an awareness of multimedia platforms and tools is now crucial for graduates seeking to enter this sector.

Many are attracted to the sector for its ‘creative’ element, but there is increasing demand for graduates in the management side – such as in IT, sales, licensing, marketing, legal, financial, business development and consultancy.

Getting in and entry points

Experience, including work experience, is mandatory, and there are lots of opportunities to gain experience whilst you are at Oxford through societies and local media. Most people need to start in an entry level position, often as an intern or (in the broadcast media) a ‘runner’ for example in a TV or film company. For industry insights for the screen industries and career profiles, see www.screenskills.com.

Also, it is important to establish and cultivate professional contacts because those interested in this sector will often need to find (or create) their own openings by contacting individuals and organisations directly. See our advice on networking and speculative approaches, and take steps to develop and cultivate your contacts – some great opportunities can arise this way.

As well as making speculative enquiries to build up experience, it is worth knowing about the other ways into the industry: • Look for advertised runner/researcher roles on free sites eg: The Unit List. • Explore media graduate training schemes, such as the

BBC and Channel 4’s Graduate Programme, as well as occasional schemes with independent television companies.

There are also postgraduate courses which include substantial work experience, including master’s programmes, the NCTJ for journalism or the NFTS for people with some film and television experience. It is important to do research and weigh the costs and benefits for individual situations: some people recommend them as a way to gain contacts and experience, but others do not consider them as necessary.

“I used to worry I’d never find a career that satisfied the two sides of my brain, [...] I discovered producing requires the perfect balancing of the two – applying the instincts of a manager or business person to an ‘artistic medium’.

Emily Everdee, independent film & video producer Extra-curricular ideas

Plan ahead to get an edge on the competition after graduation by accumulating experience whilst at Oxford. • For graduate careers in journalism, candidates will need to build a portfolio of samples of your published writing, and a good record of relevant work experience. • Take every opportunity to contribute to student media: student newspapers, Oxide Radio etc. Write; get editorial experience; take and select pictures; do layout work. • Write a blog and/or produce video or comment pieces for other websites on topics of interest. Build a website/blog to showcase your portfolio. • Become active on social media: develop essential skills and build your network. • Join relevant student societies, such as the Oxford

Filmmaking Foundation, Drama Society or TAFF (for theatre designers and technicians). • Shoot your own documentary, short-film (on your smart phone), direct, produce, act, etc in a stage play. • Create advertising copy/film to promote a project. • Offer work and assistance to different kinds of media outlets: free, national, specialist. You are almost certainly an expert in something, so find a magazine for people with similar interests.

More information

www.careers.ox.ac.uk/journalism www.careers.ox.ac.uk/music-radio www.careers.ox.ac.uk/tv-film