Qualifications and training
GCSE’S
English – C Science - D
English Literature – C Media - B
Maths – E IT – C
English Literature – C Media - B
Maths – E IT – C
Creative Skills
I feel I have a good knowledge of how to get a task completed, although sometimes I lack motivation which is something I feel I have to improve on this year. I have to gain the confidence in myself that I can do whatever I want to once I put my mind to it. I think I have good listening and talking qualities, I can listen to what someone has to say, take it on board and but also have my own opinion and input. I am confident in my problem solving skills and also feel like I am better at written work than I am practical although I hope to also improve this in the coming year. I like working in groups but also like working on my own, I feel like I can be a good group leader but I also follow instructions well and the best I can. I think this is because I find it easy to get on with people, and when in a group I work well with other people to get the task done.
This year I want to pass my second year of college, completing all assignments to the best of my ability. I also want to gain work experience, whether it be writing or another department in the media industry. I want to improve my writing skills so that they are the best they can be; i was speaking to a man who was in the journalism business who recommended I started a blog. I have recently done so, talking about music, gigs and also spoke on the festival I went to. I want to carry this on through my last year of college improving myself as I go. Recently I have been debating a gap year, to take another course on English and make myself some money through a full time job. Although since I first left school, university has been my main motivation I am still yet to decide what I want to do.
Outside of college, i have recently got myself a part time job in Jones shoe shop. I wanted a full time summer job but this job suits me better as I can carry it on through college and it doesn’t interfere with my studies. I am starting my driving lessons, as I want to finally be able to drive.
Outside of college, i have recently got myself a part time job in Jones shoe shop. I wanted a full time summer job but this job suits me better as I can carry it on through college and it doesn’t interfere with my studies. I am starting my driving lessons, as I want to finally be able to drive.
Work Experience
I looked for work experience and came across BBC work experience.
My current search criteria is:
Television – Children’s
Television – Documentaries and current affairs
News and Journalism
BBC Magazines
Radio – Production, Drama and Entertainment.
BLAST – Writing, Fashion, Music, Sport
I will receive an email from BBC when any work experience comes open in any of these sections.
My current search criteria is:
Television – Children’s
Television – Documentaries and current affairs
News and Journalism
BBC Magazines
Radio – Production, Drama and Entertainment.
BLAST – Writing, Fashion, Music, Sport
I will receive an email from BBC when any work experience comes open in any of these sections.
3 Jobs in the media industry
Magazine staff writer.
Advertised: mostly online through different job websites.
Salary: For magazine journalists entering the profession at graduate level, job titles include staff writer, graduate writer and journalism trainee. Typical starting salaries range from £15,000 - £26,000, but may be as low as £12,000
University/Qualifications/training and skills:
- Excellent journalistic writing skills, the curiosity and creativity to conceive interesting story ideas, the persistence to secure interviews, and the dedication to meet frequent deadlines.
- Assemble a portfolio of published writing clips.
These clips might include samples of freelance work you have done in the past or even articles from a college newspaper or other student publication to which you have contributed.
- An undergraduate or master’s degree that is heavily writing-based
many staff writers study journalism in college, while others major in English or creative writing.
Magazine staff writer.
Advertised: mostly online through different job websites.
Salary: For magazine journalists entering the profession at graduate level, job titles include staff writer, graduate writer and journalism trainee. Typical starting salaries range from £15,000 - £26,000, but may be as low as £12,000
University/Qualifications/training and skills:
- Excellent journalistic writing skills, the curiosity and creativity to conceive interesting story ideas, the persistence to secure interviews, and the dedication to meet frequent deadlines.
- Assemble a portfolio of published writing clips.
These clips might include samples of freelance work you have done in the past or even articles from a college newspaper or other student publication to which you have contributed.
- An undergraduate or master’s degree that is heavily writing-based
many staff writers study journalism in college, while others major in English or creative writing.
Career path/how I will gain my dream job:
Go to university and succeed in gaining a degree in journalism or English.
Find a job in a small newspaper, magazine or online or free-lance write
Once I have gained more experience, knowledge and built up a full portfolio I will then apply for higher job positions.
Go to university and succeed in gaining a degree in journalism or English.
Find a job in a small newspaper, magazine or online or free-lance write
Once I have gained more experience, knowledge and built up a full portfolio I will then apply for higher job positions.
Magazine editor
Advertised: Mostly online through different job websites.
Salary: Starting salaries vary with the type of magazine. The smallest magazines can pay around £15,000, but the typical salary range for most others is around £25,000 to £40,000.
Advertised: Mostly online through different job websites.
Salary: Starting salaries vary with the type of magazine. The smallest magazines can pay around £15,000, but the typical salary range for most others is around £25,000 to £40,000.
University/Qualifications/Training and skills:
- At least a BA (Hons) Journalism, but usually an MA Journalism.
- Motivates and encourages
- Shows enthusiasm.
- Cares about making a story better; has the skills to make it better.
- Has an ear for writing and understands individual styles of different writers.
- Has the technical skills of a wordsmith plus the tangibles of a good journalist
- Edits confidently but judiciously.
- Edits in the writer's voice.
- Knows when not to edit.
- Treats both the details and the big picture.
- Serves as a resource for ideas and sources.
- At least a BA (Hons) Journalism, but usually an MA Journalism.
- Motivates and encourages
- Shows enthusiasm.
- Cares about making a story better; has the skills to make it better.
- Has an ear for writing and understands individual styles of different writers.
- Has the technical skills of a wordsmith plus the tangibles of a good journalist
- Edits confidently but judiciously.
- Edits in the writer's voice.
- Knows when not to edit.
- Treats both the details and the big picture.
- Serves as a resource for ideas and sources.
Career path/how I will get my dream job:
Go to university and succeed in getting a degree in Journalism.
Find an editor’s assistant job and gain more experience and knowledge while working alongside an editor. Once I have gained all the confidence and experience I need, I will then apply for a higher position as editor.
Go to university and succeed in getting a degree in Journalism.
Find an editor’s assistant job and gain more experience and knowledge while working alongside an editor. Once I have gained all the confidence and experience I need, I will then apply for a higher position as editor.
Photo journalist
Advertised: Mostly online through job websites
Salary: The average salary for a Photojournalist in the UK is £24,000
University/Qualifications/Training and Skills
- Entry level positions in photojournalism generally require a university degree in photography or in a field related to the industry in which the photographer seeks employment. Photographers may start out as assistants to experienced photographers. Assistants acquire the technical knowledge needed to be a successful photographer and also learn other skills necessary to run a portrait or commercial photography business.
- Photographers need good eyesight
- Artistic ability
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- They should be patient
- Accurate and detail-oriented
- Should be able to work well with others, as they frequently deal with clients, graphic designers, and advertising and publishing specialists.
- Photographers need to know how to use computer software programs and applications that allow them to prepare and edit images, and those who market directly to clients should know how to use the Internet to display their work.
- Must be imaginative and original.
- News photographers must not only be good with a camera, but also understand the story behind an event so that their pictures match the story.
- They must be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and act quickly to capture it.
Career path/how I will get my dream job:
Build up a portfolio
Go to a university where a photo journalism course is available.
Become a photographer’s assistant and build up a portfolio
Seek a higher positioned job.
Advertised: Mostly online through job websites
Salary: The average salary for a Photojournalist in the UK is £24,000
University/Qualifications/Training and Skills
- Entry level positions in photojournalism generally require a university degree in photography or in a field related to the industry in which the photographer seeks employment. Photographers may start out as assistants to experienced photographers. Assistants acquire the technical knowledge needed to be a successful photographer and also learn other skills necessary to run a portrait or commercial photography business.
- Photographers need good eyesight
- Artistic ability
- Good hand-eye coordination.
- They should be patient
- Accurate and detail-oriented
- Should be able to work well with others, as they frequently deal with clients, graphic designers, and advertising and publishing specialists.
- Photographers need to know how to use computer software programs and applications that allow them to prepare and edit images, and those who market directly to clients should know how to use the Internet to display their work.
- Must be imaginative and original.
- News photographers must not only be good with a camera, but also understand the story behind an event so that their pictures match the story.
- They must be decisive in recognizing a potentially good photograph and act quickly to capture it.
Career path/how I will get my dream job:
Build up a portfolio
Go to a university where a photo journalism course is available.
Become a photographer’s assistant and build up a portfolio
Seek a higher positioned job.
University Courses
Northampton University
Information on course found: Northampton undergraduate prospectus
Course: BA (Hons) Journalism
Course price: £3,290
UCAS Code: P500 BA/journ
UCAS Points: 220-260
Needed: A level English or equivalent.
Duration: 3 Years. Full time
- The course combines practical skills with academic study. There are practical and contextual modules throughout the course. The practical modules will include hands on print and broadcast activities including regular student publication and website.
Modules included:
- Broadcast Journalism - Editorial Skills
- Law and government for journalists - Practical journalism project
- Print Journalism
Course features:
- Combined practical and academic study
- Student magazine and website
- Strong relationships with local industry partners
- Placement at stage 3
Northampton University
Information on course found: Northampton undergraduate prospectus
Course: BA (Hons) Journalism
Course price: £3,290
UCAS Code: P500 BA/journ
UCAS Points: 220-260
Needed: A level English or equivalent.
Duration: 3 Years. Full time
- The course combines practical skills with academic study. There are practical and contextual modules throughout the course. The practical modules will include hands on print and broadcast activities including regular student publication and website.
Modules included:
- Broadcast Journalism - Editorial Skills
- Law and government for journalists - Practical journalism project
- Print Journalism
Course features:
- Combined practical and academic study
- Student magazine and website
- Strong relationships with local industry partners
- Placement at stage 3
Career Opportunities:
The course provides a combination of practical skills, useful contacts and academic study which will hopefully enable me to pursue a career in journalism or other areas of the media.
Brighton University
Information on course found: University of Brighton undergraduate prospectus book.
Course: English Language and media
Course Price: £3,290
UCAS Code: QP33
Duration: 3 Years. Full time
Needed: GCSE. 3 subjects including English language and mathematics or science minimum grade C. A Levels: BBC, or equivalent.
- The course will involve exploring fundamental concepts and theories involved in understanding contempory media and communication with opportunities to develop production skills and critical awareness of television, film and information and communication technology.
This course is my favourite so far, as it includes everything I am interested in.
Year One:
English: The structure and grammar of English text analysis. Genre and style.
Media: Introduction to media discourse.
Modes of analysis. Digital media production.
I decide which one from the list below to study:
Creative writing. Powerful texts. Photography.
Language. Acquistion and development.
French, German or Spanish.
Year Two:
English: Perspectives on the history of the English language. Varieties of English.
Media: Signs, genres and representation. Popular culture.
I decide which one from the list below to study:
Cultural Identities in world literature.
Studying travel writing. Creative writing.
Photography. Introduction to Journalism.
Web Culture and communication.
Linguistics and Grammar: Concepts and analyses. Sign, genres and representation.
Second language acquisition. Community and personal development.
Video documentary project. Spoken and written language.
Writing and social purpose. French, German or Spanish.
The course provides a combination of practical skills, useful contacts and academic study which will hopefully enable me to pursue a career in journalism or other areas of the media.
Brighton University
Information on course found: University of Brighton undergraduate prospectus book.
Course: English Language and media
Course Price: £3,290
UCAS Code: QP33
Duration: 3 Years. Full time
Needed: GCSE. 3 subjects including English language and mathematics or science minimum grade C. A Levels: BBC, or equivalent.
- The course will involve exploring fundamental concepts and theories involved in understanding contempory media and communication with opportunities to develop production skills and critical awareness of television, film and information and communication technology.
This course is my favourite so far, as it includes everything I am interested in.
Year One:
English: The structure and grammar of English text analysis. Genre and style.
Media: Introduction to media discourse.
Modes of analysis. Digital media production.
I decide which one from the list below to study:
Creative writing. Powerful texts. Photography.
Language. Acquistion and development.
French, German or Spanish.
Year Two:
English: Perspectives on the history of the English language. Varieties of English.
Media: Signs, genres and representation. Popular culture.
I decide which one from the list below to study:
Cultural Identities in world literature.
Studying travel writing. Creative writing.
Photography. Introduction to Journalism.
Web Culture and communication.
Linguistics and Grammar: Concepts and analyses. Sign, genres and representation.
Second language acquisition. Community and personal development.
Video documentary project. Spoken and written language.
Writing and social purpose. French, German or Spanish.
Research into chosen universities.
Brighton University
Brighton is a city situated near the beach and the more I’ve researched into the university and the city, the more I find to do. They have a large music scene with artists and bands visiting all the time. New restaurants, clubs, pubs and good shopping. Speaking to friends who attend the university, they all say there is always something exciting happening. They are never short of something to do; I also found reviews on www.whatuni.com/degrees/home.html that said the same thing as well. The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival. The university it’s self has a great list of things to do and get involved it. The student union has clubs that have taken my interest, and societies run by students to get involved in.
Brighton is a city situated near the beach and the more I’ve researched into the university and the city, the more I find to do. They have a large music scene with artists and bands visiting all the time. New restaurants, clubs, pubs and good shopping. Speaking to friends who attend the university, they all say there is always something exciting happening. They are never short of something to do; I also found reviews on www.whatuni.com/degrees/home.html that said the same thing as well. The highlight of the city’s cultural year is the Brighton Festival. The event is held each May and is England’s biggest arts festival, which showcases arts and performance from around the world. The city is also well known for its exciting music scene and hosts The Great Escape music festival. The university it’s self has a great list of things to do and get involved it. The student union has clubs that have taken my interest, and societies run by students to get involved in.
Northampton University
Northampton is an hour’s train ride to London and Birmingham, meaning it is close to a main city. They have a wide range of leisure facilities, entertainment, shopping, arts and music venues. The Nation Bowl, which holds huge outside concerts, is only 15 minutes away in Milton Keynes. The music side of things attracts my attention as many of my favourite artists have been known to play in Northampton. It also has a large selection of galleries, museums and theatres which makes it easier for me to broaden my interests. The night life looks great in Northampton, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of pubs, clubs and bars. There is over 20 nightclubs and top dj’s have been known to play at these. The student union also puts on a mass of events at both campuses. Although it is not all partying, which I like as I don’t want to be distracted from studying but still have a good social life and enjoy myself.
Northampton is an hour’s train ride to London and Birmingham, meaning it is close to a main city. They have a wide range of leisure facilities, entertainment, shopping, arts and music venues. The Nation Bowl, which holds huge outside concerts, is only 15 minutes away in Milton Keynes. The music side of things attracts my attention as many of my favourite artists have been known to play in Northampton. It also has a large selection of galleries, museums and theatres which makes it easier for me to broaden my interests. The night life looks great in Northampton, there doesn’t seem to be a shortage of pubs, clubs and bars. There is over 20 nightclubs and top dj’s have been known to play at these. The student union also puts on a mass of events at both campuses. Although it is not all partying, which I like as I don’t want to be distracted from studying but still have a good social life and enjoy myself.
Gap Year Research
If I was to take a gap year, I would like to move somewhere different and find full time work. The idea of staying in Colchester for another year really doesn’t appeal to me. I would like to use my time wisely, as it makes no sense wasting a year when I could be at university getting closer to my chosen career.
If I was to take a gap year, I would like to move somewhere different and find full time work. The idea of staying in Colchester for another year really doesn’t appeal to me. I would like to use my time wisely, as it makes no sense wasting a year when I could be at university getting closer to my chosen career.
Looking through the website we were given www.gapyear.com
I found loads of things to do that appealed to me but this one in particular:
http://www.travellersworldwide.com/02-china/02-china-photojournalism.htm
I found loads of things to do that appealed to me but this one in particular:
http://www.travellersworldwide.com/02-china/02-china-photojournalism.htm
It is a chance to gain work experience in China writing for a magazine and taking photographs. I would be working as a photojournalist, taking my own photos and choosing stock photos to go with the articles about Chinese culture. They also run journalism, graphic design and events management projects at the magazine. Which they states that if you are interested in them areas then inform them and they can arrange some added work. Hours are from around 9:30 until 5:00pm with an hour to lunch. It says that I would be working both individually and as part of the team. They also commented that the more you are enthusiastic and are showing a professional manner more opportunities will be granted.
Price: £1,295 for 4 weeks this includes; What is not included;
Accommodation Flights
Someone meeting you at Beijing Airport Insurance
Transfer to your accommodation Cost of Visa
Full pre-departure support Food
Local in-country team support and backup Transport to and from work
24-hr emergency support. Return transfer to airport
Accommodation Flights
Someone meeting you at Beijing Airport Insurance
Transfer to your accommodation Cost of Visa
Full pre-departure support Food
Local in-country team support and backup Transport to and from work
24-hr emergency support. Return transfer to airport
