Media?

[vicky123]

I am 16. When I'm older I would like to work in media, generally around music, producing, managing etc and was wondering what grades and in what subjects you would need to be accepted for a job like that?

[Scarlett]

well. It doesn't hurt to get a degree. Plus you get to meet lots of interesting people who will be useful for networking in the future. get any GCSEs- pref 5+. Do either 3 A Levels or a BTEC, pref in subjects you are going to enjoy/do well at- but English/Media Studies/Music would be relevant. Then go for a degree in whatever you find the most interesting- have a look on www.ucas.co.uk I did Radio, Film and TV with Art, and have ended up (so far) being a musician!!

Once you leave Uni you have to rely on who you know and luck- but in my experience you can generally get the job you want by offering yourself up for work experience in any companies you like the sound of. Be prepared to work for nothing for a few weeks, and if they really like you, they will pay you a bit- and that is your foot in the door.

Degree-wise, I would look at Music Industry courses if you are interested in Management, producing etc, but the best thing is to get as much experience as possible. Offer to work in your local recording studio and get involved with local bands- why not offer to manage one!

[Buenchico]

These links might help:
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/j obprofiles/profiles/profile506/
http://www.learndirect-advice.co.uk/helpwithyourcareer/j obprofiles/profiles/profile652/

Chris

[ludditefreak]

While its true that It doesn't hurt to get a degree, you might want to consider going straight into a studio as a runner. Most places ask for at least a 'C' at GCSE in Maths and English, decent A & AS levels and good spoken english. a driving license is handy too. That way you will make excellent contacts and get invaluable experience. Many often let you use the equipment in down time to work on your own projects. My partner dropped out of uni to work as a runner in a studio, worked up to assistant engineer and now is an engineer / composer working with a famous music producer. it was a really hard slog and took about 4 years to achieve with some really terrible hours but it is do-able! he is also joyfully debt free, something I am not- thanks to my own media related degree. He has also been able to use the facillities to record and produce his own bands music which has led to a very small record deal!

I would also recommend getting involved in your local hospital radio! its a great way of getting hands on experience and will give you the edge over other candidates in your early interviews!

It also might be worth offering yourself to local studios as weekend cover, but be prepared to work for next to nothing!

Good Luck!

[milly143]

To be quite honest, I'm not so sure I would bother with a music management degree. Over the past 2 years I have met no fewer then 20 people who have done this type of degree and out of them, only one is anywhere near a job in the industry.It's not easy to get in to anyway but there are so many people now doing that kind of course, its even harder. I think you'd be better off doing some hands on stuff, starting right at the bottom and working your way up.