Media and Entertainment Jobs Education and Training
Break into entertainment business jobs and media jobs with the right training
Media and entertainment jobs education and training is an important consideration for anyone seeking jobs in the entertainment business or the media, but it is important to keep in mind that most training in the field is non-traditional. That is, most jobs in media and entertainment do not require specific degrees or certification, so training in this industry is really about gathering the skills and the contacts needed to succeed in your chosen career.When determining what sort of media and entertainment jobs education and training you need, consider first building the technical skills you will need for your craft. Next, work on developing some formal training that will show employers you have been disciplined in honing your skills. Finally, look for practical hands-on training in the industry and network to get references. Consider:
- Seek out a degree to hone your technical skills.
- Pursue an internship to secure entertainment jobs in Los Angeles or other major cities.
- Find vocational training that builds specific skills.
Pursue a degree in media studies to get technical training for entertainment and media jobs
While formal degrees are not needed for most media and entertainment jobs, they do show employers that you are disciplined and serious about getting the specific technical skills you need to be successful. Degrees also let you work with professional faculty, who typically are part of the media or entertainment industries. If you can, it is often a good idea to seek a degree in California or New York, since this will place you near the hubs for the entertainment and media industries.
Try: Rutgers University Center for Media Studies offers degrees in Journalism and Media Studies as well as other fields in the media industry. University of California at Berkeley has a prestigious media studies program and its website offers many education resources as well.
Secure internships to build contacts in the industry that lead to jobs in media
For jobs in entertainment business and media sectors, internships are very important since these industries rely heavily on word-of-mouth when making hiring decisions. Internships allow you to work for entertainment companies in New York or media firms in LA, which is important if you are from a smaller town and need to make contacts where many entry-level media and entertainment jobs are located. Internships build your skills and help you develop contacts that can lead to strong references and jobs.
Try: The Television Academy Foundation offers a number of educational programs, including a highly-esteemed internship program. The T. Howard Foundation helps place minorities and women in entertainment and media internships. EntertainmentCareers.net offers a searchable list of media and entertainment internships.
Hone in on specific skills with vocational training to secure employment in media and entertainment
Workshops, seminars and vocational training that are not degree-based are often a good way to build up specific skills you need, but have not had a chance to master. This sort of training is also good for networking and shows that you are serious about developing your skill set.
Try: The Institute for Media and Entertainment has a number of courses aimed at media and entertainment professionals. Students can brush up on business or branding skills, to name just two examples, that are needed in entertainment jobs and media jobs. Full Sail University has a number of programs for professionals interested in entering and furthering entertainment industry careers and media careers. Their useful web page clearly explains the various training options available.
- Keep in mind that for most entertainment business careers and media careers, the strength of your work is very important. Try to build a portfolio or samples of your work to show when job-hunting. If you are interested in broadcasting or television production, for example, prepare reels of your work.
Copyright © 2011 Business.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trusted Vendors
