TV, Radio and Film

Every employer is different so there are no definitive lists here.  These are meant as a guide and should be considered in addition to fully exploring role requirements outlined in the person specification, job description and advert for each role you consider applying for.  

• Creativity and storytelling skills to develop engaging narratives.
• Adaptability to thrive in fast-paced environments.
• Communication skills to present your ideas and pitch for funding persuasively.
• Teamworking skills, as you may need to collaborate with other professionals such as journalists, programmers and designers.
• Technical skills, such as the ability to use editing software.  

For more information on the skills required in TV, radio and film visit the following job profiles:  

• Director
• Producer
• Editor
• Lighting Technician
• Sound Technician
• Runner
• Location Manager
• Media Researcher
• Writer
• Actor
• Presenter 

In order to develop these skills, remember Career Zone also offers a range of Personal and Professional Development sessions which are available to book on Handshake and run at least once per term.  Please also read through the sections about Gaining Experience and Further Study and Professional Development to discover how you can develop your skills through experience and by gaining further knowledge or qualifications.

Gaining relevant work experience and creating a portfolio of your work is crucial for impressing potential employers and clients. Your portfolio should highlight your creativity, technical abilities and focus on quality over quantity. For advice on creating a portfolio, read this Prospects article: Putting together a creative portfolio.  

All experiences ranging from volunteering, active involvement in clubs/societies can help you to develop relevant and transferable skills. You may wish to consider:  

Volunteering with:  

• Student radio stations; Xpression FM (Exeter) or Surf Radio (Cornwall).
• Local community radio stations and hospital radio stations, such as Hospital Radio Exeter and CHBN (Community and Hospital Broadcasting Network).
• XTV film and television station, run by University of Exeter students.
• Mor Media Charity which brings people together through community programmes and runs media training & education in Cornwall.
• Film festivals, as these often seek volunteers. Look Beyond the List has put together a directory of film festivals and The British Film Institute (BFI) has an expression of interest form you can complete if you’re interested in supporting their festivals.
• Exeter Phoenix which recruits volunteers for a range of roles, from cinema stewards to gallery invigilators.
• The Poly in Falmouth which recruits volunteers to be Front of House Box Office Assistants and Fire Wardens.
• Media Trust which advertises volunteering opportunities with their charity partner organisations.
• BBC Writers which posts new writing opportunities and events from the BBC and across the industry. 

University of Exeter Employability Schemes 

• Connect with industry professionals through Ask and Alum and the Career Mentor Scheme.
• Career Zone Internship schemes: Internships can be extremely useful, so try and get relevant vacation work or placements.
• Pathways to Arts, Culture and Heritage could be particularly relevant.
• Exeter Award: The Exeter Award will help you stand out from the crowd and give you the confidence to shout about the experiences you've had at university. Professional development workshops such as ‘Communication and Collaboration Skills’ and ‘Presentation Skills’ may be of particular interest.
• The Global Leaders Experience is a unique opportunity to develop your intercultural skills as part of a short, outbound mobility experience. Intercultural skills can strengthen your teamworking abilities- critical for work in TV, radio and film.  

Speculative applications and where to find opportunities 

Undertaking relevant work experience will also allow you to develop new skills and gain a valuable insight into the sector. As jobs and opportunities are not always advertised, it can be useful to develop your networking skills and apply speculatively. Before visiting the sites below you may find it useful to read our Researching employers page.  

Finding part time work

Working in part-time entry-level roles (such as Runner positions) offers you first-hand insight into the sector, as well as industry norms and etiquette. Search for opportunities using: 

• The Talent Manager
• ITV Freelance Hub
• ScreenSkills
• Mandy which also advertises ‘Extra/Supporting Artist’ jobs for those looking for on-set performance experience
• Facebook which can be an effective platform for getting experience in the media industry. Look for groups/pages like People in TV: Runners, as these often advertise opportunities.
• LinkedIn
• Indeed
• Handshake, our vacancy database with employers who are targeting University of Exeter students.

Competition can be strong, especially for entry-level positions. Use the following resources to find advertised vacancies and research employers: 

• ArtsJobs is an Arts Council England platform which lists roles in the art and culture sector.
• Arts Professional is an arts publication which lists jobs in the creative sector.
• BroadcastJobs.com has compiled an extensive list of relevant jobs boards.
• Creative Access lists opportunities in creative industries, particularly promoting roles for those from under-represented backgrounds.
• Entertainers Worldwide Jobs advertises local and global jobs and opportunities for creatives and performers.  

• Sky offers opportunities in a range of departments including Broadcasting and Content.
• The BBC recruit for a range of roles across TV and radio.
• ITV Careers lists roles across their departments such as media production, technology and journalism.
• Channel 4 has a wide range of business areas including 4Studio, 4creative and Film 4.
• Global, which is home to Heart, Classic FM, Capital and many other stations list opportunities in broadcasting & content, commercial and technology.
• Bauer Media Group (whose brands include Magic Radio, Absolute Radio and Planet Rock) recruit for a range of roles spanning programming, editorial, journalism and more.  

For general information about finding graduate opportunities, please visit our Graduate Jobs page.

Graduate schemes and internships 

• View internships on Handshake here.
• Sky host paid summer internships spanning a range of departments from corporate affairs to marketing. They also run graduate schemes in a range of departments including Business Strategy and Cyber Security.
• Explore Channel 4’s Production Training Scheme. This scheme is aimed at people who may face barriers to accessing a career in the television industry.
• ITV host a Technology Graduate Scheme which facilitates skills development in video engineering, data science, software development and more.
• The BBC offer a range of Higher/Master’s Degree Apprenticeships designed for people looking to advance their skills and gain a professional qualification. 

Placements  

If you are interested in finding out more about work placements, you can also access the Work Placements SharePoint via Single Sign-On. This resource covers all aspects of credit-bearing work experiences as part of your degree, including what a placement is, how to apply for them, and bespoke information for international students or those interested in working abroad.  

• Explore BBC Careers for advice on sourcing placements and work experience.
• Channel 4 Content Creatives is a paid training and placement opportunity in West Yorkshire and Manchester, offering the chance to kickstart a career in creative digital media.
• Warner Bros. Discovery host placements and internships in the UK and internationally.  

Further sources of support 

If you are an international student, visit our international webpages for help finding opportunities both in the UK and globally. 

To find opportunities outside the UK use GoinGlobal.

Some individuals decide to undertake further study to develop their skills and knowledge of the sector and related occupations. Not all roles or employers will require this, so it is important to research entry requirements and employer preferences before committing to additional training or qualifications. Use the sites below to research your further study options.  

Further Study  

• The National Film and Television School offer a range of Master’s courses, including Cinematography and Producing.
• Use the Prospects website to search for postgraduate courses in fields such as scriptwriting and media production.
• FindAMasters.com and mastersavenue.com offer comprehensive databases of postgraduate Master’s courses, featuring a wide range of Master’s degree programmes from universities in the UK and across the globe. 
• For more information on continuing onto further study (taught programmes and research degrees) visit the Prospects website, or the Target Postgraduate site.  

Training Opportunities  

• ScreenSkills deliver training, events and other opportunities. Many of their training workshops are free to attend. 
• The National Film and Television School offers workshops and short courses to support professional development.
• The Network brings together new entrants to the industry to make connections and gain practical insights to help you find your first TV role.
• Screen Cornwall run several skills, training and talent development programmes.  

Information and links from professional bodies 

If you have studied a related degree, check if your course is accredited by one of the professional bodies. Being a member of a professional body is voluntary; however, it can be valuable for developing networks, continuing your professional development, and generally keeping up to date with what's happening in the sector.  

• The Royal Television Society is an educational charity promoting the art and science of television. You can sign up to the RTS mailing list for regular updates on events for students and those starting out in the TV industry.
• BAFTA is an independent arts charity. They offer a range of programmes to support the next generation of film, games and TV talent.
• BFI Film offer opportunities for young creatives aged 16 to 25. 

Advice 

If you would like to pursue postgraduate study before entering your chosen sector, please visit our Postgraduate Study page for more information about choosing further study. If you are unsure whether further study is for you, you may wish to attend our ‘Postgraduate study: is it right for you?’ session which runs termly. Find these advertised on Handshake.