Media/Journalism Degree - what now?

speedboatchase

I have a Media & Journalism Degree (2.1) and HND but a year later, I’m nowhere within the industry and really seems as if I would've been better off without. I’ve freelanced some reviews and articles for videogames websites but mainly I’ve been working in sales to pay off my debts (I got my Degree abroad) and that takes up most of my time. It really seems as though any opportunity within the industry is down to contacts and luck. I don’t necessarily want to become a reporter, but any application of my skills (Copywriting, Editorial Assistant) would be great if the opportunities were in any way available. I look on job sites and really wish I had a different Degree at this stage or if I’ve wasted 5 years of my life because every other sector doesn’t actually mind advertising positions for people with that required skillset.

Any fellow media/journo former students in my position?

Mod note- would rather not be moved to News/Media if that is where you would like to move the thread if inappropriate as prefer to hear the views of people here if possible

leeroybrown

I don't work in the media myself but know a few people who do (or are trying to). Unfortunately, courses specialising in media seem to be generating a heavy oversupply (probably 10x) of people who want to work in the area. From what I can see the people who 'make it' generally have something going for them along with some good luck. Very hard work and a willingness to do almost anything for free to build up contacts seems to help. The impression I've gotten recently is that due to the economic mess there's almost nothing out there right now for people who are trying to get into the area.

If you search Boards you'll find plenty of threads about people who fall into that gap of being too qualified/experienced to make the tea at RTÉ but not qualified/experienced to get the jobs that the tea-makers aspire to. There are loads of people here with media qualifications of some type.

That said, I do know of people who've got good jobs because they were willing to stick with it so I'd suggest that you do the same.

pog it

Would you consider Media monitoring companies? There are a few in Dublin. I have no idea if they are hiring at the mo but could be worth looking into as it's not an obvious choice so less competition.
Pay is around same level as admin jobs unless you are permanent but you'd be getting experience in that field. Could be worth calling the managers at them to see have they anything. They work 7 days a week and staff are hard to come by on Sundays.

miec

Hi Op

Have you ever checked out http://www.creativecareers.ie

Mind you the area you studied is as another posted said, over subscribed. If you can get time to check out literary groups, the writers musuem, etc, you may build up a network of people. The other avenue I'd suggest is creating a blog that is newsy or informative, it will give you a space to write and show others what you can do and then send loads of stuff to whomever, it may not guarantee success but its worth a try.