Getting a job in the media, specifically in radio/journalism?

IrishWelshCelt

Hi all,

Im a final year student in UCD studying a BA History and Politics with structured electives in Social Justice and was looking for some career advice!

While I want to complete do a Masters in Media and Conflict next year I really want to start getting some experience in the media industry and am finding it hard to get opportunities. A bit of background about me, in my 5th year of secondary school I began to run a youtube channel commentating/editing video game gameplay. When I stopped it about a year ago I had 10,000 subscribers and 1.4 million upload views on the channel and found myself really enjoying that style of work. During that process I began a weekly football/video game podcast which is available on itunes and still running to this day. I've found I've a real passion for both radio and journalism and have done work for sites just as EA.com and Shoot.co.uk and am currently a co-host of a international politics show on UCD campus radio, Belfied FM.

I really just want general tips on how to improve my chances of gaining a job in some aspect of media be it journalism, radio or tv. I think I'm doing all the right things as regards education and extra activities but from trying to send in CVs I've been less than successful. Last summer for instance I sent my CV to every radio station and newspaper I could think of and got zero replies. In the end I took a job working for an online gifts company which although I enjoy it isnt the field I want to work in and isnt going to enhance my job prospects in that area.

I know I've said a lot above but any advice from anyone in the industry or even anyone who knows people in the industry would be great!

Thanks,
Adam

IrishWelshCelt

Anyone?

Careful_now!

The radio industry in Ireland is very small. You should call up to the radio station and ask for sonebody, weather it's news, production or programming and you need to give your services for free. Maybe try a local station and go in and try help on the Saturday sports show, or the business type shows that are on in Sundays.

You need to start knocking on doors of radio stations.

Careful_now!

Have a look at the radio job spot here on boards. There's nothing new, but it will give you an idea if what stations are looking for somebody.

athtrasna

For radio - local (the smaller the better) stations are a way in, don't expect to be paid though. I know Dublin City FM have advertised for presenters not that long ago.

For print journalism, pick a subject and blog about it, as if you're writing articles to be published. Good blogs are spotted and shared

L.Jenkins

Have you thought of Community Radio stations as a starting point?

Shakespeare's Sister

Why not go with digital rather than traditional journalism?

Bepolite

Journalism is one of the easiest professions to get into, the steps are easy;

1) Say "I am a journalist"
2) Journal something
3) Sell/Give it to someone that will publish/broadcast it.
3a) Publish/Broadcast it yourself

If you are rebuffed at step 3 return to step 2.

Last summer you sent in CVs others where sending in examples of their work.

I'm sorry for sounding harsh, but I deal a lot with students in a different field. Grab each and every opportunity you are given by the balls and don't let go, trying to get this across to anyone under 30 is nigh on impossible.

I wish you the best of luck OP.