Media related work experience??

Ghost Grey

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GG Was here.

Reply 1

HereFishyFishy

Ghost Grey

HI.

I'm looking to do as much work experience in as many different media fields as possible. Hopefully having a broader view of the different areas in the media, so I can decide (or decide not to) specialise in a particular area.

I have a 2 week placement at a county newspaper.
I should be getting some work experience with the BBC.
I am also volunteering to help with a government funded New Media project.

Is anyone aware of existing programs that exist in the media for work experience placements? Or of any new openings of work experience in the media?

I have already been reffered to Extreme sports short internship, but they don't offer it anymore. :banghead:

Any info would be of great help. Thanks again. :smile:

P.S

Particularly looking for:
Film/TV production
Radio
PR
Marketing

Just wondered...are you aware of the mammoth Journo thread at the top of the page? It's got all you need to know.

In short, an answer to your question (albeit an obvious one): Apply to local firms/papers/stations in your area. It's the best way to get hands-on experience. But apply early as the places fill up very quickly indeed. :smile:

There aren't really going to be any 'new openings' unless the company has a specified programme, like the BBC one. There are plenty of programmes abroad but if you like the look of those make sure you're careful. There are some dodgy and pricey ones out there.

Reply 2

Little Lamb

In terms of PR and publishing there are quite a few adverts placed on gumtree. Many of these are long-term (Three to six months) internships and some offer you payment (not a lot but it's good to know that they are sticking to the rules). Have a nose around on there.

Also, it's important for you to remember the NUJ rules on work experience, if you undertake ANY work experience that is not part of a college related course you MUST be paid at least minimum wage. Also any work of yours that is published or used you MUST be paid the going rate for. Not only is this securing you what you are owed but it levels the playing field for others.

Reply 3

HereFishyFishy

Little Lamb

Also, it's important for you to remember the NUJ rules on work experience, if you undertake ANY work experience that is not part of a college related course you MUST be paid at least minimum wage. Also any work of yours that is published or used you MUST be paid the going rate for. Not only is this securing you what you are owed but it levels the playing field for others.

Um...sorry but I don't think this happens at all. Where does it state this? Are you sure it doesn't mean work experience as in long term experience? Because I know there have been scandalous tales of people working for a year without pay, but I really don't think a two-week placement is going to get you minimum wage and payment for articles. I can't see this being right.
There is more than enough competition for short-term placements without these individuals ever dreaming of being paid on top of it.
I went for quite a few periods of unpaid work experience at newspapers (which involved a lot of published work) before I got a paid job.

EDIT: Oh right, just noticed that you have done some work for the NUJ magazine. No wonder they stick to the rules!

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GG Was here.

Ghost Grey

OK, thanks for both your input, very helpful. :smile:

Confused...so by law do I HAVE to get paid or not?? :confused:

I am doing work experience with a local newspaper and they have said nothing about pay. I think it is completely 'voluntary'.

A lot of other firms offer work experience, but they say its unpaid too?

I recently went to a university open day, as part of their PR course they put the students in placements for 1 year in a PR company, but some are totally unpaid..??

You don't get paid. Don't imply to them that you should be or they will think you are one cheeky fecker and they might not have you back.
Pay is not part of work experience in media - or most areas, come to think of it.
Think about it like this: they don't need you to work for them, but you need the experience. Essentially they're doing you a favour in this very competitive field.

Reply 6

Little Lamb

Maybe I've just been really lucky but every work experience placement I have ever done since the age of 14 in media I have had some sort of payment or perks. Free lunches and travel, I've been paid for articles....bylines...etc.

Reply 7

HereFishyFishy

Little Lamb

Lunches and travel I can understand, but pay for work experience is not often going to happen, especially nowadays. You may get paid a small amount for a printed article if you're lucky, but that's usually your lot.
I don't understand why anybody would pay a 14 year old. Not even a 16 year old actually. I reckon I was about 18 when I first got money and 20 when I got a 'proper' job. You have been lucky, good for you.

Reply 8

Joe Mc

We have a number of places every year and I think we pay "expenses" which is pretty much £90 a week. It's not bad for a 14 year old but generally it's a pittance compared to a full time wage for the role they would be doing in a permanent capacity...

Some companies are ruthless and try to force competition by seeing what they can get people to do for free. Generally a guideline for which companies to stay away from.