Media Placements

The media is a burgeoning sector that has massively grown in the past decade. Don't worry when people say it's a hard industry to get into. With experience in placements, comes benefits and by undertaking a media placement, more and more doors will become open to you in an industry that is extremely rewarding whether you want to become a writer, presenter, photographer or designer.
What does a media placement usually involve?

• Undertaking work in your chosen field which may get published/broadcast through whatever company you're working for.
• Meeting industry experts who may be regarded as experts in the field. They'll usually be more than happy to give you advice too.
• If you make a good enough impression, the company may decide to invite you for more placements and perhaps even work for them.
• You may be able to work with and create work on those who are famous within your specific area.

Most media organisations offer work placements. Here's a list of the main media sectors offering placements.

Newspapers and magazines
From the Times and Guardian to the NME and FHM, all the major newspapers and magazines will offer a placement of some sort whether it's writing, graphic design or photography, there's bound to be a sector that will interest you. It's good to consider however that a lot of these corporations usually ask for evidence of commitment or skill so it's wise to have a portfolio of work applying.

Radio and TV
The BBC and ITV offer placements at certain times of the year for prospective people in a range of areas around the country. However, these involve an entry process that goes through several stages, often filtering out people they want but if you make it to the end, the rewards are brilliant.

Local variants
As some of the bigger companies literally get thousands of applications each year, it may be difficult to get a placement with them. Try local versions as they'll get less, it may be more cost effective where you live and they may not expect as much as the bigger companies.

The internet
Often online companies will have an office based somewhere who'll take on placements just as their physical counterparts will. Failing this, some will offer placements which you can do at home. This may involve online chat meetings through Skype and emails to see how you're doing.