Between two years or four years of college or attending a specialty technical school, the time comes to apply your skills at a paid job. Some schools may or may not help you develop a portfolio or demo reel of work done while attending, so you may not have anything to show a prospective client or future boss. Don't fear, there are a few ways to work around this.
1. List your skills on your Resume
If you don't have a tangible portfolio of project pieces, list as many software programs on your resume. As schools vary on which programs they teach, understand a few of the basic ones. There are many departments of media production that join together for the common goal of the completed project.
List any:
- Software programs
- Website design platforms
- Types of equipment.
- Research resource skills
- Fashion, Art, History classes
- Volunteer examples
2. Have an online presence
There are many options to get a free website. Some styles were mainly meant or created as blogs. Those have become more flexible with page design and layouts. Having an online presence has become nearly essential in presenting work, bios of yourself, resume listings and more. It doesn't necessarily mean you have to have your own website, you can list yourself for free on various free sites. The following is a list of pages you can use for free to either self design or list your resume on.
- Blogspot
- Wordpress
- Staff me up
- Stage 32
- Local film commissions' directory
- Production Beast
- Facebook business page
3. Volunteer or Intern
Yes, the idea is to find paid work,but volunteering time on a major production, local studio or company can provide you added hands on skills, an entry on your resume, plus networking opportunities. If you strictly volunteer, you can set your own preferences of time and availability. If this is an internship, each school has their own requirements of fulfillment.
- Local established studios
- Broadcasting stations
- Large mega churches
- Commercial/Advertising agencies
- Major film productions
4. Self create and immerse yourself
Creating small pieces, if you can, can help you build up a portfolio. When you place your projects online on networks such as Youtube, Vimeo or various other hosting sites, prospective employers will be able to see it. This constant skill development keeps you in practice rather than waiting around to be hired. Idle time will increase forgetfulness of skills. Constantly immerse yourself more, devote time daily to mastering your craft and read industry periodicals. The technical media industry changes quickly.
- Read industry periodicals
- Create an album on social media sites
- Practice using software
- Self publish online
5. Get Social and Network
Discover local, national or international groups that specialize in your specialty. There are many organizations, clubs, associations that are out there. Explore their information and any requirements to belong. Find out if there are any free open house nights to get a feel of the groups first before completely deciding. Many host events periodically. Here are a few to consider.
- Chamber of commerce
- Women in Film
- Advertising federations
- Local union meet and greets
- Film clubs
This is only a few tips to begin your career chapters. Each site, group or business has their own expectations to belong or use specifically. As the media industry changes or adopts newer technology or applications, it is essential to stay ahead as much as possible. It is a mixture of timing, skill needs, and establishing connections in this business. Stay connected to my many other blog topics to help you along your career path.
