Getting a graduate job in media and publishing

Establish what skills employers need and plot your route into this extensive sector…

Do I need a relevant degree?

You don't always need a relevant degree to work in the sector, but research from Creative Skillset suggests that those in graduate media jobs six months after graduation were more likely to have studied industry-specific courses.

Almost three-fifths of the workforce in creative media and entertainment are educated to degree level and above. Only the health and education sectors contain more employees with degrees, according to the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES).

What skills do employers want?

The media and publishing sector normally requires entrants with:

• attention to detail;
• excellent literacy and communication skills;
• keen commercial sense;
• passion for the sector you are in;
• talent for negotiation.

Where can I get work experience?

Like many other industries work experience is favoured in media. Many companies offer work experience or internships on their websites, which can lead to further opportunities or even employment.

A useful example is the initiative created by O2 and Bauer Media - Go Think Big  offers a wealth of media advice on jobs and work experience.

Just like the media, work experience is encouraged in publishing and some of the larger companies will provide opportunities.

For example, Penguin offers two weeks of work experience in a lot of different areas, from human resources to editorial. There is also a summer internship programme which is managed by Pearson running between June and September, with 25 places available each year.

If you are looking for work experience with small or medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) it is beneficial to apply directly. Send a speculative letter or email enquiring about future opportunities.

How do I find a graduate job?

Building an extensive list of contacts is key to securing employment in media and publishing.

Freelancers in the sector rely heavily on their contacts to source work and a lot of SMEs use contacts to find suitable candidates rather than advertising their positions formally.

To find graduate jobs in the media and publishing sector, search graduate jobs in media and publishing.