Friday, 29 March 2013

Gabbitas in the City - Summer Schools age 14-18



Gabbitas in the City


Gabbitas in the City courses and events give students aged between 14 and 18 the opportunity to gain access to key City Institutions and learn first hand about finance, law, media, business, information technology and architecture. Students will go inside some of the City's largest banks, law firms and businesses to see what they actually do and speak to leading professionals about their job roles and career paths.
Our City Summer School gives you the opportunity to visit a variety of companies in the City and talk to professionals in the finance, law, media and IT sectors over the course of a week. This event is perfect for those of you who are not yet sure what career you want to pursue. Alternatively, the Careers in Practice courses are a two-day experience designed for those wanting to get a better understanding and insight into the many roles within a specific career area. The City Walks are one day events and can be booked by individuals or school groups.


City Summer School Careers in Practice City Walks
BrochureBrochureBrochure
Booking FormBooking FormEmail gabbitasinthecity@gabbitas.co.uk to book.

For more information or to book call our team on: 020 8315 1014 or email

 

Debate Chamber Summer Schools - Age 11-14

Debate Chamber

Our new Summer Schools for ages 11-14, offer younger students the chance to learn about exciting new subjects such as law, philosophy/critical thinking and medicine.
 
Courses on offer are:
 
  • Young Lawyers
  • Young Writers
  • Young Thinkers
  • Young Doctors
See http://www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/ for more information.


 

  
  



Thursday, 28 March 2013

Debate Chamber Summer Schools - Ages 15-18

 Debate Chamber

 

Summer Schools 2013

The Debate Chamber Summer Schools offer students 15-18 the opportunity to find out more about their favourite subjects, prepare for university applications, and enjoy a completely new approach to learning.
Working in small groups over several days means a real chance to get to know your tutors and fellow students. The material will be challenging (about the level of difficulty you might expect in your first year at university), but a relaxed atmosphere, with plenty of discussion, debate, and opportunity for students to shape the direction of classes creates the perfect environment for getting to grips with new ideas.
Our Summer Schools are about much more than just lectures and seminars. For example, the English Summer School includes poetry composition workshops, play readings and tickets to a performance at Shakespeare’s Globe. The Summer Law School includes a visit to the Inns of Court and Royal Courts of Justice as well as a full Mock Trial in which students take on the role of Crown Court barristers.
Subjects on offer:
Politics

  • Art History
  • History
  • English Literature
  • International Relations
  • Philosophy
  • Economics
  • Law
  • Medicine
  • Physics
  • Maths
  • Creative writing
See http://www.debatechamber.com/summerschools/ for more information.

Work Experience - Banking



Bank of America Merrill Lynch is a global investment bank and run Banking Uncovered, a one-day insight programme for A ‘level students in year 12.
The programme is designed to demystify the industry and encourage students to consider pursuing careers in investment banking. It’s hosted in the London office and students have the opportunity to meet and question recent graduates on career opportunities and the skills required for different roles.
Applications can be made about 3 months before the event, which is usually held in the summer.
There is a further programme called Female Futures open to those girls in years 12 or 13 at school. Gain an insight into the business, spend time networking with senior female leaders and learn the skills required to be successful.

Credit SuisseCredit Suisse is a global banking group. They offer a programme for A ‘level students called Steps to Success.
It consists of two, 4-week summer internships which will take place after year 13 and your first year at university. If selected, you will have the opportunity to explore different businesses at Credit Suisse, including Investment Banking, Equities, Fixed Income, Information Technology, Operations and Finance. You’ll also receive scholarship funding for your tuition fees every year for the duration of your degree. And, depending on your performance, you may also have an opportunity to participate in their 10-week summer internship program.
Eligibility Requirements:
Students are selected based on their academic excellence, leadership abilities and interest in the financial services industry. You must have applied through UCAS for a place at university during the application process.
Specifically, you should:
  • Demonstrate leadership and teamwork skills
  • Have an AAB grade prediction (this will need to be verified by your Head teacher or Head of sixth form)
  • Have a record of high achievement outside of academia
  • Show an interest in the financial services industry
Your application must include a Curriculum vitae and a covering letter.

hsbc HSBC Bank run a 1 week structured programme for 14-18 year olds. It is aimed at providing an exposure to the financial services industry. You'll experience what its like to work in retail, commercial, operational or head office areas. Applications open in January.

JP MorganJP Morgan is the world’s largest investment Bank.
They run the JP Morgan Schools Programme. This is a 2 day programme for A’ level students learning about the various facets of a global investment bank, run at Canary Wharf in London.
They run two programmes for A-Level students. The general Schools Programme, which is open to everyone and the “Winning Women” Schools Programme open to female applicants only. You can only apply to one programme.
During both programmes, successful applicants will participate in the following:
  • Classroom-based presentations
  • Case studies
  • Interactive seminars
  • Skills sessions
  • Work shadowing on our trading floors
Morgan Stanley is a global investment Bank. They run 2 Pre-Undergraduate work experience programmes in July:
“Step in step up” – this is aimed at female year 12/13 students. It is an introductory 3-day work experience programme, which comprises many elements, including case studies, panel sessions, a trading floor tour, interactive workshops and a work shadowing opportunity.
“Open day” – this is aimed at all year 12/13 students. It comprises an open day at Morgan Stanley London offices where you’ll get to learn about various divisions through interactive presentations and workshops. You will also get the opportunity to meet and network with industry professionals.
You will need to send a cover letter and CV to Morgan Stanley graduate recruitment quoting the name of the programme you are applying for. ( graduaterecruitmenteurope@morganstanley.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ). The deadline is normally the beginning of June. Also use this e-mail address to gain further information.

nationwideNationwide offers 1-2 week work experience aimed at students 15 years and older. It will give you an insight into specialist roles, operating divisions and potential careers.


nomuraThe Nomura Sixth Form programme is aimed at talented, ambitious individuals in year 12 or 13 of school or Sixth Form College. The program will provide a unique opportunity to begin investigating a career in investment banking prior to starting university, and is ideal for aspiring bankers or those who simply wish to find out more.

Program highlights:
  • Three days in length
  • Gain real life experience in a fast paced, high energy environment
  • Business presentations
  • Interactive skills sessions
  • Networking events
  • Group project work
  • Careers advice and guidance
The program runs from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm daily and breakfast, lunch and refreshments are provided. Students will be expected to organize their own travel and accommodation.

RBSRBS (Royal Bank of Scotland) is a global banking group. They offer a number of insight days (4 in total) for A ‘level students within RBS markets and International Banking.
The ‘A’ Level Insight days take place over the summer (July and August) and offer you a chance to experience the fast moving and dynamic environment that is RBS Markets & International Banking. Students who attend will get an interactive introduction to banking as well as be given the opportunity to see what it is like to work in a global business.
The position is on the RBS site as follows: UK & Ireland - Global Banking & Markets - A-Level Insight Day - GBM - London - 2012 – Analyst. Applications are accepted from March and close in June.

 

Wednesday, 27 March 2013

Work Experience - Media





The BBC offers work experience in 3 areas: International News, Vision and BBC Sport.



Channel 4Channel 4 run an inspiration week and an inspiration day. They are aimed at giving young people an all-round view of the industry, helping you to understand different roles within the media. It's about inspiring people by showcasing the skills, experiences and attitudes you need to progress - as well as innovative ways to focus and strengthen your own career prospects. They cover areas such as acting and presenting, journalism, new media, theatre, producing and directing and advertising in the media.

4talent4 Talent holds 6 open days across the UK from May to October for new talent aged 16 - 25. On these days you can attend workshops in a wide range of creative interests, from digital film-making to app design, from presenting to social media marketing.
In addition channel 4 (4 Talent) provide 2 weeks work experience. 80-100 placements per year aimed at 16-25 year olds across the following departments: Audience, Technology & Insight, 4Creative, 4Talent, Agency Sales, Film & Drama, Box Television, Commercial Affairs, Commissioning, Corporate Relations, Facilities management, Human Resources, Information Systems, Marketing Online, Press & Publicity. All based in London. To be eligible you need to have attended one of the 4Talents events or open days. Applications open 3 times a year in spring, summer and autumn.

Dennis PublishingDennis is one of the worlds leading indpendent publishers, publishing over 70 magazines, including Viz, Mens Fitness, Auto Express and PC Pro. They offer up to two weeks unpaid work experience across a number of their brands and central services a number of times per year. You will need to contact the Department Head or Editor of the individual brands or departments directly as it depends on their schedule as to whether they can accomodate you. You will need to send a Cv and covering letter. You will be given the chance to shadow the team and in some cases may be able to get involved in writing, designing, accounts work, promotional events or campaigns. Its a great opportunity to see a creative environment at work.

IPC MediaIPC Media are the UK's leading consumer magazine publisher, with more than 60 magazines, such as Marie Clare, as well as creating content for multiple digital platforms such as online, mobile and print. They also have IPC Advertising which allows clients to purchase advertsing solutions across their brands and Marketforce which is the Uk's leading newstrade sales and distribution company. They offer a wide range of unpaid work experience across all their magazines. They do not have a central department to corodinate requests, so you have to apply for a placement with a particular magazine, which you should contact directly. Here is a list of their magazine titles with related contact details. The woek experience will generally consist of work shadowing to understand how types of work are carried out.

itvITV is offering a 2-week Work Inspiration programme for 14 – 17 year olds. The aim is to inspire teenagers about what it’s really like to work in TV and offer you the opportunity to experience every aspect of broadcast and television through various workshops, tours and the hands-on experience to make your own short programme. You'll gain a real insight into how the world of media works, and gain meaningful work experience. Applications open in October.

Penguin BooksPenguin offers 2 week work experience programmes in most of their departments namely, editorial, design, contracts, production, marketing, HR, publicity, rights, finance. During this time you will support a team through various tasks. These could include: general office duties, taking enquiries from internal and external clients, assisting with projects, attending meetings and responding to readers’ letters and emails. You need to be over 18 years old.

skySky offers a range of work experience placements, which are highly competitive and you need to apply early. They could be in Sky sport news, broadcast operations, marketing, sky creative, sky arts, sky news, sky living, technology or corporate. Also get hold of their school classroom pack, which provides a lot of information about Sky, how to break into journalism as well as various questions and exercises.

The GuardianThe Guardian run one-day events on journalism every few months which feature presentations, a number of professional journalists and editors giving their career path followed by a question and answer time, tour of the editorial floors; and the chance to make your own front page, with feedback from a senior Guardian journalist.
This is for people over 18 years old, who are interested in journalism including A-level students, and undergraduates. The aim of this day is to provide an insight into journalism.
This event day is free of charge and lunch is provided. For further information, email work.experience@guardian.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with 'insight into journalism' in your subject line.
The Guardian and Observer Groups also run a series of workshops. The workshops are free of charge and run from 10.00am - 2.30pm and they can accommodate up to 30 pupils, most are normally 16 however. The workshops include:
Making a newspaper front page (Key stage 3, 4 & 5): You will report the news as it happens and encounter the real-life experience of making a newspaper front page. You will research, write and edit news stories, create headlines and select and caption pictures. You will learn how editorial decisions are reached, and how the news is made.
Editorial teams (Key stage 4 & 5): Maximum of 16 pupils. You will work in groups to research, write and produce a four-page newspaper. In the morning you will take on various reporting roles and in the afternoon, edit the paper.
Podcasting (Key stage 3, 4 & 5). Maximum of 16 pupils. You will gain an insight into what it is like to be both a reporter and audio journalist at the Guardian. You will work in pairs to research, write and produce a short news podcast about life on a national newspaper and that day's news.
Video editing (Key stage 3, 4 & 5.) Maximum of 16 pupils. You will gain an insight into what it is like to be a video editor/producer at the Guardian. You work in pairs editing and creating a film using rushes from the Guardian's Katine project in Uganda. You can produce, for example, a film on village life, schools or football or a film that captures an overview of life in Katine.
New feature writing (Key Stage 5). Maximum of 16 students. This is aimed specifically at English Language A-level students. You will work individually to research, plan and write a G2 style feature based on the current news agenda. You will learn how to develop ideas for features, as well as how to structure stories. You will complete all the key elements that make up a feature to produce a professional looking page.
Science and the environment in the news ( Key stage 3, 4 & 5.) You will create the front page of a science paper by researching and reporting the latest news of the science world. Areas covered will include medicine, technology, space, inventions as well as global warming, pollution, waste and recycling, transport, energy and conservation.
Bookings for the workshops normally open in May. For any other information or enquiries please email educationcentre@guardian.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or telephone 020 3353 3306/7

whichWhich? offer a 1-week work experience for 6 students in their marketing or research teams. You need to send a CV & covering letter to recruitment@which.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

cambridgeCambridge University Press offer Publishing Open Days. They work with local schools in cambridge to offer days for up to 60 students a day. The open days include practical workshops on how to make a book, how to make an ebook, an HR session on the importance of first impressions, a focus group on developing mobile apps and a talk from the University of Cambridge.

Work experience - Veterinary Medicine






Work Experience - Veterinary Medicine
All the veterinary schools expect some pre-application work experience in a variety of fields - farms, stables, kennels or with vets. The RVC specifies that this must total at least four weeks, while Liverpool specifies a minimum of 10 weeks.
Work Experience is essential in strengthening your application and you should do everything you can to secure hands on animal work. This could be in vets, pet shops, farms, kennels, zoos, rescue centres, catteries, stables, RSPCA, RSPB, PDSA and other animal charities and welfare organisations such as Blue Cross. The British Small Animal Veterinary Association (www.bsava.com) has many links to animal welfare sites. Particularly useful would be to help out on a farm during lambing. Take notes about some of the cases you see. Even try abattoirs, labs and racetracks. Unfortunately there is no easy way to secure these placements apart from locating them through the internet and yellow pages and then ringing them or visiting them. Ensure you obtain references from your placements.
In your summer holidays also check out overseas veterinary placements - for example WVS (Worldwide Veterinary service) offer a number.
There are about 60 zoos, and 100 wild animal collections in the UK. Go to the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums www.biaza.org.uk for a full list by area.
Companion Care Vets have about 90 surgeries across the UK and offer work experience to students in full time education. Contact them at workexperience@companioncare.co.uk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. stating your name, telephone number, email address and locality, and the dates when you are available.

Medicine - work experience ideas



Hospice Volunteering
Hospices provide care for patients who are terminally ill. Many hospices rely heavily on volunteers to help with their work. This might involve helping with meal times, patient transport or day trips.
Health Care Assistant
There are also several paid jobs that you can do that don't require much prior training or experience. For example, you can work as a health care assistant (HCA), support worker, phlebotomist or hospital porter, all of which will give you excellent experience working with patients. Getting this type of job is particularly useful if you are taking a gap year (and you don't want to go abroad) or if you are going into medicine as a mature student. You can also work part time in many of these jobs. To get this type of work, look in the local paper, contact your local hospital, look for local nursing agencies or try the NHS jobs site.
Caring For Elderly
Caring for the elderly is also excellent experience for would-be doctors. This can often be challenging, as you may need to deal with patients with dementia, hearing loss and physical disability. The best way to search for this type of voluntary work is to look for your local nursing home or rest home and write to them, explaining why you would like to volunteer. Try the yellow pages website as a starting point
Counselling
There are lots of opportunities to work with organisations providing telephone counselling and support. Examples include Childline, who help children in distress, The Samaritans who offer support to adults in crisis and Saneline, who offer advice and counselling to people affected by mental illness.
Working With Children
Working with children is another way to gain relevant experience for medical school. Learning how to communicate with kids is really useful, particularly if you are interested in being a GP or paediatrician. There are a number of ways to get involved; Barnados play schemes, Over the Wall and Camp activity all run activity weeks for kids with serious illness. Working or volunteering with children and vulnerable adults in the UK is likely to involve you undergoing some form of personal screening.
Also try The Red Cross and St John’s Ambulance as well as local charity shops or youth centres. If you can obtain work over a consistent period of time (e.g. one afternoon for 6 months), this looks better than a week done in the holidays. This demonstrates commitment, interest and effort. Any type of volunteering will be beneficial. Participatory work experience (i.e. hands on rather than just observing) is the most valuable.
Here is a selection of volunteering sites that may help you:
Courses
There are also courses that you can attend, some run by the hospitals themselves. E.g. Royal Berkshire NHS trust runs ‘Introduction to Medicine’ course, Imperial run ‘The Premed Course’ and The Royal Orthopaedic Hospital runs ‘So You Want to do Medicine?’ There are also external organisations (chargeable) that run similar events eg Medi-quest and mdexperience.co.uk. The Debate Chamber runs The Medicine Summer School, 3 days at London University. (cost is £250) covers subjects such as Neurology, cardiology, trauma, radiology, haematology, pulmonary and ethics.
Work Experience - Dental Students
With regard dentistry, you generally need at least 2 weeks work experience in a dental surgery. You should approach the following and endeavour to get a mix of work experience. Contact as many as you can in order to secure some work placements.
Contact as many as you can in order to secure some work placements:
  • NHS general practice
  • Private general practice
  • Community general practice (SPDCS)
  • Dental school/hospital
  • Maxillofacial department
  • Orthodontist
Work Placement Abroad
A number of organisations organise placements abroad for sixth form students interested in studying medicine or dentistry. These are charged for and you can choose for how long you stay. They are anything from 1 week to 3 months. You will get a first hand experience of working in a hospital or with patients.
Here is a selection:
  • Gap Medics – offers placements working in a hospital shadowing doctors or dentists in India, Tanzania, Thailand and St Lucia in Caribbean
  • Global volunteer projects and global medical projects– offers placements in hospitals in India, Cambodia, China, Ghana, Mexico and Tanzania
  • Projects Abroad – work in hospitals in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, China, Ghana, India, Jamaica, Mexico, Moldova, Mongolia, Morocco, Nepal, Peru, Romania, Senegal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania and Togo
  • Learn Overseas – 2 week work experience in Delhi
  • Gap Guru – medical internships in India, Cambodia, Nepal and Romania. Aimed mainly at students taking a gap year.
  • Travellers Worldwide – in Nepal they offer dentistry internships
  • Latitude Global Volunteering – has links with British Red Cross Hospitals in Japan where roles such as care assistants and medical assistants are available
  • Project Trust - get involved with their social care programmes – looking after neglected or orphaned children in care homes. Opportunities are available in Africa, America and Asia.
 

Law work experience for 16-18 year olds

British Aerospace offers a one week Work Shadowing in their legal dept. Their hub team is based in Farnborough.
If you wish to apply send a CV and cover letter to Lisa Staples in London or e-mail to lisa.staples@baesystems.com This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . The cover letter should set out why you want to spend time in the legal function, any areas of law that interest you and your location and availability.

Exchange Chambers
Exchange Chambers is a barristers chambers. They offer a 1-week Work Placementfor 16-18 years olds who are interested in pursuing a career in law. The Work experience will give you the opportunity to attend Court with a barrister and shadow them for a period of time. They offer a placement of a week in Liverpool, Leeds or Manchester.


footansteyFootAnstey, a firm of solicitors provides a work experience for A level students. They aim to provide a complete picture of different areas in a progressive law firm through a two-day placement with key business support teams and trainee solicitors.


Greys Inn Square1 Gray's Inn Square is a barristers chambers offeringWork Experience from 1 day to 2 weeks for 16-18 year olds. They are also offer work experience as part of the Lambeth Borough Debating Contest organised by Lambeth Legal Dept.


hardwicksHardwicke is a barristers chambers in London who offer both a taster day and a weeks work experience to 16-18 year olds.


matrix chambersMatrix Chambers is a barristers chambers in London. Their work experience programme is open to students currently undertaking GCSE's and A levels or the equivalent. It will provide a taste of working in a modern legal environment and busy office environment. This week is not available during August or September.


4 New Square4 New Square are a Barristers chambers in London offering 2 days work experience to anyone 16 or above interested in law. Placements are run over Easter, summer and Christmas.
These placements are designed to provide an introduction to the work of a barrister and to chambers generally. The work experience programme will include a range of different duties from photocopying and filing to delivering barristers’ papers and dealing with post. There will typically also be the opportunity to attend court.
You need to have at least 8 GCSEs at grades A* to C including at least A grades in Maths and English (language or literature) or equivalent qualifications and grades.
You must be supported by a written reference from a responsible person who is not a relative or close friend. The reference must state the period over which the referee has known you, in what capacity they have known you and that the referee considers that you are a fit and proper person to attend a work experience placement in chambers. To apply fill in the work experience application form on the 4 New Square web site.

Old Square ChambersOld Square Chambers offers 1 weeks work experience placement that is run several times a year in their London office. It is generally available to students in the South East.
During your work experience in Chambers you will gain an insight into the role of a Barrister and a Barrister's Clerk, working closely with Junior Clerks in a busy and often pressured working environment.
Best to apply up to 6-9 months in advance.

Pinsent MasonsPinsent Masons are a large solicitors practice offering a one-week School Work Experience placement in one of six offices – located in London, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh or Glasgow. There are 4 intakes across the year; 2 in August and 2 in October. The programme is targeted at AS and A-Level students or for those studying the equivalent qualifications such as Scottish Highers.
It doesn’t matter which A-levels or Highers you are studying, or which degree you plan to study.
During your week at the firm you will take part in a business exercise, attend information presentations and seminars, in addition to shadowing lawyers on real issues. You’ll also be supervised by a trainee solicitor, who will help you gain an appreciation of the skills you need to be a good lawyer.
Applications open in September and close in February
areas in a progressive law firm through a two-day placement with key business support teams and trainee solicitors.




 

Which are the most wanted professions?

Global migrants: Which are the most wanted professions?




Nathan, a British oil engineer in Singapore and South Korea


Around the world, there are a number of professions in high demand from the pool of 200 million international migrants.

The need for nurses and doctors is perhaps the best known, but there are also countries short of chefs, for example Belgium and the UK.

And psychologists looking for a change of scene could try the Nordic countries, where they are in demand.

Use the interactive guide below to explore the top 20 most wanted professionals and the countries that want their skills. You can also read case studies of professionals who have made the move to another country.

Volunteering - Hatfield Forest


Join in

Meet new people by volunteering with us © John MillarMeet new people by volunteering with us

Volunteering at Hatfield Forest

Volunteering roles



Supporter groups


Experience fresh air and new views whilst helping to conserve our heritage and landscape for ever, for everyone.
You can meet like minded people and enjoy lots of different social activities.

Like to know more?


For more information on our wide range of volunteering opportunities please email our volunteer manager.

IB World Student Conference UK 2013 - August 4th-9th






Scholarship deadline reminder - 31st March 2013
For any students wishing to attend the IB World Student Conference at the University of Warwick in
August, the deadline for applications for the University of Warwick scholarship will close on 31st March 2013 at 18.00 GMT+1.

To apply for the scholarship, applicants will need to answer one of four questions:
1. In what ways do the arts benefit society?
2. Explore the impact the arts have had on the shaping of culture.
3. What role might the arts play in highlighting important global issues?
4. Describe the impact the arts have had on your life and on the lives of those around you.
Scholarship overview:
The University of Warwick is offering up to 10 scholarships for participants to the IB World Student Conference UK.  Applicants will need to complete an application form online, providing the answer to their chosen question.  Scholarships will cover the cost of the conference fee, as well as travel costs limited to £1,500.  The application form and further information on the conference is available on this website: www.warwick.ac.uk/go/ibwsc
If you would like further information on the conference, please do not hesitate to contact me.
With kind regards,
Vivien


Vivien Price
Marketing and Communications Officer
International Office
University of Warwick
Coventry, CV4 8UW 
Tel. +44 (0)24 7652 3706
Fax. +44 (0)24 7652 4337
www.warwick.ac.uk

Medicine - the alternatives


 
 
WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?

Many students want to do something ‘medical’ but are not going to get the grades to be a doctor. Here is a list of subjects allied to medicine that you may want to consider: anatomy, audiology; biomedical science; chiropractic; deaf studies; dental technology; dietics; health  science; hygienist; medical lab science; medical technology; mental health; midwifery; neuroscience; nursing; nutrition; occupational therapy; opthalmics; optometry; orthotics & prosthetics; pharmacology; pharmacy; physiotherapy; podiatry; radiography & radiotherapy; speech therapy and toxicology. Many of the above will attract an NHS bursary that will pay the fees and give you a (small) non means tested bursary.

 

 

Tuesday, 26 March 2013

How to get into film journalism - the inside scoop


Hold the front row

What does it take to break into an illustrious career in film journalism? Chris Bird talks to two young journalists to get the inside scoop.

BY CHRIS BIRD
Isabel Stevens, Production Editor of Sight & Sound, graduated from Exeter University in 2004 with a BA in English & Fine Arts. The course provided Isabel with a platform to explore different areas: from English driven modules, to writing scripts in others. When I asked Isabel about the importance of her degree she said: “I think you do need a BA, because otherwise I don’t think employers will consider you. We don’t take interns in our office unless they’re at university, normally they’re MA students or have finished their BA already.”
From university, Isabel made the conscious decision to find work experience, rather than continue in education.
She explained her decision, “I did think about doing an MA. I decided that it’s probably better to spend the money doing work experience and interning.”
This decision led Isabel to research and find numerous work experience opportunities. Isabel interned at Thames & Hudson (book publisher), Art Review magazine in London and Aperture Foundation magazine in New York.
After returning to England Isabel found her first job at a magazine called Contemporary. It was during her time at Contemporary that Isabel landed her current job at Sight & Sound.
Isabel’s decision to find internships and work experience clearly paid off. The field of journalism is incredibly competitive and is even more diffucult to break into film journalism. Work experience can be an integral part of a successful breakthrough, as it can make your CV stand out and display to employers your determination and willingness to learn.
Isabel is now in her ideal job: writing about film and working in a fast-paced environment in the heart of London. Richard Jordan is another young journalist who has achieved great success in the competitive world of film journalism. Richard is currently the News Editor for Total Film. I was lucky enough to chat to Richard at the swankyTotal Film offices in London.
Richard graduated with a BA in Film, Television, and Radio Studies, from Staffordshire University.
After graduating, Richard spent a year deliberating on his career choices, before deciding on a career in journalism. He was quick in landing some work experience at Hot Dog magazine in London. It was during his time atHot Dog that Richard was recommended a postgraduate course at Cardiff University.
Richard made the decision to go back to education and acquire a post- graduate diploma. Richard enlisted on the Cardiff postgraduate journalism course, a course that is NCTJ accredited (National Council for the Training of Journalists). The fact that the course was NCTJ accredited was a major attraction.
He explains: “It gives employers confidence. So much of journalism now is having to be mindful of the law around it: defamation laws, intellectual property laws etc. I think courses like that show employers that you know this stuff and the issues surrounding it.”
Much like Isabel, Richard was shrewd in his pursuit of work experience. As well as Hot Dog, Richard carried out work experience with his future employer: Total Film.
“It always looks really good on your CV. Especially as the job market isn’t great at the moment. Several people that we’ve had in on work experience are now our best freelancers.”
Work experience also provides a great chance to get networking. Networking is extremely important, especially when it comes to getting a job in the media. During work experience at DVD Review magazine, Richard landed his job at Total Film.
“Being nice and personable gets you a long way. When I went for the job on Total Film, the Editor asked one of the guys that worked at DVD Review about me. If they had said ‘he was surly, he didn’t want to do much work’ there is no way I would have got this job. You never ever know when things are going to come back round, so I think: treat every meeting as an opportunity.”
Richard has since managed to work his way up the ladder to become the News Editor forTotal Film.
The journalism industry is incredibly competitive and the clouds of uncertainty regarding employment continue to linger. But one thing is certain, the hard work is most definitely worth it.