Now I'll be honest, I have always been one of those people that from a young age, dreamt of a gap year traveling and enjoying myself before I had to settle down into the big scary world of work.
I have also always been one of those people, who university just hasn't appealed to me. The 'freshers' weeks and moving out weren't good enough reasons for me to spend a couple of grand on education, (which of course is now set to rise to ridiculous amounts next year). Plus I was kinda fed up of being in a classroom environment.
Thus by the time my A level revision was kicking in, I knew I had to find something to fill my spare time with. I wasn't willing to go full time in my job at a supermarket, as although I do enjoy it and it pays well, it's not the career I wanted to pursue.
And so, my journey down the path of work experience began! I have always been interested in a career in Journalism or TV production, so set out; making sure my CV was up to date, writing countless emails to local papers and TV companies, and of course pestering for an answer back!
Although I tried, sometimes to no avail, let me tell you the hard work has seriously paid off.
Firstly, through a speaker who came into our college, I managed to gain work experience as a office runner at Leopard Films in Islington. It consisted of sorting through emails and doing the TV reviews for the week, and carrying out general errands such as buying supplies and of course making the tea and coffee!
The people there were lovely, and it was a great experience to start with, as it gave you a feel for the office side of things within TV.
Next, through knowing the line producer, I gained a week on a new CBBC programme called 'Postcode' as a floor runner, again carrying out general errands including setting up the tea table and getting a feel for what it's like to film on location. It was also here that my interest for the Art Department started.
Thus I was thrilled when through the same line producer, I was able to gain a weeks paid work on the Art Department of CBBC's Horrible Histories! I have to say it is definitely my favourite experience so far!
(Inside the prop truck which took me ALL DAY to sort out a clean up, believe it or not this is it tidy...)
Not only did I get to help dress sets, but I also got to make props and learn how to plan a prop schedule (reading the scenes and scripts for the week ahead to know what props are needed on what days).
(My Executioner sign)
(Fake rotting teeth made with air dry clay and paint)
Although it was fun it was not all glitz and glamour. The days started early (on location by 7am) and were long (finishing at 7.30pm). However, I personally feel for the experience I gained it was worth missing out on some sleep, and I was able to film in some stunning locations.
(Dorney Court in Windsor)
(The sunrise one morning in Chessington)
I also got to meet some lovely people, and play around with some historical props which was extremely fun!
(Black Beard's treasure chest, dressed by me)
It was a delight to go out with a bang by filming on a ship constructed by the Art Department in someone's garage! All in all the week gave me a huge insight into what being in the Art Department entails, and gave me a feel for the work load in TV production.
(The ship, constructed high up on a hill so the background can later be green screened)
(Filming a pirate scene)
At the moment, I am currently completing a weeks work experience at the Daily Mail, and so far am throughly enjoying it.
I shall put my hands up and admit, I have been extremely lucky in attaining my work experience. Leopard Films I managed to gain through college, and my others have been though knowing someone who is involved in the show/newspaper.
HOWEVER! If you are not in the same positon as me, it doesn't mean work experience is going to be impossible for you to get!
MY TOP TIPS FOR GAINING WORK EXPERIENCE:
1) START LOOKING EARLY - Do your research. What field of work experience do you want to do? Do any particular companies offer this? It's also better to apply early or arrange something months in advance so it's 100% definite.
2) DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK - Do you know anyone in this field of work? Do you have their contact details? If so send them a polite email and ask if they can help you out at all. It's the same when it comes to companies / newspapers etc...
3) KEEP YOUR CV UP TO DATE - Most placements will ask for a covering letter and a CV, so make sure yours is ready and up to date with the correct details, highest attained education and make sure your profile still reflects who you are as a person.
4) KEEP TRACK - Of the placements you've applied for, their closing dates, and when they've said you'll hear from them by. This way you can chase up placements easily and organise them around your day to day life.
5) DRESS FOR THE JOB - You wouldn't turn up for a job interview in tracksuit bottoms, so treat work experience with the same attitude. If you're in an office - go smart casual. If you're with a film crew in the middle of a field for a week - you may want some wellies. All I'd say is make sure you always have comfortable shoes - in TV and journalism, you're on your feet A LOT, so comfy shoes are a must have!
THE SECRET WEAPON - TWITTER - I cannot express enough how many companies use Twitter to advertise jobs and work experience, to name a few (TV and Journalism): ProductionBase, SkillsetSSC, theunitlist, 4Talent, Colin4Talent, and many many more. Use Twitter to network and be in the know by following celebrities, newspapers and magazines, it'll save you a lot of leg work when it comes to research!
To conclude, I started looking for work experience for June 2011 in March/April 2011, and doing the research and pestering early has really paid off and meant I've been able to line up a few things for throughout the year, with time off in-between. Gaining work experience is an excellent way to taster some careers you're thinking of going into before going to uni, and arguably, makes you a more experienced and well rounded person than those who have not gained any.
Personally I feel it is under rated and more people should be willing to give it a try - SO GET OUT THERE! It could lead you into something much bigger than you were expecting...
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