Frankie Ward
Work Related Purgatory
Hello everyone - Long time, no blog! I’ve decided it was time to take some time out from being a student (i.e watching 4OD!) to give you a post Generation Next update.
At the end of last week I was invited to pop along to the Heart West Midlands (One of the hubs for Global media station Heart FM) to chat about coming in to do a part time internship alongside my university work. If you’re interested in getting into the radio industry then any experience is vital – commercial or otherwise. Although I’ve had experience as a broadcast assistant at a regional BBC radio station, thus far the ‘big hitters’ (i.e Radio One) have failed to be impressed by my applications for work experience! My current masterplan is to use my online production skills to worm my way into the horizon of the radio industry. With commercial stations downsizing and doubling up job descriptions (Heart WM’s Deputy Programme Controller is also their News Editor and runs DAB Digital rock station The Arrow,) being knowledgeable about all areas of the media ‘360’ is invaluable.
If you would be interested in finding out more about work experience at a Global Media radio station (XFM, Classical FM, Capital etc…) then check out http://www.thisisglobal.com/radio/
Today is a particularly exciting day for me as I’m off to meet Dan Jones, who is the head of New Media for Maverick. Maverick are based in both Birmingham and London and have won BAFTA’s for their TV and web content. Dan himself is executive producer for over 20 websites including 4Homes, 4Car and Film4. He also acted as Editor-in-Chief for 4Talent magazine – which means as a former writer for the publication, I’ve technically worked with him before (only without realising it…!)
One thing I’ve noticed since working at Channel 4 is that I’m no longer asked to come to interviews. Instead, I’m invited for ‘coffee.’ This is what I’m going to refer to as ‘work related purgatory.’ I’m in that transitional stage between internship and full-blown job. I’m gone from work experience kid to intern and now need to climb an extra large step to long-term employee. As a full time student it can be difficult to know how to market oneself. I’ve been paid by Channel 4 for my work, yet because my CV says ‘degree in progress’ I’m not suitable for a 9-5 five days a week position. One on hand, with the luxury of a student loan, I can perhaps afford to work a little for free however when I think about my previous experience I believe that my work deserves financial reward.
Right, I’m off! Wish me luck!
Frankie x