Top tips from recent EDACS graduates working in Media, Digital Marketing and Production Coordinator roles
Panellists:
Harpal Khambay – Production Secretary at BBC Studios
Francesca Adams – Digital Marketing assistant at The Agatha Christie Estate
Kirsten Ellis – Production coordinator at BBC Apprenticeship
Francesca Adams – Digital Marketing assistant at The Agatha Christie Estate
About the Agatha Christie Estate
Which resources and websites would you recommend for insights into your career sector?
For digital marketing I think the best way is to sign up to company newsletters, particularly within the sector you’re interested in. For example, I signed up to loads of publishing houses, bookshops, Netflix etc as I was interested in working in publishing/TV. The same goes for following their social media channels. As a digital marketer, you will most likely be creating newsletters, running social channels and writing articles for websites so seeing what companies are writing is, in my opinion, the best way to get an understanding of what you would be doing in that role. I would also recommend setting up some google alerts with keywords you’re interested in so that every morning you get a round-up of the top articles surrounding those topics. This is a great way to keep in the loop with the sector as well as keeping up with relevant trends.
What myth would you want to dispel for people about getting into your career sector?
You do not need to have every skill they are advertising for in the job application! For my job, an essential requirement was a minimum of 2 years working with photoshop professionally. The last time I used photoshop was when I was about 14 in an IT class at school! But I applied and got the job anyway. There is such a high volume of applicants for jobs, particularly in the digital marketing and publishing sectors, they often include ‘essential skills’ that are more of a ‘preferred skill’, to deter some candidates from applying. I think it’s far more important to showcase the skills and experience you have that you can’t necessarily teach, such as teamwork or innovation, rather than skills you can be taught, such as photoshop and excel.
What is your top tip for developing a career in your career sector?
No idea is a bad idea. The best ideas are usually formed in a creative process that began with a ‘bad idea’. Digital marketing is rapidly evolving so as digital marketers, we constantly have to adapt and create new concepts. Don’t be scared to try something new or suggest a really out-there idea. You never know what it could lead to!
Kirsten Ellis – Production coordinator at BBC Apprenticeship
BBC careers search page
Which resources and websites would you recommend for insight into your career sector?
- How to find BBC apprenticeships/learn about different roles within the industry: BBC trainee schemes and apprenticeships
- For training courses and information about the industry: ScreenSkills
- My main resource would be talking to people. Networking is really important. A good question to ask is, ‘How did you end up where you are now’. It’ll give you an idea of pathways, as well as finding contacts in areas that might interest you.
What myth would you want to dispel for people about getting into your career sector?
There is no one correct way to get into the industry. I’ve found through talking to people that everyone has different journeys, moves from different fields, comes from different starting points. It’s about being determined and making the most of every opportunity.
What is your top tip for developing a career in your career sector?
Showing enthusiasm and willingness to learn/try new things. I didn’t know a lot about the industry when I started, and I still have a lot to learn, but I’ve noticed where I’ve succeeded is where I’ve said yes, and given it 100% - even if that’s making coffee for the crew!
Harpal Khambay – Production Secretary at BBC Studios
Which resources and websites would you recommend for insight into your career sector?
ScreenSkills is good for learning about different jobs in the industry, and the BBC website has some useful information about careers. If you are interested in editorial, you could look into the BBC Writers Room. Indeed and LinkedIn are good for keeping an eye out on jobs as well. I also found my first running job through a Facebook group!
What is your top tip for developing a career in your career sector
Reach out to as many people as you can – don’t be shy! I got my job by reaching out and making connections. Send lots of emails!
Useful websites