Hi, just wanted to share a few things! My name’s Gemma Pass and I graduated in 2013. When leaving university I so had just one thing in my head – getting into media production. And now after working in the media for 6 months I think it’s so important that current LSM students realise that there is so much more to the media than just production!

After leaving Lincoln I picked up a few runner day jobs and absolutely loved my time working on shows. But between that time I was miserable. It’s so hard to pick up long term contracts without some more permanent experience under my belt and worst of all I couldn’t afford to move to London without a guarantee that long term work was there to pay my rent.  It was then that I came across a job as a Junior Scheduler near London. It wasn’t as glamorous as production work but hey it was a foot in the door. Now 6 months down the line I know I made the right choice. Since starting in August I have launched several TV channels, created promos for TV, designed channel logos and had complete editorial decisions on what plays out on air. Now my position with Canis Media is Channel Management and Scheduling Executive.

Canis is currently involved with the launch of new TV channels across the whole country and with it come hundreds of media jobs outside of London. This is everything from production to broadcast services. There are so many opportunities around for new graduates, you just have to be willing to to try new things that you may not have thought to be your future career. The media is full of back doors into roles but you have to be willing to step up when needed and put the work in.

Finally, don’t forget the importance of work experience. This just shows that you are willing to put the effort it. And don’t just be looking at production companies for work- they already have hundreds of students hammering at the door. You would be surprised how many broadcast companies are willing to take on work experience students. My company are taking on one in a few weeks and all she did was send a short sweet email to get it! And once you are there, if your dream is to get involved in editing, offer your skills up. Make it known!