TV Jobs: Education Needed?

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tv jobs guide

Part 2 of an ongoing series from tvscreen.com

The Question of Formal Education

Later in these articles we will more deeply explore broadcasting programs and schools of every kind. In fact, We will provide a directory of television-focused colleges and trade schools that are likely near you – but there is a big question you will need to ask yourself. The answer depends on where you are at this point in your life:

“Do I Need to Go To School To Get a Job in TV?”

Specifically, do you need a college degree? Without a doubt, this is a life-affecting question. Does a degree give you an edge? Yes, of course, without any doubt. Will it keep you from a job in television? No way.

“But from all I’ve ever heard, I can’t get a job in television without a college degree. How do I even get a job interview! It doesn’t seem possible.”

I’m not in anyway discounting the benefits – and prestige – of a college degree. In fact, all the steps you will take to get a TV job will be much more potent if you have a degree in hand – but a lack of degree will not necessarily stop you.

Beyond giving you a well-rounded education, being in a four-year college will typically allow you to take classes that are based on real-world television experience. The best of these schools will also allow you to work at an on-campus TV station, and/or obtain an internship at a local television facility or related job. This cannot be down-played, but do read on…

Other School Options

There are also technical schools that focus on broadcast careers. These two-year (or sometimes less), “trade schools”, create a television environment similar to what you might experience in college. This means you can still train in an atmosphere that allows for that always-useful “real-world” television experience, depending on the job you target.

Many of these more specialized schools also provide access to television-specific internships and job placement programs.

It is also worth mentioning that many modern high schools do offer media-hungry students access to school-based TV stations, and sometimes very helpful connections to local media facilities.

In many high schools, young adults can start cutting their teeth on video edit systems, video camera operation, directing, on-camera talent and more. Some high schools also work with local TV stations to provide a “light version” of television internship programs.

Beyond School

Training in television can also be obtained by volunteering your services at a local television facility. Many TV stations, especially in smaller local markets, welcome the concept of “free help”. The benefit to them is obvious. From first-hand knowledge, I know that the benefit in this approach are solid and can open doors for you.

Such a position should be viewed as a training ground. Learn what you can. Develop the skills you are looking for and move forward. Many times volunteers will be the first talent pool a TV station or production facility will draw from when looking to fill a paid position.

Next in this series:

“Are Many TV Job Positions Available?”

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