Choosing a media/entertainment industry
The decision on what industry to pursue depends on one's interests and passions. The industries are all similar -- personalities drive the business, egos are enormous, attitudes are bad, and expectations are high. There are important differences, however. Film and TV generally allow more transition between the two (writers, actors, directors, even producers switch between the two mediums), but for the most part, it is much harder to transition out of music or publishing.
The key questions to ask yourself:
- What medium do you prefer? Do you really love music? Are you a big film buff? Do you read 20 magazines a month?
- Do you enjoy the artistic or business dimension of a project?
- Can you handle working on a project for several years (as is common in the film and music industries) or do you prefer projects that have shorter production cycles (which you will find in television and magazine publishing)?
- Would you enjoy working with a set team (creative departments of a film studio) or setting up projects with new people (as on the production side of filmmaking)?
- Where do you know more people? Where could you leverage a personal or alumni network?
- Where do you want to live? Do you like city living? Do you mind driving or do you prefer walking?
Remember that there are the inevitable sub-specializations, much like a lawyer who focuses on criminal litigation, or a doctor who is a radiologist. Music executives, for instance, known for the genre of music they produce , and film producers are normally associated with a certain type of film.
|
This article is excerpted from the Vault Career Guide to Media and Entertainment.
Read more excerpts or purchase the guide
Get the inside scoop on top employers with Vault's media and entertainment, publishing, and journalism employer surveys.
Also, if you're interested in TV or radio careers, check out TVSpy.com, another Vault site.
|
