For many people, a career in television production can seem like a distant dream. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, television production jobs will grow at an average rate over the next decade. Because of intense competition for these jobs, only very dedicated people get jobs in television production. Those people who do find employment have a deep desire to excel in a television broadcasting career.
All careers in television production require some form of training and education. Many colleges and universities around the world offer programs specializing in television production and broadcasting. Choose a program that allows for hands-on production education, as well as a good course schedule of theory and principles.
Many television production workshops are also available that offer intensive courses of study. These shortened learning schedules involve large amounts of information in a compressed schedule, ranging from a few days to two years, but generally lack theory and principle courses.
Internships are also a good way to learn television production. They can also provide valuable industry contacts that can lead to future employment. Internships can be paid or unpaid, but are usually available for college credit; hands-on internships provide real-world experience.
Careers in television production range from production assistants at the low end of the production hierarchy, to directors and producers at the top. Jobs include camera operators, audio technicians, producers, writers, reporters and directors. It's important to decide early on what job you want to pursue so that you can concentrate on the particular set of skills needed to excel.
There are several ways to find jobs in the broadcast television world. The Internet is a valuable resource, providing several job boards like Mandy.com, 4EnertainmentJobs.com and JournalismJobs.com (see Resources). You may also be able to attend industry trade shows and job fairs, where broadcast employers will likely be happy to answer your questions.
One of the most important aspects of finding a job in television production is networking. The old adage, "You have to know someone who knows someone," rings true, and being able to speak intelligently to an industry connection while also being personable is crucial.
While television production is a highly sought-after field, competition for jobs is intense; the jobs go to very talented, skilled people who know how to build relationships. The best way for you to land a job in the television production industry is to get a good education, get hands-on experience and speak to as many current professionals as possible. The more you know, the better your chances for a successful TV production career.