Careers Handbook

Task One: make a list of the skills you would be able to take to a job at the moment, and think of three example to support each one.

Competent with IT skills: Self-taught both editorial and 3D design software as well as college taught use of editing suites for example Adobe Premiere Pro, Zbrush and Photoshop.

Communication: Able to convey my own ideas effectively, can easily reach compromise with conflicting team members, confidence within presentational tasks.

Independence: Able to work efficiently on my own, able to research how to do things instead of asking others on how to complete tasks a point to improve on though is to accept help when required since I tend to reject help even though it may prove beneficial.

Task Two: research, define and explain the following terms by relating them to yourself where necessary.

Currently I am studying two vocational BTEC courses (BTEC Creative Media Production double + Games Development) at East Norfolk Sixth Form College instead of A-levels. I prefer the ideals of constantly working towards you final grade via Coursework than learning everything and being graded on what you can remember while in exam conditions like the A-level route. I plan to go to Scotland next year for University to further my study of games design since this is the sector I wish to gain a career in. Before Coming to Sixth Form I had to obtain my General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE’s) for multiple subjects and to a high standard grading in order to secure my place at college or further education.

Task Three: list any 3 jobs mentioned in class or any you may have already been considering. What is the job role? What does it entail? Do you need any specialist training or skills? Is it freelance work or can you be a permanent member of staff? 

Animator- £16,000 starting up to £26,000 when experienced, 30-40 hours a week. Must have some IT or Art based background, Animators are responsible for all elements of how each dynamic objects move and interacts within the realms of the scene. Experience is necessary but a specific course isn’t necessary. Includes permanent and freelance opportunities.

Games Designer- £19,000 starting up to £55,000 in lead positions, average 35 hours a week.  Degrees for courses are highly recommended but not entirely necessary, games designers are the people in charge of how the game works as a whole, from rules and regulations to how elements of the game actually work. Includes permanent and freelance opportunities.

Game Artist- £30,000 starting, highest recorded salary of lead artist was $200,000 hours vary. responsible for each visual aspect of the game itself from menus and UI to models and weathering, degree is not entirely necessary but affluence in modelling techniques and programs is required. Includes permanent and freelance opportunities.

Task Four: research, define and explain methods of recruitment in the creative media industries.

National Press- Newspapers that focuses on National matters and contains job sections for recruitment purposes, for example The Guardian.

Trade Press- A magazine that focuses on one particular hobby or interest and so contains jobs and promotions based on the chosen subject for example a classic bike magazine.

 Internet- Jobs are advertised globally via the internet, not only are they promoted there are also specific websites based purely on employment opportunities. 

Trade Fairs- A convention-like exhibition that aims to promote and showcase new developments and opportunities within a trade union. 

Word of Mouth- Basically the knowing someone that knows someone approach to getting into a sector of an industry. People put in a good word and your name begins to become admired and sought after. So long as impressions remain to a good standard then you may be invited to talk with someone that can inject you into the workplace even though you do not have the standard training certifications required. 

Personal Contacts and Networking- Putting yourself out there and gaining knowledge of companies and people for future referencing through a contact database of details whether it be Email addresses, Phone numbers or even business cards; you will find it beneficial to outsource these types of information yourself since you won’t always know when a position becomes available.

Internal Promotion- The working your way up approach, a great example of this is my Dad, although not in the media industry he worked from the bottom of an offshore oil rig and now after over 10 years later he is second from the top and has learned everything as he has went along via courses etc.

Task Five: CV + Cover Letter (Insert here)

Task Six: research, define and explain the following and relate them to yourselves and past experiences.

Portfolio/E-Portfolio- A folder either physically or digitally that contains every piece of work or knowledge that is appropriate for a job in the sector you are looking at. An employer will almost always want to be shown previous work to see if your place in their company is one of a beneficial orientation and obviously the more you have to show, the more you have to bring to the company. I am currently showcasing my entire workload on a blog for my course so it would be easily obtainable from employers etc. and would be available instantly and 24/7.

Show reel- Used more frequently in creative industries than non-creative, a show reel is a montage of ones greatest pieces of work either in the form of pictures, film or otherwise and shows exactly the standard you can work to for employers to see.

Personal Website- Website/Blog based webpage designed specifically for the person that is using it and so is not usually publically promoted, the person that owns it can link it to employers through emails for example and basically works on the same principles of an E-Portfolio. It can be used though just for social purposes and for the public to appreciate the work you have done and to comment on it.

Task Seven: research the following presentation skills/methods and explain what you believe would be 'good practice' for each.

Interviewing Skills- First impressions are essential for determining whether or not you will get the place you are applying for, the first thing we notice is how someone looks and so looking clean and dressing appropriately are a definite things to take control of. Secondly make sure you turn up on time or if possible slightly early as this shows that you are keen about the job and also able to keep time and appointments. Thirdly confidence is key, enter the interview room with a welcoming smile on your face, shake their hand and introduce yourself, then sit with a straight back, hands in front and keep a professional posture throughout the interview. Use formal languages at all times.

Presentation Skills- Firstly confidence is one of the most essential tools at your disposal while presenting work and it boils down to projecting your voice clearly and keeping your audience engaged at all times. Secondly a strict knowledge of the topic and presentation direction itself is required for a successful presentation, knowing where your presentation is allows for a continuous flow of speech should you be asked about one particular aspect of what you are talking about. 

Self-Presentation- Use intelligent variation in place of simplistic language, this makes you come across professional and intellectual which always stands you in good stead. Keep your cool, if someone says something that you don’t want to hear then be open and say you respect their opinion instead of getting aggressive or going silent since this shows a key skill in that you are able to take criticism well and are not stubborn. Don’t ramble on about one point, highlight the important information but don’t go over the same thing multiple times or this shows that you aren’t efficient at communicating ideas effectively. 

References- People you are able to direct future employers towards in order for them to gain background knowledge on your work ethic etc. it is important that these people are both relevant and also useful for your personal gain for example they have good things to say about you instead of things that make you sound unappealing.

Task Eight: research, define and explain the following terms.

Training on the job- This is where a person develops a relevant skillset for their job by learning and taking courses while they work on things that they already know essentially like an apprentice would and allows them to learn and earn simultaneously. 

Self-training- Using internet guides etc. or just via self-exploration, self-training is gaining a skillset and knowledge of something by teaching themselves, although there is not a certification granted having a listed skillset of things that you are familiar with will help you to stand out when it comes to employment. 

Trade Unions- Are a group of individuals that form a sort of committee based on their profession etc. in which they band together in order to preserve their ideals and interests. Trade unions also offer help and guidance to those that are either associated with or wish to become associated with the group. 

Careers Services- Websites specific to the pursuit of careers without actually providing the job itself. Designed to provide all of the information required to get into a job and also explains in detail what is expected of you as well as what to expect, for example working hours and salary.

Task Nine: identify the opportunities you have had in the courses that you are currently studying for developing your functional skills (English, mathematics and ICT)

Media- Day to day use of literacy/typing skills in the form of blog posts and write ups, IT in use and learning of new software as well as regular reinforcement of basic computing skills.

Games Design- Maths skills through the use of precise measurements in both object creation and map design, IT through learning new software and consistent use of computers.