What Next After Studying
Broadcasting & Film?

For many who have dipped their toes into the vibrant world of broadcasting and film, the question often arises: What next? Whether you're looking to advance within the field, pivot to a new industry, or enhance your skill set, the experience and skills gained in broadcasting and film can open the door to a plethora of exciting opportunities. From producing documentaries to working in marketing or public relations, the creativity, technical knowledge, and storytelling abilities honed in broadcasting and film can be applied across various industries. Additionally, networking with professionals in related fields can help expand your career options and lead to unexpected opportunities.

Here’s a look at some potential paths and how to navigate the transition.

Advanced Roles in Production

For those who love the industry and want to stay, climbing the ladder in production is a common next step. Positions like executive producer, director of photography, and studio executive offer more responsibility and a chance to shape big-picture projects. Consider specialising in a niche area such as visual effects or animation to increase your value within the industry. Networking with professionals in your desired niche area can also help open up opportunities for growth and advancement in your career. Additionally, staying current with industry trends and technology advancements will make you a valuable asset in the competitive field of production.

Corporate Media Roles

The skills acquired in broadcasting and film are highly transferable to corporate settings, particularly within corporate media departments. Companies often need professionals skilled in video production, content creation, and media communication for marketing and internal communications. This can be a rewarding career path, offering stability and the chance to apply creative skills in a business context.

Teaching and Academia

If you have a passion for education, teaching the next generation of media professionals can be a fulfilling route. This might mean working as a lecturer or instructor in universities, colleges, or film schools. Pursuing further qualifications like a master's degree or a PhD can also open doors to academic positions and research opportunities in media studies.

Entrepreneurship

Many skills in broadcasting and film, such as storytelling, project management, and technical know-how, are invaluable in entrepreneurship. Starting your own production company, creating a streaming service, or developing a media-related startup are ways to channel your expertise into building something new and exciting from the ground up.

Digital Content Creation

The rise of digital platforms offers endless opportunities. You can transition into roles that focus on creating or managing content for social media, video platforms like YouTube, or podcasts. These mediums allow for a great deal of creative freedom and the ability to reach global audiences directly.

Consultancy

Experienced broadcasting and film professionals can offer their expertise as consultants. This might involve advising on media projects, providing insights on audience engagement strategies, or helping non-media businesses use video and audio content effectively.

Technology and Software Development

The tech side of broadcasting and film, especially if you’ve worked with advanced filming technologies, CGI, or editing software, can segue nicely into roles in tech companies. Developing new media technologies, VR experiences, or specialised software for the film industry can be both lucrative and ground-breaking.

Public Relations and Communications

If you wish to utilise your storytelling skills, ability to manage a narrative, and understand audience engagement, a career in PR or communications could be a natural fit. This role involves crafting and maintaining the public image of organisations, individuals, or brands, often through media.

Art and Creative Direction

For those with a strong visual sense and creative direction skills, moving into roles such as art director or creative director in advertising, marketing, or publishing could be a seamless transition. These roles leverage your ability to conceptualise visuals and oversee creative processes.

Non-profit and Advocacy Work

Use your media skills for greater social impact by moving into the non-profit sector. Creating impactful campaigns, documentaries, or educational programmes that promote social change can be immensely rewarding and make effective use of your storytelling skills.

The journey doesn’t have to end after your initial foray into broadcasting and film. Each skill developed and experience gained can be a stepping stone to new opportunities. Whether staying within the creative industries or branching out into new territories, your career path can continue to evolve, driven by your passions, talents, and the endless possibilities that your background in broadcasting and film enables.