CAREERS BOOKLET

TASK 1: Make a list of the skills you would be able to take to a job at the moment, and think of three examples to support each one. Focus on your strengths and not on your weaknesses.

Team Work
I think working as a team is my most effective way of working. I like coming up with my own ideas and potentially developing them further individually but I enjoy it more when other people can help develop as I usually prefer other peoples ideas to my own. Here are my own personal skills with working as a team:
- Work effectively and more efficiently as a team member - I think I can get more focused/motivated.
- Well co-ordinated, do what I'm told. Will help develop ideas.
- Give and listen to ideas in the group.

Communication
Communication is vital when working. If you are learning something it will help you understand easier. It also helps build respect/builds trust and creates an environment that you could be happy to work in.
- Good listener
- Good at communicating my ideas to the group
- Help portray ideas by talking/listening to the group

Confidence
I think confidence is a good quality to have whilst working (as long as it's not cocky) I think it means people will find you easily approachable/easy to talk to, alongside I'm not afraid to ask questions for help or ask people if they need any help.
- Portraying ideas with confidence, shows passion
- Motivating other team members
- Not afraid to speak my mind with ideas that couldn't work, help develop

Dedicated
Dedication to a project is another good quality to have whilst working. I think it shows how passionate you can be for for any future projects. It also shows that you are willing to be organised and open minded which I think are also good qualities to possess.
- Turning up to all the lessons
- Potential to develop ideas
- Open minded

Organised
Organisation if one of the key qualities to have. In a workplace that requires paperwork/presentations etc it's key to always be on top and prepared, otherwise it could make you look unprofessional and even cost you your job. Always come to class/work prepared for the lesson otherwise you could miss key notes/points.
- Turn up having everything ready and prepared
- Always ready to start/staying motivated
- Never usually late - it's better to be early than late!

TASK 2: Research, define and explain the following terms by relating them to yourself where necessary.

I am currently studying in East Norfolk Sixth Form College, studying for a BTEC Subsidiary Diploma in Performing Arts and the same level in Film and TV Media. I also have two part time jobs, one being a Receptionist and Character at Pleasurewood Hills and an Actor at Dreamstone Productions.

• A part time job is a form of employment where you work fewer hours during the week, e.g. for students it's usually weekends. It's usually under 30-35 hours per week. 
• A full time job is another form of employment where the employer decides a minimum of how many hours you work. The hours are usually based from 9am-5pm on weekdays. 
• A GCSE is a qualification you can gain in specific subjects, usually between the ages of 14-16. The more GCSE's you have at grades A-C means you are more likely to succeed in getting into Sixth Form Colleges that give you the AS/A Level qualifications. 
• AS/A Level: This qualification is one level higher than a GCSE. This is usually taken by students who attend a Sixth Form College, aged between 16-18. An AS Level is like a Pass qualification at advanced subsidiary level, usually gain this through your first year at college taking the course. Completing the two year course will gain you the whole A Level (providing you complete all of the work that has been set)
• Level 2/Level 3/Level 4: Level 2 qualifications are GCSE grades between C-A* or equivalent to BTEC first diplomas. Level 3 qualifications are A Levels/BTEC Nationals and GCE's. Level 4 qualifications include professional certificates/diplomas/awards and HNC.
• Pass/Merit/Distinction: These qualifications are what you receive in BTEC National courses. A pass grade is between E-D, a merit is C-B and a distinction is A-A*. The grading criteria is quite complex for a BTEC, for example, every unit is worth a certain amount of 'points/credits' depending on what you get. If you receive all distinctions in every unit but you get a pass in the final unit, it could potentially bring your grade down to a merit. The good thing about BTEC's is that if you have time at the end you can go back to a unit to make the grade better.
• Vocational is a qualification "that demonstrates competence in a particular job role". This will also allow you to practice in a job/industry that you are interested in. They are not your GCSE/A Level qualifications. 
• A Bachelor's (BA) degree is a 3-5 year degree (depending on where/what you study). It is earned for an undergraduate course. Depending on the course you choose to study, you may end up with a Bachelor of The Arts/Science etc. This particular course is coursework based. A Masters degree is similar but different. There are two types of Masters - taught and research. You can take this course at a University or study at home. It is an academic degree that involves exams rather than coursework.
• Undergraduate is when you haven't received a first yet, this is before you go into University. A Post Graduate is when you are in the field of study, perhaps halfway through the course, as long as you're fully attending. Graduate is when you have completely finished the chosen course. This is usually terms to University students. 

At the end of this year, I will have a Performing Arts Subsidiary Diploma at a Distinction* grade and a Film and TV Media Level 3 Certificate with a Merit grade (hopefully!). This will join my A Level in Drama at a D grade, A Level in Film Studies at a D grade and my GCSE's:

• Social Ethics (C)
• ICT (C)
• Drama (C)
• Maths (C)
• English Literature (D)
• English Language (C)

Ever since I was very young I was always very dramatic and I was also very good at lying & making up characters, so I thought - why not do it for a living? I hope to become an Actor more for films/TV but I do love a good stage show too.

TASK 3: List any 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?

1. Actors: Playing another character in a media/stage production. Industries: Film, Radio and TV. Actors interpret words in order to bring a script to life. To be an actor you will need the following skills, to be able to learn, memorize and perform lines in a chosen way, to be able to perform different regional accents, assume different body languages, to have clear and concise diction, to be uninhibited and to be aware of how your performance maybe affected.
2. Makeup Artists: Creating makeups/hairstyles that meet production requirements. You must possess hairdressing skills which include cutting/waving/straightening/setting/braiding etc. To be a Makeup Artist you must have a good eye for colours, be highly organised, work effectively in a time limit, acquire a full EU driving license, have good presentation skills and most importantly, have an understanding on the anatomy of the human skull and facial structure/muscle. Usually requested by an Actor.
3. Director: Acting as the crucial link between the production, technical and creative teams. Must be able to make decisions no matter what, must be determined to succeed, keep the team motivated and inspired, must be a strong confident leader. You don't actually need a formal qualification to be a director, just have some experience as a runner on a film set so you know what to expect.

TASK 4: Research, define and explain methods of recruitment in the creative media industries. Try to find examples.

• National Press: Press (Newspapers) that are national e.g. The Sun, Daily Mail, Daily Express etc.
• Trade Specific Press: Specialist Papers - Site and Sound, Music Express, Regional Film and Television etc.
• Internet (for recruitment): UCAS, Monster UK, The Mercury/Advertiser/Guadian etc.
• Trade Fairs: Conventions - Gathering of people who discuss the industries with progression/downgrades. Exchanging Networks: E3 - Gaming Indusrties etc. and Film Festivals.
• Word of Mouth: People talking. Hearing from someone about opportunities. 
• Personal Contacts & Networking: YouTube commenting on each others videos, suscribing and then collaborating. 
• Internal Promotion: Moving your way up. An internal promotion is moving up within the company you are already working with. For example, Best Boys (staging) to Head of Electricity. 

TASK 5: In Word, create a CV and a cover letter for a (media) job that you have found on the internet/in a media magazine.

Samantha Cattee's CV from Sam Cattee

Here is my current and up to date CV.

TASK 6: Research, define and explain the following and relate them to yourselves and past experiences. You should also attempt to create the following if you complete the tasks early.

• Portfolio/e-portfolio: A collection of work you have produced. Not necessarily all of the work, just examples of what you can do - preferably the best bits!
• Showreel: Clips/Compilation of your work. Usually done with visual effects/titles to keep the watchers attention. Between 90 - 120 seconds.
• Personal Website: Your own domain. Something you have created yourself that explains who you are, what you do etc. An example of this is Blogger! 

TASK 7: Research the following presentation skills/methods and explain what you believe would be 'good practice' for each (a list of do's and dont's would be a suggestion).

For an interview, you need to have a variety of different skills and have a good, hygienic self-presentation to be considered as an applicant. You can't expect to get a job if you haven't put in any effort in - you want to dress for success! The different skills and qualities you will need to possess include:
1.Interviewing Skills:

• Body Language - Make sure you are sat/stood up straight, not so you're borderline planking but just don't look like you're bored/tired. 
• Do not use any slang/swear words.
• Don't chew any gum - some employers find that off-putting.
• Most important, do not be late
• Pronunciation and clear projection when speaking 

2. Presentation Skills: 

• Remember to remain positive - smile!
• If you're wearing any nail polish, make sure it's tidy and a sensible colour.
• Try to maintain eye contact.
• Handshakes
• Don't bite your nails - some employers find that off-putting.

3. Self Presentation

- Linguistic Codes:

• Language - what you say/how you say it.

- Dress Codes:

• Smart/Smart Casual.
• Limited amount of jewelry. 
• Manicured nails.
• Portfolio or breifcase
• Neat, professional hairstyle
• All depends on what job you're going for, but it still matters.

- Interpersonal Skills:

• Interaction and Communication
• Verbal and non verbal skills
• How well you communicate with somebody
• How you cope with other people, from communication/listening/approach and manner. Job interviews use these to see how you would interpret working with other people. 

4. References

Previous jobs will write out positive/negative feedback about how they felt you worked for them. It's very handy for job interviews as the new employee's can get an idea of how you've previously worked.

TASK 8: Research, define and explain the following terms.

• Training on the job & continuing professional development: Employee training at the place of work whilst he/she is doing the actual job. Continuing professional development is the means by which people maintain their knowledge and skills related to their professional lives. 
• Self-training: This is where you learn yourself in your own time.
• Sources of information:

1. Trade Union: A trade union is an organisation of workers in a trade who originally formed to protect their rights as workers.
2. Sector Skills Councils: Usually let by employers who work for to improve the quality of productivity. 
3. Career Services are an organisation who provide guidance, give information and help when looking for work/education. They can help you get a job and change a job. 

TASK 9: Identify the opportunities you have had in the courses that you are currently studying for devloping your functional skills (English, Maths and ICT).

Film and TV Media: I can't really tell if my skills have improved or not with writing. I know I am usually grammatically incorrect most of the time so I can't tell if I have improved. I think I am okay with writing a substantial amounts of work because of this course. I think my presentation skills have improved too, even if it's just talking about an idea I have come up with - I put a lot more time into making things look better. I can't say I've used any Mathematical skills in this class, unless counting days till deadlines count! ICT wise, I have definitely improved. I have learnt basic knowledge on a lot more websites/programs which I will take away with me. This includes Premiere Pro, Flickr and even Blogger.

Performing Arts: With performing, I struggled with the theory side of the course, I always have and I think I always will. I think over the course I have improved due to writing evaluations and multiple log books of rehearsals and performances. It has also improved my vocabulary with different key terms that I hope to take away with me. I don't think Maths has applied to me in Performing Arts whatsoever. Although Media has really helped me understand more variety within ICT, I don't think Performing Arts have. I have had to use Google and Microsoft Word mostly.