Media Personal Statement

During my lifetime, the way in which media is produced and consumed has changed in leaps and bounds. When I was born television was the cutting-edge medium, largely offering shows produced by and containing professional actors and broadcasting professionals. Now, as I have reached an age where I can think about my career options, due to technological advances audio-visual and print media can be consumed virtually anywhere, and can be produced by anybody with access to just a few pieces of consumer electronics. People of my generation have benefitted from these advances for a wide range of reasons, but in my particular case it has helped me to realise that a career based around my passion for a range of forms of media is not beyond my grasp. With the right studies and training, I believe that I have the skills and determination to succeed in the fascinating world of media. My media interests are broad, ranging from the web and print journalism to radio, film and television. My enthusiasm for all these types of media from the perspective of a consumer of media has developed an entirely new dimension through taking media studies at school. In the two years that I have been taking the subject, I have felt privileged to be able to learn the theories behind different forms of media, but above all I have loved discovering the practical side of media production, whether classes have involved learning about using hardware and software, or putting into practice the production techniques that we have studied. The combination of theory and practice has also changed the way I consume media. For example, I now watch news reports with much more of a critical eye, aware of the ways in which editing and other post-production techniques can be used to present information from a particular perspective.

I am eager to immerse myself in the theories and practice of media production through university study, not to mention have the chance to work with like-minded young people who are equally keen to work in this exciting industry. I am particularly excited by the prospect of being able to work on in-depth productions projects that will allow me to gain expertise in using modern production technology. Inspired by what I have studied so far and my pre-existing love of TV, radio, journalism and the web, I am determined to learn the skills required to pursue a successful career in the media industry. I feel I have many of the personal attributes that are beneficial for a career in media production. I am hardworking and prepared to make considerable sacrifices for work that motivates me; I enjoy working with other people in a creative environment; I thrive under pressure; I love to communicate.

My interest in being involved in media production has been strengthened by my recent work experience. Over the summer I worked as a general assistant at a radio station. The experience was a great introduction to the challenges of working in live media; I learnt that it is crucial for each member of the team to be highly skilled in their role to avoid mistakes. I gained a thorough grounding in using a wide range of equipment. I particularly enjoyed learning how to use editing equipment; I learn that good editing is an absolutely essential skill in media production, and it could even be argued that it is one of the fundamental factors that divide professional broadcasting from the work of amateurs. I also gained experience in some of the preparation work that many people would not realise is central to the production process, such as researching material and fact-checking. This placement has had a big influence on my decision to study media production. It gave me a taste on how rewarding and addictive working in this sector can be, and also taught me thorough training is an essential  pre-requisite for entering the industry. Indeed, I enjoyed the experience so much that I am continuing to volunteer at the radio station.