Classroom assistant/journalism - advice needed

tilly-roo

Hi,

Basically (it's a long story) I have a gap between now and September where I won't be in education. Come September I will be at college 3 days a week doing an access course and the September after that I will be off to university.

However, to fill in the gaps of no education (and obviously, to earn some money) I need to find a full time job, however I want to do something I will enjoy/get some valuable work experience from rather than something very mindless and mundane, as I had a job like this for 8 months last year and I vowed never again!

I want to go in to journalism/writing of some kind and so I was thinking of trying to see if I could get a job of some sort with the media in my area but I am clueless as to how to approach this.

Alternatively, I'd be very interested in becoming a classroom assistant (I did this for my work experienced and loved it) as the summer before I go to uni I intend to teach in africa and would like some experience. I'm not sure what, if anything, I need to be able to do this job. Also I am only 18 and worry that my age would go against me, but I would mostly be interested in working in a primary school, not a secondary school.

I was just wondering if anybody had some advice for any of the above - much appreciated!

poker_face

tilly-roo wrote: »

Hi,

Basically (it's a long story) I have a gap between now and September where I won't be in education. Come September I will be at college 3 days a week doing an access course and the September after that I will be off to university.

However, to fill in the gaps of no education (and obviously, to earn some money) I need to find a full time job, however I want to do something I will enjoy/get some valuable work experience from rather than something very mindless and mundane, as I had a job like this for 8 months last year and I vowed never again!

I want to go in to journalism/writing of some kind and so I was thinking of trying to see if I could get a job of some sort with the media in my area but I am clueless as to how to approach this.

Alternatively, I'd be very interested in becoming a classroom assistant (I did this for my work experienced and loved it) as the summer before I go to uni I intend to teach in africa and would like some experience. I'm not sure what, if anything, I need to be able to do this job. Also I am only 18 and worry that my age would go against me, but I would mostly be interested in working in a primary school, not a secondary school.

I was just wondering if anybody had some advice for any of the above - much appreciated!

Have you got any sort of relevant experience or qualifications?

Oldernotwiser

I'm afraid that I'm going to have to be rather negative about both these options. Whilst either of them might be possible as a volunteer, I really think that you have virtually no chance of either as paid work.

Working in schools is now very competitive as it's ideal work for people with school age children and most people will have qualifications, experience and be older than you. As for a temporary job in media for someone of your age with no qualifications - be realistic! Even media studies graduates often have to start in unpaid positions to get their first job!

I think that you need to just get any job you can to pay your bills and to save for college and university. This will apply now and also whilst you're studying. Most people find they have to do the mundane stuff for money and the interesting, career related stuff on a voluntary basis.

I really hate to pour cold water on someone of your age but I have to be honest or I'd be misleading you. Good luck for the future, though.

Sharon87

I agree. It will be very hard to get paid work in the media sector at 18. You could do some voluntary work to get valuable experience, but don't count on it being paid.

My advice is get a shop job or office work. Register with a few agencies. I done a week's work at an office between college and uni and enjoyed it. I hated the factory work and would never do it again, but it was better pay lol.

TigersEye

I love being a Classroom Assistant, have been doing it for a few years but unfortunately not managed to get full time job as a Classroom Assistant, because it is so competitive, best job I've ever had, but unfortunately it's not going to make me rich.

I've worked in shops, offices and other areas, hated every job

Sazzyukrafc

Again have to agree...I am 23, and a fully qualified Journalist (degree and NCTJ) and experienced freelancer. I have a lot of experience in the media and editorial roles, and so you will be up against people like me who have their degrees for all media roles.

tilly-roo

Thanks for the advice everyone. I might look in to getting some work experience in my local area.

poet123

poker_face wrote: »

Have you got any sort of relevant experience or qualifications?

The CRB check is an important part of working with children,so if you volunteer at your local primary school(who will be glad to have you!)they will send off the check for you,and this will be one hurdle over.

I agree that paid work in this area is a prize,but onec you have some voluntary experience under your belt(and hopefully references from the school you volunteer at) and your CRB,you could approach an agency for supply work.

Approach your old Primary school,they will probably be glad to have you,good luck

Sazzyukrafc

If you fancy a career in the media, doing work experience is a great idea. It looks fantastic on your CV and shows you have a big interest in it. I had to have experience in Journalism to apply to my university, so I went to my local newspaper for two weeks. You'll also get some published work for your portfolio

pandora205

My daughter was looking for work experience when she applied to uni to do broadcast journalism. She looked around locally and found a small local internet TV company and did some shadowing/assisting there, which was great experience for her. She went to a number of events such as local football matches, being with the camera crew and journalist in the press box, which she really enjoyed despite knowing nothing about football.

This wasn't paid work but did impress at interview for courses!

purple12

You can always start your own blog anyway. Work on it, write regularly and it could act as a part of a portfolio. Although not necessarily overly interested in a career in journalism, I did that and have as a result written for publications on a freelance basis - which is something I never thought I'd ever be in a position to do. It is also something positive you can do for yourself with no outgoings and shows some initiative and desire to write.