Evidence 3 - Understand the Creative Media Employment Market Place

Within the creative media industry there are different options when it comes to considering employment. Different types of business require different skills and interests, so when applying for jobs it is these differences that an individual must consider. They must also consider their own interests in order for them to stay motivated and interested in their work. 

A Public limited company, or a PLC as it is commonly known, is a company where shares may be sold to the public. This is usually using the stock market where shares can be both bought and sold. For example ITV, which is the largest and oldest television network in the UK; is well known but also rather competitive when it comes to applying for jobs. ITV is responsible for broadcasting on the ITV television networks. The market for their services includes broadcasting and interactive media when considering their online catch up services. It’s audience is rather vast and includes a large number of residents in the UK and internationally. PLCs are generally well known companies; because of this it is important to understand that within a large company the job role may require more independent work without as much close support. Securing a job within such a prestigious company may also be more difficult but it does mean that the individual has the reassurance and legitimacy of the well-known brand name. By working under such a brand, the employee may feel more determination to work to company standards and maintain their image than if working for a smaller lesser-known business. Morals will also come into play here as an employee is acting representation of their company at all times. Bad press for that individual becomes bad press for the company and this can be a lot of pressure for someone who cannot handle it.

A Limited company, ‘Ltd’ as it is most often referred to, is a smaller company compared to a PLC. A limited company is where the liability of its members and sponsors is reliant on what has been invested into the company. Shares cannot be sold to the public through a stock exchange but they can be sold privately. GGS would be a good example of this, GGS are well known locally but internationally not so much. GGS provide photography, marketing materials such as graphic and web design and also exhibition equipment. These services are mainly aimed at other companies rather than the general public for marketing benefits. A company such as this one demands for closer teamwork and pressure on individuals to handle workloads. It does also mean that there is more support and a closer working team if there are less people working there. However it does have to be considered that smaller Ltds are more at risk of failing as a business. They don’t so much have the comfort of a brand to hide behind and instead have to rely on their teams to keep them afloat. One advantage of working for a smaller team may also mean that there is more room for progression and it could be quicker to advance through the company. You aren’t in such a big competition to get promotions than what there is in larger companies. Progression happens more naturally as people leave the company and leave their work to others who they have worked with for long periods of time.

A small partnership involves a business operation between 2 
 or more people who share managements and profits. There are several types of partnerships but the main two are general partnerships and limited partnerships. For example a dance studio may have one working partner and dance instructor and another silent partner who invests in the studio. This would be marketed for the entertainment sector. GGS could also be used as an example of this as it began with three partners with surnames making the two G’s and S. Again the market for their services is mainly advertising for other businesses that require marketing to boost their success. There is a lot of pressure when it comes to being a partner. The company tends to rely heavily on the individual and is dependent on their funds to get them started. This would not be for the faint hearted, the success of the company is on the shoulders of the partners and it would take a hard working and determined person with leadership skills to carry out this role.

A family owned business is a business, which is influenced by multiple generations of a family. They inspire more trust and generally are more stable as the business is passed from one family member to another. Investments in the company are longer time and so employees are more committed to the company.  An example of a family owned business in the creative industry is Comcast; an American media and technology company that provide TV, Internet and phone services to many people. Comcast is part of the entertainment industry and potentially the Internet based market. The type of person that a business such as this one demands is someone who is knowledgeable on the family and company history as the legacy of the company is very important. Having this knowledge may inspire an individual to live up to the company and work harder to maintain its image. They can also benefit from learning from the family on how things are done but do have the unfortunate drawback that it will only be family members that are the top decision makers in the company. Family members however will work hard to maintain the family legacy and show determination to succeed not only for themselves but for the family.

A government body is a group of people who are responsible for regulating the decisions and products of a company. For example, Ofcom are a regulating body for the TV and film industry that provide authority and help for companies, consumers and customers. The BBC for example may approach Ofcom for advice on a product, where as a consumer will approach Ofcom if they have concerns or complaints about that product. They provide information and advice to companies that allow them to abide by the law and are sensitive to the needs of the public. A person who works at Ofcom for example should be somebody who has a strong interest in morals and wants to make a difference to broadcasting. That person should be sensitive to issues and conscientious of others. In this case knowledge of religion may also help the individual when considering broadcasting on certain networks. The person should be determined to make a difference and work hard towards that goal.

A school or college is an educational establishment where employees specialise in a certain subject and share their knowledge with pupils. Schools will often, almost always have an educational body such as Ofsted who monitor a school’s progress and give insight to pupils needs. A college, Norwich University of Arts for example will have to provide their creative students with an all round education approved by government bodies. Employees of the college or university will not get much freedom in teaching, as it has to comply with colleges across the country. Once again schools or colleges are the providers of information and that is so to speak their product.  It is important for those working in this type of establishment to be passionate about their subject and who also have an interest in teaching and young people. The person should also consider that they have to be an outgoing person who is confident and hard working. They should aim for respect from students and will only get this by being confident and out spoken. I think it’s also important that they consider that they will follow a strict guide on what they are teaching and so remember that they will not get much creative freedom when it comes to their subject.

A charity is an institute that is established for public benefit. It usually means that the employee will not get paid for their work but may be paid minimum wage if they are working for a reward. MediaTrust are a company who believe that through advertising and communications, the lives of people less fortunate will be improved by building awareness. They require companies to volunteer work in order to get a message across. For example, advertising companies who have the means to create an advert create one that will increase awareness of an illness. A charity does not produce a product as such but instead works for a more moral award. A person applying to work for charity should be one who is passionate about helping others, even if that means working without pay. They should have knowledge about their company ethics and perform work to the best of their ability so to help those they need to.

In conclusion, when applying for jobs an individual must consider their strengths and weaknesses and understand that different types of employment and industry call for different skills. This rule is applicable to all types of employment. In order to stay pro active in their work they should pick a career that will interest them but challenge them also.