Ideas
S.W.O.T., Smart targets, future aims (application of SWOT), 5 year plan,
contacts (who I know), training drama ideas (how to/how not to)
Preparation
Check university site or career/business - look at the qualities?
Make a list of what you want to include?
What to include:
Enthusiasm and interest in your subject: Broadcast Journalism- passionate and enthusiastic about talking and sharing stories with everybody
Previous studies: L3 creative media production
Relevant aspects of jobs/placements/experience/volunteering: written newspaper articles, Sold a video to discovery channel and Daily Mail
SWOT analysis
Strengths
Having a qualification in Level 3 Creative media production & technology at Distinction level is a major strength of mine. Also I am expected to gain a distinction in the extended diploma qualification in the same subject (year 2). To ensure that I achieve this grade I will carry on working hard such as effective research and planning and also act on advice given. This UAL qualification is respected and should open many doors - the course covers a diverse range of aspects to do with media production - from creating adverts to documentaries and live multi-camera projects. It also has developed my skills to a high standard in research, video editing, presenting, audio production and completing detailed planning. My research provides me with in-depth understanding of chosen media productions such as News Broadcasts which allows me to produce high quality content. In my most recent project, I created a news broadcast which involved me carrying extensive research and taught me the important of primary and secondary research to develop an in depth understanding of my chosen media production and also the health story subject I talked about. This research was then used to created the script and develop the production techniques of this broadcast such identifying common shot types in BBC News broadcasts and using them in mine e.g. medium close-ups.To improve my research further I will ensure that I use a diverse range of sources - e.g. at the moment I mostly use websites, so I will try looking at more books to gather research. This project also developed my presentation style such as direct address, speaking clearly with clear pronunciation. My skills I have learnt in carrying out research will be be very useful for a broadcast journalist career as I have learnt the importance of research in journalism from university lecturers at university open days. Managing a team is another skill that has been developed to a high standard in completing the course and my production crew for my multi-camera production even commented on how I was good at giving clear and concise instructions. This also developed my patience. Another one of my skills is that I am confident in using industry leading software (Adobe Premiere Pro) to edit videos - something that will be really useful in editing news packages in broadcast journalism. To improve my editing techniques I am going to ensure I look at areas of editing that I haven't looked at before such as colour grading. Furthermore I have learnt how to set up broadcast equipment such as lavaliere microphones and edit audio in Adobe audition. Another strength is that I am very detailed in what I do e.g. I plan thoroughly which means projects that I carry out a completed to a high standard and everything is organised - my level of detail and planning is something which I often gain lots of praise for.
Weaknesses
One of my weaknesses is I don't have much experience carrying out interviews and after all interviews are very important in broadcast Journalism. To improve this weakness I want to ensure the I carry out different interviews to gain experience and also try different interview techniques such as interrogative style interviews. While I'm at college I could carry out mock interviews with people in my group e.g. pretend that one of them is a politician and try an interrogative style interview on them - this is something I see a lot on TV - journalists scrutinising politicians plans. As many journalists speak to a lot of different people its important you are confident. As I am quite shy this is something I need to work on, I will ensure that this is something that I improve by ensuring that I work with a team more often. Also I am going to ensure that I talk to people that I don't usually talk to, to go outside my comfort zone and therefore improve my confidence. I am becoming more confident but I still often get shy around new people which is something I really needed to work on. Another one of my weaknesses' is that when I am speaking to people I occasionally am not always clear when I speak e.g. my family and friends have said I sometimes speak very quietly or even mumble and as identified from research its important that I have clear communication skills to become a broadcast journalist. The actions I will take to improve this will be practising speaking infant of a camera e.g. in interviews and watching it back, and taking note of any changes that need carrying out. Another weakness is that I am often reluctant to take people's advice on board e.g. if I am carrying out a college project and get feedback from my tutors to try new camera angles for example in a production, I don't always act on this advice which means I can't always improve my work. To improve this I will actively ask tutors for feedback and ensure that when I get feedback I set targets and ensure that I achieve these. Finally one more of my weakness' is that I overthink simple tasks, and dwell on problems that have happened instead of always trying to find solutions. This leads me to get stressed out and worry unnecessarily. To solve this I will take deep breath every time I feel overwhelmed, to promote a calm state of mind and help me carry on working efficiently.
Opportunities
A really big opportunities have is that as my father works at the BBC, he can provide me with contacts to get into the media Industry. I am therefore going to ensure I frequently ask him to keep me updated on any work experience opportunities or contacts that may have work opportunities. Furthermore I will also actively look myself for work experience opportunities for other media organisations such as ITV and Channel 4. Another opportunity is that as my uncle lives in Thailand therefore I could potentially live out there for a while and get a job their to gain experience. Therefore the actions I am going to take is look at Thai media companies, which offer work experience and get in contact I find any appropriate opportunities - this would certainly improve my CV. Finally by completing a university course in journalism it will open many doors to a diverse range of careers such as broadcast journalism e.g. news reporter/news reader/press officer. To ensure that I get onto a journalism course I will ensure that I build a show-reel of my work which showcases journalistic practices such as interviews, news reading, radio work and documentaries. I will also ensure that from now on the projects that I carry out a college e.g. the final major project are related to broadcast journalism scubas creating a news report package.
Threats
A major threat I face is that as I want to live in London as its a place I love and also where many media/journalist jobs are - its a very expensive city which could cause me to get into some financial difficulties. The actions that I will take to ensure I don't get into financial difficulties will be to look at help to buy schemes such as ISA'S so I an't saving to get onto the property ladder. Also as the career path I have chosen is a very crowed market (broadcast journalism) - their are many tv and radio journalists, which means its going to be hard to stand out and be successful in this industry. So therefore the actions that I carry out will be to develop my journalistic practises such as trying out different interview techniques to improve my chances of standing out.
Smart Targets:
I am going to create a show reel showing off my work that demonstrates journalistic practices such as interviews, documentaries and multi-camera news broadcast. This target is measurable as I will reflect on how much progress I had made on it each week e.g. research and production. This target is attainable as I have quite a few weeks to complete this, so I can take my time and ensure its of a high quality. This target is relevant as it will demonstrate my passion, and skills in journalism which is exactly what I need to do as I want to apply for a journalism university course. I will complete this by the 20th January.
I am going to create an interrogative style interview to go into my showreel. This target is measurable as I will reflect on how much progress I had made on it each week e.g. research and production. This target is attainable as I have the tools such as camera's and editing software to create this. This is relevant as it will develop my experience of carrying out interviews - a very important part of journalism. I want to create this by the 20th January.
I am going to visit my three top choice universities again (London Southbank, Salford and UEA) to find out more about the facilities and the course (building on my knowledge I gained from the open days). I will also look at the local area e.g. activities and eateries/bars in the area. This will be measurable, as I will reflect on the information I have found and write down the pro's and cons of each University. This goal is attainable as I live relatively near a train station so I can easily travel to these cities. Furthermore the target is relevant as I have identified that doing a University Degree in Journalism is really important to me, and its important that I find the right one. I want to have completed this task by the 20th January.
Goals
5 years:
10 years:
How do I feel about my future?
The best word to describe how I feel about my future is apprehensive. One of my main fears is not being accepted into my University choices - due to either performing poorly in the university interviews which could be caused by me being nervous. Or not getting the required grades to get into University - although I am on track to achieve good grades. In order to improve my interview technique its important that I research and practice interview techniques to ensure that when I go to the interview I am fully prepared.
Well-being - ways to improve my well-being
Connect... socially?
Talk instead of message
Speak to someone new
Ask someone how are you? - LISTEN
5 mins aside someone else - how are they?
Share a journey
Be active - use the stairs, walk with a friend
Organise group sport
Easy exercise
Walk to talk to someone
Take notice - buy a plant
Clear clutter
Different route
New place to eat
Learn something new e.g. learn something new about a peer, train in something new, read, complete sudoku, crossword, word search, research something you have always wondered about, learn a new word
Give - give to the community, kindness over a period of time
I will connect by ensuring I take multiple different actions to improve other peoples' lives and my own well-being. For example I will ensure that I improve my confidence by speaking to someone new and asking how their day has been. I will ensure that I really listen to them - this will improve their day and also mine, as it will make me feel good about myself. In fact there is some people in my college group that I have barely spoke to, so this will be a good start. I am also going to organise a bowling trip for example at some point with friends, so we can connect socially and share our thoughts and feelings - this will be really good for me, as I usually rely on friends to organise gatherings instead of organising them myself. Another way that I am going to connect, is to connect with nature. For example I currently run indoors on a treadmill, but this gets boring as I am just stuck in one room, so I am going to try running outdoors so I can take in and appreciate nature, such as birds, tree's, beautiful buildings and the different smells. Another way that I am going to improve my well-being, is by connecting more with the food I eat. For example I currently have the same breakfast every morning (toast) but instead I am going to change it up by having yogurt with honey for example, which means I will be more excited to eat breakfast and connect with my food more. Finally I m going to clear my room of clutter. Currently there is a lot of documents on my desks that are scattered everywhere, so therefore I am going to organise these documents into folders - improving my organisation and clearing the clutter will certainly help improve my well-being.
Connect
I will ensure that I improve my confidence by speaking to someone new and asking how their day has been. I will ensure that I really listen to them - this will improve their day and also mine, as it will make me feel good about myself. In fact there is some people in my college group that I have barely spoke to, so this will be a good start. I will do this by the end of this by Friday 24th January.
Be active
I am going to ensure that I am more active, by walking to places instead of driving. For example at the moment I always drive when I go to the local shops even though they are about a 5 minute walk away. By walking I will improve my fitness and it will also be better for the environment. I am going to ensure that I start doing this from today!
Take notice
Another way that I am going to improve my well being is by taking more notice of nature. For example I currently run indoors on a treadmill, but this gets boring as I am just stuck in one room, so I am going to try running outdoors so I can take in and appreciate nature, such as birds, tree's, beautiful buildings and the different smells. I am going to do this from this Thursday (9th January) as that is my running day, and ensure that I try and do this every week onwards.
Learn
I am going to help improve my well-being by learning a new language. In fact, I studied French at school, so I would really like to build on this knowledge. Also it will allow me to connect with locals in France when I next go to France which will be in the near distant future. I am going to start learning from today.
Give
I am going to improve my well-being by volunteering at my local elderly-people's home. By doing this I will be able to listen to some of the people their and have a manful conversation which will improve their day but also make me feel good about myself. I will ensure that I do enquire about this at the weekend.
Mindfulness
Worry bus - Past (its gone and won't come back), present and future
contacts (who I know), training drama ideas (how to/how not to)
Preparation
Check university site or career/business - look at the qualities?
Make a list of what you want to include?
What to include:
- Why you are interested in course/career?
- Enthusiasm for your subject
- Previous studies
- Relevant aspects of jobs/placements/experience/volunteering
- Training
- Demonstrate you are a great candidate
Write it:
- Opening sentence e.g. like a movie trailer (exciting)
- Structure: Beginning, middle and end
- Conclusion reinforces commitment, enthusiasm and skills
- Grammar, spelling and punctuation
- Leave time to do this
Technical details:
- 4000 characters or 47 lines of text including spaces and blank lines
- Don't copy/paste - this can jeopardise your application
Enthusiasm and interest in your subject: Broadcast Journalism- passionate and enthusiastic about talking and sharing stories with everybody
Previous studies: L3 creative media production
Relevant aspects of jobs/placements/experience/volunteering: written newspaper articles, Sold a video to discovery channel and Daily Mail
Strengths
- One of my main strengths is I have a Level 3 Diploma qualification in Creative Media Production & Technology at distinction and I am expected to gain a distinction in the extended diploma qualification in the same subject (year 2).
- This qualification has developed my skills to a high standard in research, video editing, presenting, audio production and completing detailed planning. My research provides me with in-depth understanding of chosen media productions such as News Broadcasts alows me to produce high quality content.
- The project I have completed such as the multi-camera news broadcasts has also developed my presentation style such as direct address, speaking clearly with clear pronunciation. My skills I have learnt in carrying out research will be be very useful for a broadcast journalist career as I have learnt the importance of research in journalism from university lecturers at university open days.
- I have also learnt to effectively manage a team - and my production crew even commented on how I was clear and concise. This also developed my patience.
- I am confident in using industry leading software (Adobe Premeire Pro) to edit videos - something that will be really useful in editing news packages in broadcast journalism. Furthermore I have learnt how to set up broadcast equipment such as lavaliere microphones and edit audio in Adobe audition.
- I am very detailed in what I do e.g. I plan thoroughly which means projects that I carry out a completed to a high standard and everything is organised.
Weaknesses
- Although I have carried out numerous different interviews - I have never carried out any interrogative style interviews. This is something that I want to learn how to carry out, as using different interview techniques play a major role in journalism.
- Also as journalists speak to a lot of different people its important you are confident. As I am quite shy this is something I need to work on, I will ensure that this is something that I improve by ensuring that I work with a team more often in groups.
- Occasioanly I have been known for not always being clear when I am speaking - as identified from research its important that I have clear communication skills to become a broadcast journalist.
- Their has been several occasions when I don't take people's advice on board e.g. in some college projects - its important that I take advice on board in order to improve my work further.
- I often overthink and over complicate simple tasks which causes me to worry unnecessarily.
- Completing a course in Journalism will provide many opportunities such as broadcast journalism e.g. news reporter/news reader.
- My father works in the media industry (at the BBC), so he could provide me with contacts to get into the BBC and other broadcasters
- My Uncle owns property in Thailand so I can go and travel there (traveling is something I love) and potentially work their for a bit.
- One of the biggest threats that I face by going down this career path (broadcast journalism) is that its a very crowed market - their are a lot of tv station journalists and radio journalists so its vital that I stand out from the crowd. Therefore I need to develop something unique about my journalistic style such as developing an integrative style to my interviewing.
- London is a very expensive city to live in so this could cause financial struggles as I want to live there.
Having a qualification in Level 3 Creative media production & technology at Distinction level is a major strength of mine. Also I am expected to gain a distinction in the extended diploma qualification in the same subject (year 2). To ensure that I achieve this grade I will carry on working hard such as effective research and planning and also act on advice given. This UAL qualification is respected and should open many doors - the course covers a diverse range of aspects to do with media production - from creating adverts to documentaries and live multi-camera projects. It also has developed my skills to a high standard in research, video editing, presenting, audio production and completing detailed planning. My research provides me with in-depth understanding of chosen media productions such as News Broadcasts which allows me to produce high quality content. In my most recent project, I created a news broadcast which involved me carrying extensive research and taught me the important of primary and secondary research to develop an in depth understanding of my chosen media production and also the health story subject I talked about. This research was then used to created the script and develop the production techniques of this broadcast such identifying common shot types in BBC News broadcasts and using them in mine e.g. medium close-ups.To improve my research further I will ensure that I use a diverse range of sources - e.g. at the moment I mostly use websites, so I will try looking at more books to gather research. This project also developed my presentation style such as direct address, speaking clearly with clear pronunciation. My skills I have learnt in carrying out research will be be very useful for a broadcast journalist career as I have learnt the importance of research in journalism from university lecturers at university open days. Managing a team is another skill that has been developed to a high standard in completing the course and my production crew for my multi-camera production even commented on how I was good at giving clear and concise instructions. This also developed my patience. Another one of my skills is that I am confident in using industry leading software (Adobe Premiere Pro) to edit videos - something that will be really useful in editing news packages in broadcast journalism. To improve my editing techniques I am going to ensure I look at areas of editing that I haven't looked at before such as colour grading. Furthermore I have learnt how to set up broadcast equipment such as lavaliere microphones and edit audio in Adobe audition. Another strength is that I am very detailed in what I do e.g. I plan thoroughly which means projects that I carry out a completed to a high standard and everything is organised - my level of detail and planning is something which I often gain lots of praise for.
Weaknesses
One of my weaknesses is I don't have much experience carrying out interviews and after all interviews are very important in broadcast Journalism. To improve this weakness I want to ensure the I carry out different interviews to gain experience and also try different interview techniques such as interrogative style interviews. While I'm at college I could carry out mock interviews with people in my group e.g. pretend that one of them is a politician and try an interrogative style interview on them - this is something I see a lot on TV - journalists scrutinising politicians plans. As many journalists speak to a lot of different people its important you are confident. As I am quite shy this is something I need to work on, I will ensure that this is something that I improve by ensuring that I work with a team more often. Also I am going to ensure that I talk to people that I don't usually talk to, to go outside my comfort zone and therefore improve my confidence. I am becoming more confident but I still often get shy around new people which is something I really needed to work on. Another one of my weaknesses' is that when I am speaking to people I occasionally am not always clear when I speak e.g. my family and friends have said I sometimes speak very quietly or even mumble and as identified from research its important that I have clear communication skills to become a broadcast journalist. The actions I will take to improve this will be practising speaking infant of a camera e.g. in interviews and watching it back, and taking note of any changes that need carrying out. Another weakness is that I am often reluctant to take people's advice on board e.g. if I am carrying out a college project and get feedback from my tutors to try new camera angles for example in a production, I don't always act on this advice which means I can't always improve my work. To improve this I will actively ask tutors for feedback and ensure that when I get feedback I set targets and ensure that I achieve these. Finally one more of my weakness' is that I overthink simple tasks, and dwell on problems that have happened instead of always trying to find solutions. This leads me to get stressed out and worry unnecessarily. To solve this I will take deep breath every time I feel overwhelmed, to promote a calm state of mind and help me carry on working efficiently.
Opportunities
A really big opportunities have is that as my father works at the BBC, he can provide me with contacts to get into the media Industry. I am therefore going to ensure I frequently ask him to keep me updated on any work experience opportunities or contacts that may have work opportunities. Furthermore I will also actively look myself for work experience opportunities for other media organisations such as ITV and Channel 4. Another opportunity is that as my uncle lives in Thailand therefore I could potentially live out there for a while and get a job their to gain experience. Therefore the actions I am going to take is look at Thai media companies, which offer work experience and get in contact I find any appropriate opportunities - this would certainly improve my CV. Finally by completing a university course in journalism it will open many doors to a diverse range of careers such as broadcast journalism e.g. news reporter/news reader/press officer. To ensure that I get onto a journalism course I will ensure that I build a show-reel of my work which showcases journalistic practices such as interviews, news reading, radio work and documentaries. I will also ensure that from now on the projects that I carry out a college e.g. the final major project are related to broadcast journalism scubas creating a news report package.
Threats
A major threat I face is that as I want to live in London as its a place I love and also where many media/journalist jobs are - its a very expensive city which could cause me to get into some financial difficulties. The actions that I will take to ensure I don't get into financial difficulties will be to look at help to buy schemes such as ISA'S so I an't saving to get onto the property ladder. Also as the career path I have chosen is a very crowed market (broadcast journalism) - their are many tv and radio journalists, which means its going to be hard to stand out and be successful in this industry. So therefore the actions that I carry out will be to develop my journalistic practises such as trying out different interview techniques to improve my chances of standing out.
Smart Targets:
I am going to create a show reel showing off my work that demonstrates journalistic practices such as interviews, documentaries and multi-camera news broadcast. This target is measurable as I will reflect on how much progress I had made on it each week e.g. research and production. This target is attainable as I have quite a few weeks to complete this, so I can take my time and ensure its of a high quality. This target is relevant as it will demonstrate my passion, and skills in journalism which is exactly what I need to do as I want to apply for a journalism university course. I will complete this by the 20th January.
I am going to create an interrogative style interview to go into my showreel. This target is measurable as I will reflect on how much progress I had made on it each week e.g. research and production. This target is attainable as I have the tools such as camera's and editing software to create this. This is relevant as it will develop my experience of carrying out interviews - a very important part of journalism. I want to create this by the 20th January.
I am going to visit my three top choice universities again (London Southbank, Salford and UEA) to find out more about the facilities and the course (building on my knowledge I gained from the open days). I will also look at the local area e.g. activities and eateries/bars in the area. This will be measurable, as I will reflect on the information I have found and write down the pro's and cons of each University. This goal is attainable as I live relatively near a train station so I can easily travel to these cities. Furthermore the target is relevant as I have identified that doing a University Degree in Journalism is really important to me, and its important that I find the right one. I want to have completed this task by the 20th January.
Goals
5 years:
- In the next 5 years I would like to have achieved a 1st class degree at University in a Journalism/Broadcast Journalism. Furthermore its really important that I live in London as its a city that I have always loved, and have lots of family their. Travelling is also something that I thoroughly enjoy- a place that I haven't explored is South East Asia, I would love to travel to Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Travelling would also allow me to meet new people and form connections all over the world. Another goal that I would like to achieve is to complete a barista course as I absolutely love freshly ground coffee. Perhaps the most important thing above all of this though is that I am contempt with life and happy/healthy. I would even like to go on a meditation retreat for two weeks to try and find peace in my mind.
10 years:
- In 10 years time I would like to have started the process of purchasing a flat in London - its important that I have a place to call my own. Its also important that the flat has a nice kitchen as this is the favourite place in my house. Also in 10 years time I would have liked to have achieved my aim of becoming a broadcast journalist for an organisation such as BBC or ITV. Again like I mentioned before its important that I still remain contempt and happy/healthy.
How do I feel about my future?
The best word to describe how I feel about my future is apprehensive. One of my main fears is not being accepted into my University choices - due to either performing poorly in the university interviews which could be caused by me being nervous. Or not getting the required grades to get into University - although I am on track to achieve good grades. In order to improve my interview technique its important that I research and practice interview techniques to ensure that when I go to the interview I am fully prepared.
Well-being - ways to improve my well-being
Connect... socially?
Talk instead of message
Speak to someone new
Ask someone how are you? - LISTEN
5 mins aside someone else - how are they?
Share a journey
Be active - use the stairs, walk with a friend
Organise group sport
Easy exercise
Walk to talk to someone
Take notice - buy a plant
Clear clutter
Different route
New place to eat
Learn something new e.g. learn something new about a peer, train in something new, read, complete sudoku, crossword, word search, research something you have always wondered about, learn a new word
Give - give to the community, kindness over a period of time
I will connect by ensuring I take multiple different actions to improve other peoples' lives and my own well-being. For example I will ensure that I improve my confidence by speaking to someone new and asking how their day has been. I will ensure that I really listen to them - this will improve their day and also mine, as it will make me feel good about myself. In fact there is some people in my college group that I have barely spoke to, so this will be a good start. I am also going to organise a bowling trip for example at some point with friends, so we can connect socially and share our thoughts and feelings - this will be really good for me, as I usually rely on friends to organise gatherings instead of organising them myself. Another way that I am going to connect, is to connect with nature. For example I currently run indoors on a treadmill, but this gets boring as I am just stuck in one room, so I am going to try running outdoors so I can take in and appreciate nature, such as birds, tree's, beautiful buildings and the different smells. Another way that I am going to improve my well-being, is by connecting more with the food I eat. For example I currently have the same breakfast every morning (toast) but instead I am going to change it up by having yogurt with honey for example, which means I will be more excited to eat breakfast and connect with my food more. Finally I m going to clear my room of clutter. Currently there is a lot of documents on my desks that are scattered everywhere, so therefore I am going to organise these documents into folders - improving my organisation and clearing the clutter will certainly help improve my well-being.
Connect
I will ensure that I improve my confidence by speaking to someone new and asking how their day has been. I will ensure that I really listen to them - this will improve their day and also mine, as it will make me feel good about myself. In fact there is some people in my college group that I have barely spoke to, so this will be a good start. I will do this by the end of this by Friday 24th January.
Be active
I am going to ensure that I am more active, by walking to places instead of driving. For example at the moment I always drive when I go to the local shops even though they are about a 5 minute walk away. By walking I will improve my fitness and it will also be better for the environment. I am going to ensure that I start doing this from today!
Take notice
Another way that I am going to improve my well being is by taking more notice of nature. For example I currently run indoors on a treadmill, but this gets boring as I am just stuck in one room, so I am going to try running outdoors so I can take in and appreciate nature, such as birds, tree's, beautiful buildings and the different smells. I am going to do this from this Thursday (9th January) as that is my running day, and ensure that I try and do this every week onwards.
Learn
I am going to help improve my well-being by learning a new language. In fact, I studied French at school, so I would really like to build on this knowledge. Also it will allow me to connect with locals in France when I next go to France which will be in the near distant future. I am going to start learning from today.
Give
I am going to improve my well-being by volunteering at my local elderly-people's home. By doing this I will be able to listen to some of the people their and have a manful conversation which will improve their day but also make me feel good about myself. I will ensure that I do enquire about this at the weekend.
Mindfulness
Worry bus - Past (its gone and won't come back), present and future
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