What do you do if your media production education isn't translating into tangible results?

Review and update your status to your Network. If you do not have a "network" - use social media tools, go to events, introduce yourself. When you are working either in person or remotely - make a point of getting to know others. If you remember their name and expertise, and personal interests - this supports casual as well as professional interactions, chats, and exchange. People hire who they know, remember and are confident with their skills.

In media production, translating education into results can be challenging. Start with self-assessment to identify strengths and weaknesses. Bridge knowledge gaps through continuous learning. Networking is crucial for opportunities and feedback. Showcase your skills through a polished portfolio. Be open to feedback and adapt based on it. Explore alternative career paths if traditional roles aren't working. Persistence and resilience are key; embrace failure as a learning opportunity. With dedication and a growth mindset, success in media production is achievable.

Find another career. If you can't tell a good (and honest) story, try plumbing or become a vet tech. You can get a 4.0 in college but the real grade is your work and having repeat customers.

I have done all kinds of production, writing and direction workshops, but when it comes to results I think the its only practical work that can get you there. The more you do, the more you learn. And it's only the practical education that actually works. Theory is only half knowledge. Applying it on the job, is what results in failure or success. Learn. Work. Fail/Succeed. Assess. Adapt. Learn. Work.

In commercial radio for instance, it can be hard to get the skills needed from schools. Broadening the skills set with good O365 knowledge may sometimes do the trick. Office environment sometimes requires persons that can produce different kinds of presentations and at the same time understand the basics of radio/marketing. Also ability to fetch data from BI-platform and transform them to to nice visuals would be a great plus.

Media is always changing! Stay relevant by learning new skills like editing software, content platforms, or even VR/AR production. Invest in yourself to open doors to new opportunities

An artist always adds to his palette of colours, a craftsman always keeps his tools sharp, makes new ones, and learns newer techniques, and this is how humanity progresses.

The media landscape continues to shift and morph on a daily basis. Your initial education may have built you a solid foundation. but you have to continue learning skills and technologies to keep yourself relevant in the job market. Keeping aware of market trends and adding to your portfolio to show that you are staying current can be very helpful.

Network Most production jobs come with a lot of responsibility. Interning for a professional who can mentor and provide honest feedback is a great foundation. Face to face is essential. And always, always send a hand written thank you note after an interview.

One thing that is very important for the professionals in video production and broadcasting is to improve their skills and knowledge about the latest technology. With a little search we can easily find the material online that can open new windows in your minds, so please do give time to learn new stuff. Even if it's about a new camera or lighting equipment or even if it's about how to use chatgpt to help your work.

In the media field, it's important to have a clear understanding of your goals and motivations. Ask yourself why you chose this field and what you hope to contribute to it. Media offers a platform to share information, entertain, and influence perspectives. Focus on what you want to give to your audience and the impact you want to make. When it comes to your experience in the media field, keep in mind that it's a constantly evolving industry. Stay adaptable and open to learning new skills and technologies. Read extensively to stay informed about current trends, industry news, and the interests of your target audience. Cultivate a habit of continuous self-improvement and personal growth.

When hiring crew I'm basing my decision on two primary things: What level of real-world experience you have and how easy you are to work with. The first is helped by a resume and a reel, the second with recommendations and my first impression of you. Your media education means very little, sorry. This industry is mostly a trade and you learn a trade best by doing. It has a lot of oddballs in it, too, and no one can afford to put an oddball in front of a client (especially on a small crew) thus the importance of recommendations. Your reputation on set is crucial - build it and protect it.

Analyze past projects and feedback to identify what shines and what needs work. Embrace constructive criticism to refine your approach. Maybe there's a media niche that's a perfect fit for your skills and passions. This adaptation could involve a shift in focus or even a personal rebrand within the industry to find your ideal spot.

I just wanted to add one thing, we should learn to be open about feedback, not only from the mentors or colleagues but also from the common man like if you have made an ad film you should also show it to your driver or office boy to get the response from them. Once you learn how to get a response you will learn how to make a good film to get a good response next time.

Because media is such a wide landscape, it might be good to re-evaluate where we add value currently. If we had been positioned as cast or content creator before, what else do we now bring to the table? E.g. Writing, marketing, seeking new audiences by specialising or supporting specific industries. Having meet-ups with fellow media practitioners in various fields may reveal new areas of growth and potential development for us. With media practitioners, we're usually consumed by work that we don't intentionally organise such opportunities to have these conversations. So we need to schedule it in.

Seek honest feedback from mentors, colleagues, or industry experts. Their fresh perspective can reveal blind spots and offer valuable insights to improve your craft. Yes, constructive criticism can sting, but it's often the rocket fuel that launches your career forward. So, view it as an investment in your ongoing professional education.

Make sure that you continue to keep your portfolio current. Relying only on projects you do at work may not be enough depending on your responsibilities and the industry you are in. Ideating and executing personal projects that in the lane that you are trying to go in can be very valuable for personal branding/marketing as well as self-study.