Media

For service leavers, the media industry offers a wide range of opportunities to apply skills developed during military service. Careers span television and film, journalism, publishing, radio and podcasts, digital and social media, advertising, communications and public relations.

The sector increasingly blends traditional media with digital platforms, streaming and short-form content, creating roles both in front of the camera and behind the scenes. Service experience in communication, leadership, organisation, teamwork and performing under pressure can provide a strong foundation for a new career in this fast-changing industry.

What does a career in media involve?

Media careers are highly varied, covering creative, technical, editorial and communications roles. Depending on your interests and experience, you might work in television, film, radio, journalism, publishing, social media, public relations, advertising or digital content.

Typical roles include:

• Content creation: Writing, filming, editing or producing material for television, websites, social platforms, podcasts and other digital channels.
• Production: Working behind the scenes in areas such as research, production management, camera, sound, lighting and post-production.
• Journalism: Researching stories, interviewing people, checking facts and producing content for print, broadcast and online audiences.
• Public relations and communications: Managing an organisation’s reputation, producing press releases, dealing with journalists and creating content for external and internal audiences.
• Technical roles: Supporting broadcasting, editing, studio operations, digital systems and other specialist production technologies.

Working patterns vary considerably. Some jobs are office or studio based, while others involve location work, events, travel, irregular hours or freelance contracts. Across the sector, strong communication, creativity, organisation, attention to detail and the ability to work well under pressure are particularly valuable.

Translating Military Skills to Media Roles

Many skills developed during military service transfer well into media careers, particularly where roles involve planning, communication, technical systems or working under pressure.

• Leadership and project management: Experience of coordinating people, resources and deadlines can translate well into production management, production co-ordination and other behind-the-scenes roles.
• Strategic communication: Writing briefs, reports or public-facing communications can provide a useful foundation for public relations, corporate communications, journalism and content development.
• Technical expertise: Experience with communications systems, audio-visual equipment or other technical platforms may be relevant to broadcasting, studio operations, camera, sound and digital production roles.
• Adaptability and decision-making: Media work often involves changing schedules, tight deadlines and unexpected developments. The ability to remain calm, make decisions and adapt quickly can be especially valuable in journalism, live broadcasting and production.
• Teamwork and attention to detail: Productions depend on people from different disciplines working closely together. Accuracy, organisation and the ability to follow complex plans are valuable across both creative and technical roles.

Military experience will not replace the specialist skills required for every media job, but it can provide strong evidence of the professional qualities employers look for. The key is to translate Service responsibilities into language that clearly demonstrates their relevance to the role.

Building a Portfolio and Showcasing Experience

For many media roles, particularly creative and production-based careers, a strong portfolio can be just as important as formal qualifications. It gives employers practical evidence of what you can do and is especially valuable for service leavers who may not have a traditional media background.

Depending on the role, your portfolio might include:

• Written articles, blogs, scripts or press releases.
• Photography, graphics or social media content.
• Video, audio or multimedia projects.
• A short showreel featuring your best filmed or edited work.
• Examples of communications campaigns or content strategies.
• Volunteer, freelance or personal projects.
• Evidence of results, such as audience growth, engagement or successful campaigns.

If you include work produced as part of a team, make your own contribution clear. Keep the portfolio focused on your strongest and most relevant work, and provide a link on your CV, LinkedIn profile and job applications.

You do not need to wait until you have professional media experience. Creating your own articles, videos, podcasts or social content can demonstrate initiative while helping you develop the practical skills employers want to see.

Online Job Boards and Career Websites

Media vacancies can be found through general platforms such as LinkedIn and Indeed, but specialist UK websites are particularly useful:

• ScreenSkills: Careers information, training, entry programmes and vacancies across film, television, animation, VFX and games.
• The Talent Manager: A major UK recruitment platform for television, film and media, including freelance and entry-level opportunities.
• Journalism.co.uk: Advertises journalism, editorial and digital-media vacancies across the UK.
• Grapevinejobs: Covers television, broadcast, video, post-production and wider media roles.
• Employer websites: Broadcasters, publishers, production companies and communications agencies often advertise directly through their own careers pages.

For service leavers, it is also worth searching through the Career Transition Partnership (CTP) and checking the Government’s Armed Forces Covenant employer directory for organisations that have made specific commitments to veterans, reservists and military families.

Some major media organisations have formal Armed Forces commitments. Sky, for example, is an Armed Forces Covenant signatory and has committed to supporting veteran employment and working with the CTP to provide pathways for service leavers.

Do not limit your search to traditional broadcasters. Opportunities also exist with production companies, publishers, communications agencies, streaming businesses, sports organisations, charities, government bodies and corporate in-house media teams.

Specific Job Roles in Media

Broadcast journalist

Responsibilities: Research stories, verify information, conduct interviews, write scripts and produce reports for television, radio and digital platforms.

Key skills: Excellent written and verbal communication, research, accuracy, curiosity and the ability to work under pressure.

For service leavers: Experience in public affairs, intelligence, briefing or communications can provide a useful foundation. Building a portfolio or showreel through podcasts, community radio, online journalism or voluntary projects can help demonstrate civilian media skills.

TV or film production manager

Responsibilities: Manage the practical and financial side of productions, including schedules, budgets, crews, locations, suppliers and health and safety.

Key skills: Leadership, organisation, budgeting, problem-solving and the ability to keep complex projects on schedule.

For service leavers: Experience of operations, logistics, project management and leading teams can transfer well. However, production managers normally need a strong understanding of the screen-production process, so entry through production assistant, co-ordinator or trainee roles may be necessary.

Digital content creator

Responsibilities: Produce written, visual, video or audio content for websites, social media and other digital channels.

Key skills: Creativity, writing, filming and editing, audience awareness and an understanding of digital platforms and analytics.

For service leavers: Personal projects can be an excellent way to build experience. Creating videos, articles, podcasts or social content also provides material for a portfolio.

Public relations and communications officer

Responsibilities: Manage reputation, develop communications campaigns, write press releases and social content, respond to media enquiries and build relationships with journalists and stakeholders.

Key skills: Clear writing, strategic communication, judgement, relationship-building and the ability to respond calmly when issues develop quickly.

For service leavers: Public affairs, briefing, stakeholder management and crisis communications experience can be particularly relevant. Professional PR qualifications and apprenticeships can help bridge any gaps in civilian-sector knowledge.

Video editor

Responsibilities: Select and assemble footage, work with sound and graphics, improve picture quality and create a finished production for film, television or online platforms.

Key skills: Editing software, storytelling, attention to detail, organisation and the ability to respond to creative feedback.

For service leavers: Technical experience can provide a useful starting point, but employers will want evidence of editing ability. Building a strong showreel and developing proficiency with current editing software are important.

Sound engineer or technician

Responsibilities: Record, monitor, edit and mix sound for studios, broadcasts, film and television productions or live events.

Key skills: Audio technology, problem-solving, concentration, attention to detail and teamwork.

For service leavers: Experience with communications, electronics or audio equipment may transfer well. Practical training and experience with professional sound equipment and software will usually be needed.

Social media manager

Responsibilities: Plan social-media strategies, create and edit content, manage online communities, monitor trends and analyse campaign performance.

Key skills: Writing, creativity, audience awareness, data analysis and knowledge of evolving social platforms.

For service leavers: Communication and adaptability are useful foundations, but employers increasingly expect evidence that you can create content and interpret analytics. Managing a charity, community or personal account can help build experience.

Photographer or camera professional

Responsibilities: Capture and edit images or footage for journalism, advertising, documentaries, corporate communications and digital media.

Key skills: Camera operation, lighting, composition, visual storytelling and image or video editing.

For service leavers: Military photography, surveillance or imagery experience may provide relevant technical skills. A strong portfolio remains one of the most important ways to demonstrate your ability to prospective employers or freelance clients.