One of the best ways to get television work experience is to seek out internships and volunteer opportunities. In order to do so, you may need to get some sort of training or education that will qualify you for such positions, though this is not always the case. It helps to narrow down your search for television work experience by determining what facet of television interests you the most; then you can research what qualifications you will need in order to secure work later on. Working toward these qualifications will give you a big advantage over other job candidates.
It is possible to get unpaid internships while you are in high school or college so you can get television work experience. These positions are generally temporary, and you are likely to perform fairly menial tasks, but you will be able to learn valuable skills from people working in the industry and be able to establish important contacts that may be able to help you get a full time position later on. Research internships offered by television stations or other entities and find the ones that fit your interests and skill set the best.
Another way to get television work experience is to apply for an entry-level position within the industry. You may need a college degree or post-secondary training in order to get such positions, so be sure to find out what the typical qualifications are for the jobs that interest you. If you attend a college or other school be sure to visit any career counseling centers or academic advisors who may be able to help you find television work experience that's right for you. If no such departments exist at your school, you may be able to find career counseling services within your city or town.
One way to get television work experience is to take part in a local television station's broadcasting operations. You are not likely to get paid for such work, but you will be able to learn more about the equipment and processes used in the television production realm. You may even be able to produce, direct, or star in your own show, which is a great way to develop a demo reel if you want to become an on-air personality or actor. Cameramen and light technicians, as well as set designers, sound engineers, and hair and makeup artists can all hone their skills at the local level.
