This year marks 10 years since the bursary schemes were launched, which aim to widen participation in, and access to, the media industry by supporting talented students from low-income backgrounds who are pursuing careers in television, film or related media industries.
Launching later this month (September), the RTS Mini MBA, a first in the industry, is aimed at media professionals who are focused on broadening their skillset and progressing their careers, as well as those in adjacent sectors who are seeking a thorough grounding in television and streaming media. The new initiative, that is CPD accredited, follows a DCMS report, ‘Creative Industries Sector Vision’, that highlighted a vital gap in professional training in the media sector.
The RTS is delighted to announce that British television presenter AJ Odudu will be an Ambassador for the scheme, which will see her meeting and mentoring the scholars and attending bursaries events, as well as using her platform to highlight the importance of the RTS bursary schemes for up-and-coming talent in the television industry.
The dinner was combined with speeches from newly awarded RTS Fellows (an award offered to those who have offered outstanding contributions to the UK television industry). Amongst them were Succession creator Jesse Armstrong, and screenwriters Abi Morgan (The Split) and Jack Thorne (Best Interests). Meanwhile 100 past and present scholars were busy making valuable connections with each other, as well as the TV veterans.
Kicking off the online event, Edi Smockum, MD of recruitment specialist ThinkBigger!, whose clients include Channel 4, said the aim of a CV was to “get a clear and positive account of what you have to offer”.
She said a CV can run to up two pages, “but never be embarrassed if you’re a new entrant – one page is absolutely fine”. It should, she said: “stress achievements and skills”; “get your key messages across quickly and strongly at the very beginning”; and “keep the presentation simple”.
