Intro
Career and Development for JCP Apprentices (Junior Content Development) focuses on supporting apprentices in understanding how to deal with their own career development but also how to demonstrate the different standards related to networking and career development:
My personal advice on Career Development as a JCP Apprentice is:
It is very important to start Managing your Career Development now. As you are developing from an apprentice to a professional digital content producer, you realise that to give yourself the opportunity to reach your job (role), and ideal salary goals, you will have to dedicate a lot of time to your career development plan.
Before you make a choice, you will evaluate the skillset you need:
Research is important for a content producer
Researching: You will find yourself having to constantly research different topics in content production. This may or may not include:
- Target audience: Depending on the content you will be producing, researching audiences is a skill that requires knowledge of different types of audiences and how they consume and react to content. A starting point would be understanding generational marketing and B2B marketing
- Content: Trends are constantly changing over the years and knowing what’s in trend or researching different types of content would be beneficial, for example:
- Graphic Design is such a good knowledge to have to keep you going with a creative flair, not all content must start with digital equipment, some wonderful advertisements have been created using traditional media and art forms. Research these and try to learn at least some traditional media (clay animation, video production editing methods (Green screen), etc…
- Tech Trends: As you are most likely going to be working for digital media, it is very important that you research and are aware of the trends:
- In gaming: app games, game development
- In new consumer tech trends: understanding what devices audiences use and what platforms they love interacting on is very important
- AI and other tech: We are all aware that AI is more and more becoming a must in both content development and marketing, It is really important that you start looking at and developing AI and try to understand both the front-end and back-end developments in AI.
- Marketing: Most content producers work developing content for marketing and advertising, and understanding the marketing basics would be good for you and your career.
- SMStudy offers a great intro to marketing courses along with qualifications that are free: Free Certifications.
- Along with understanding the basics of marketing, you will need to stay up-to-date with marketing trends, and networking or being part of a network such as the DMI (Digital Marketing Institute) would be beneficial.
- Content Production: Unfortunately, content producers must be skilled at least in production technique, You must make a choice of the production types you would like to work with as your career evolves:
- Creative Writing: Digital content producers develop the craft of storytelling, as you might often have to develop copy or scripts in line with your brand and client project requirements.
- Website Production: Understanding how and being able to plan and build websites, looking at back-end and front-end development, will give you not only the skills but also a full understanding of on-page and off-page SEO. The only issue is making a choice in the content management system you will pick for learning and development, but rest assured that once you know CMS, it is easy to adapt to most. Along with website development skills acquisition, it would be advisable for you to pass both the Analytics Individual Qualification and Search Ads 360 Certification (extra value on your CV).
- Graphic and Digital Design: Understanding how to design with an audience and the different design theories in mind will ensure that
- Industry Sector: Understanding industry sectors is crucial for content producers. You should consider targeting specific industries in your career plan. Here’s why:
- Specialisation: Focusing on a particular industry allows you to become an expert in that niche. This specialisation can make you more valuable to employers or clients within that industry.
- Tailored Content: Different industries have unique needs and audiences. By targeting specific sectors, you can tailor your content to resonate with those audiences more effectively.
- Networking Opportunities: Concentrating on a specific industry helps you build a network within that sector. Networking can open doors to job opportunities and collaborations with industry leaders.
- In-Depth Knowledge: When you work extensively in one industry, you gain in-depth knowledge of its trends, challenges, and opportunities. This knowledge can be a significant asset in your content production career.
- Career Growth: As you gain experience and recognition within a specific industry, your career can progress more rapidly. Employers often value content producers who understand the nuances of their industry.
- Consider researching and identifying industries that align with your interests and career goals. Your career plan can then include strategies for entering and excelling in your chosen industry sector. Remember that flexibility is essential, and you can adapt your focus as your career evolves.
Managing your Career and Development
Dedicate some time to your own development: Unfortunately, the content and multimedia fields are fast-paced, and things are constantly evolving. Make sure that you dedicate some time (preferably weekly):
- To research design trends, for more than 10 years I used to buy Digital Arts magazines monthly and follow tutorials in different software (Digital Arts, Photoshop Advanced). Now you will find millions of free online resources with courses to help you develop specific software skills.
- to research content trends
- to research specific leaders in your preferred creative field (art, art and craft, animation, 3D, architecture, film, writing, etc.).
Start your brand
Create your own logo, your own visual language, your business cards, and your portfolio. Be ready to drop off your card at any time, online, or in person.
Push your brand a bit more and set your creative profile on People per hour, Fivver, Adobe
Don’t just spend hours on social networks watching the influencers in your field, become one.
If you have a passion for a specific field, thing, or talent, just share it with the world. At least this will force you to practise what you preach:
Find the Gap in your field on YouTube and make tutorials or talk about it. For example, there are a lot of tutorials on 3D software, but there is a big gap in some specific topics. This might take you hours of research but it will be worthwhile
Let’s face it, if you have to create your own website, you will definitely be fishing around for the best solution for you and your project. Sure, a website is an investment, but a small one. For example, you will find quite a few web hosting companies that are offering honest, cheap, and secure services for around 5 pounds a month, plus the cost of your domain name for a year.