Candidates with various kinds of background and experiences can become a researcher. Practical experience of media production with a good network of contacts in the media industry will make your place in the field. With a background in journalism you can move into programme research. People without journalism background can perform well in non –media field like social or political research. You can gain experience by getting involved in student film or TV productions. Work experiences with local newspapers or student publications are also valuable. Woking with hospital or community radio and unpaid placements on TV or radio productions can also ad to the experience. It is helpful to attend courses in media production, as they provide work placements to enhance practical skills. Further development opportunities are with TV broadcasters, regional screen agencies and TRC media which offer training for media researchers. Experienced hands can take short term courses in business and production skills. Film schools, private training companies, TRC media and the Producers’ Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) offer training schemes for media researches.