My ethical career: Community media developer
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Age 28 Education Degree in fine art from Sheffield Hallam University. So, what do you actually do? I’m a freelance media developer, working for three different organisations. At OneWorldTV, a website that shows documentary films by NGOs, activists and others on sustainable development and human rights, I moderate the site. At the Community Channel, the country’s first television channel about charities and social issues, I write the website and review forthcoming programmes. At Right Angle Productions, a small organisation in Oxford, I work with young people to use video to explore various issues and themes. What makes your job so ethical? The organisations I work for, rather than the work I do. How did you get into the job? After university, I worked on a cruise ship as a video cameraman, and a spent year travelling in Africa where I developed an interest in working for NGOs. Back in the UK, I took a full-time position with ActionAid. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about development communications. I worked with ActionAid India on a participatory video project, and afterwards I wanted to pursue further work in participatory and development video. What kind of personality is suited to working in a job like yours? You need to enjoy working and communicating with people from across the world, be passionate about social issues, and be prepared not to earn big money… ever. What skills and experience do you need to work in this sector? Experience of working with video, creative writing and working within the communications field helps considerably. What’s the most memorable experience you’ve had in this job? Whilst working with ActionAid India I had the opportunity to work with street children in Delhi to produce a half-hour documentary examining their problems through their own eyes. The months I spent working with the group gave me an insight into a world previously beyond my imagination. What’s the worst thing about your job? Giving up permanent full-time work to become a freelancer has brought insecurity. The work is often short-term meaning you are always looking for the next opportunity. Any top tips for someone wanting to get into this work? Volunteering is the ideal way to get experience and get noticed by the organisations you are most interested in working for. It’s not always easy and demands real commitment, but will help you to know what you want to do. Oneworld UK www.oneworld.net/uk
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