You can do a college course to get practical skills in using editing equipment and software.

Courses include:

• video editing and production for creative media industries
• creative digital media
• digital content production

A course that includes work experience will give you the chance to make contacts in the industry.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

You could learn useful skills for this role by applying to do a Content Creator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, or Multi-channel Marketer Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

There are no set entry requirements but it may help you to get in if you have:

• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

It's important that you get as much practical experience as you can.

You could:

• volunteer to create and edit video content for charities
• do a work placement in a digital marketing agency
• edit student or community film productions
• work on content for an employer's social media channels

Do IT has more information on volunteering opportunities in your area.

You could develop your skills and knowledge using free online learning resources that show you how to create clips, podcasts and reels, as well as editing sound and adding effects.

You could also take short courses in video editing run by film schools and private training providers.

You'll need:

• knowledge of media production and communication
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• excellent verbal communication skills
• thinking and reasoning skills to come up with new ideas
• persistence and determination
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to use your initiative
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

As a social media influencer you could:

• plan what to film and write scripts
• create content in a studio or at home with a camera or mobile phone
• livestream events on location
• use software to edit your videos and add text or special effects
• tag videos with web links for products you promote
• promote your content to get more followers
• analyse web tracking data on your channels to learn what works best
• keep up to date with other influencers' activity and new technology

You could work from home, in a creative studio or in an office.