MEDIA and communications

If you’re thinking of working in media or public relations in F1, there are a few things to consider, and you need to make sure that a career in media matches your interests and skills.  People working in Media in F1 will tend not to be hired directly by the teams, but either freelance or work for a broadcasting house.  Hopefully the following information will help you when it comes to deciding on the right career path for you. Disclaimer – the information below is not intended to be a replacement for professional careers advice.

• You will be confident and personable, and talk to others with ease
• You may have an interest in theatre and the performing arts
• You will have a passion for keeping up with the latest industry news
• You may enjoy writing, and reporting from a young age
• You will enjoy travelling, and not mind a late night or an early start!
• You are likely to get involved with student newspapers/radio/blogs
• You may have your own YouTube channel (depending on age and suitability) and/or blog and enjoy building up your audience (depending on age and suitability, with parent/carer guidance)

There are a variety of roles available within media and PR in the Formula 1 industry.  These might include:

• Broadcast Journalist This role would normally involve presenting and live reporting from the event, across a range of channels including television, internet and/or radio.
• Public Relations Manager This role typically involves managing the reputation of a driver and/or team.  This might include arranging press conferences, communicating any accomplishments and creating and distributing information to maintain the public image of their client.
  
• Press Officer This person will normally be the main contact for the media.  The role may include liaising with and forging good relations with journalists, preparing and distributing press releases, and responding to crisis public relations events if they happen.
• Communications Executive Typically this role will include creating and implementing strategic marketing communications and campaigns, and may also involve internal employer/employee communications.
  

Listed below are some study paths you could consider.  However please make sure you also speak with your school/college/University careers advisor who will be able to provide help and support to you during this important time.

GCSE’s:

Maths
English
IT
Languages
Drama

A Levels:

English
Drama/Theatre Studies
Art
Media Studies
Languages

There are many different routes towards a career with in Media in F1 and for some roles a degree in journalism is not necessary, however it could give you a very good foundation on which to work with and give you many more options to choose from.  It really depends on your own circumstances and desires.  Research as much as you can about people already working in the role you’d love to be in, and try and find out their study path into the industry.  Not all paths run in the same direction, but it may give you a little inspiration on which route to take yourself.

University courses to consider: (in no particular order)

University of Leeds – Journalism BA
Loughborough University – Media and Communications
Newcastle University – Media, Communication and Cultural Studies
University of Sussex – Media and Communications
Cardiff University – Journalism and Communications

Other University courses to consider: (in no particular order)

Modern Foreign Languages
Masters in Broadcast Journalism

If you are considering a career in media and communications in F1, it’s really important to develop your passion outside of the classroom.  This shows off your skills and dedication to your future career to the fullest extent, and because this industry is so competitive it will help you to stand out from the crowd.  Here are some examples of things you could do to help improve your chances of landing your dream job in F1:

• Create a blog about the F1 industry in general or your particular area of interest and expertise
• Record a regular podcast
• Create a YouTube channel and share your experiences and make regular vlogs (may require a family member to help, depending on age)
• Create a website about yourself that shares your interests
• Expand your social media following by sharing relevant F1 content (may require a family member to help, depending on age)
• Write regular articles of interest and share them on your LinkedIn account (may require a family member to help, depending on age)

Consider using these options to hone your communication skills, and report on things of interest.  You never know who might be watching, listening or reading!

Universities and Colleges Admissions Service
https://www.ucas.com/

The Student Room
https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk

Britta Roeske, Public Relations Manager for Sebastian Vettel
https://www.f1technical.net/news/21855

Helena Hicks – How to break into Motorsport Journalism
https://www.femalesinmotorsport.com/post/anna-maria-gittins-it-is-a-reality-that-women-can-compete-with-men

DriveTribe – Jess Shanahan – How to start a career in Motorsport Journalism
https://drivetribe.com/p/how-to-start-a-career-as-a-motorsport-VMpmKA2vQo-Jtecbi2VNBw?iid=C7XirOLhSbim-7XQx-5pNw

The role of a Press Officer in F1
http://www.f1zone.net/news/working-in-f1-the-role-of-a-press-officer/30299/