The world of TV is a glamorous one in many ways. It also demands hard work and long hours at times. When choosing a career in television, it's important to gain the right qualifications needed or work experience. There are many different jobs within the industry, all requiring a specific set of skills, both in front of camera and behind the scenes. Performers and technicians combine to bring the shows to our screens.

Most actors and actresses go through drama school, obviously in an effort to pursue television careers. There is a lot of competition for roles on TV. In addition to dramas or comedies, there are opportunities to appear in commercials or to do voice-overs. Some actors have had a lucky break and have advanced from being an extra or background artist. Extras are in great demand and it's possible to have a semi-professional career in television after some experience, with some extras going on to speak lines.

Directing programs is another opportunity that starts with working from the bottom rung and climbing up gradually. A director may start life as a Story Editor or Script Editor. Directing TV shows, commercials or music videos has led eventually to directing movies in Hollywood. Most Television Careers however, are gained from thinking in the long term, starting with the humble Runner. A runner in a TV studio is often a graduate or someone on a work placement scheme. The Runner is there to run errands and generally make him or herself useful.

Presenters can earn a lucrative salary and gain celebrity status, whether in the current affairs or light entertainment field. Some news and current affairs presenters have entered a career in television from a journalism background. They need to be well presented and cool in a crisis, particularly on live TV. Sports addicts can use their passion to become sports commentators or presenters. Broadcast journalists often begin as researchers or newsroom assistants, becoming the talent in the studio or as outside location reporters.

There is a large group of people that make it all happen, unseen by the public. Hair and Make Up artists make everyone presentable. They may also work on productions requiring the fitting of wigs, facial hair and bald caps. They may be called upon to work with tattoos, and to simulate bullet wounds, burns, bruises, cuts and so on. A Hair and Make Up specialist must be knowledgeable about the time period they are working within and how to age an actor.

The technical departments require a lot of expertise, including the camera crew. The Camera Assistant is under the Camera Operator who assists the Director of Photography. The Lighting Department consists of Electricians and Senior Electricians known as Gaffers, under the supervision of the Lighting Director. Technicians in the Sound Depart also have an important role to play, in the studio and on location. All these disciplines offer rewarding Television Careers.