Networking essentials: How to build and grow your professional network

As part of our Step Up strand, we’re offering training to help individuals coming back into the industry after a break, moving into a new role or responsibility level, or improving skills in unscripted TV. 

In today's fast-paced TV industry, your network isn't just a nice-to-have—it's your competitive edge. The right connections can give you a huge advantage, unlocking opportunities that set you apart in a crowded market. 

Whether you’re just starting out, a seasoned professional, or exploring new opportunities beyond your current role, this two-hour session is designed to give you the confidence and tools to build and expand your network, both within and outside of the unscripted TV sector. As the industry faces unprecedented challenges, having a diverse and robust network can be the key to career growth, adaptability, and unlocking new opportunities. 

Who it's for

This is for freelancers in unscripted TV, from researchers to producers. 

The majority of the USF online short course offering is for those at early career stage and above. As a result, we generally require applicants to have at least 3 credits (unless working in a traditionally uncredited role). If you strongly feel you would still benefit from the training, please email USF@screenskills.com so we can assess if an exception should be made.

We are committed to ensuring all our courses are accessible to everyone. Please email the above address if you have any access requirements and we will be delighted to help.

What it covers

• Why your network matters 
• Building your networking strategy 
• Setting clear goals for networking 
• Finding and connecting with the right people 
• How to prepare and make the most of networking events 
• Follow-up and building lasting relationships

Trainer:

Perjit Aujla is an executive producer and development executive with 15 years of experience in the TV industry.  She has worked at a senior level across development, production and the edit and has a track record of securing commissions for major broadcasters and making primetime factual content.  Like many others, she’s navigated her career through various challenges, from economic downturns to global pandemics.  Recognising the importance of adaptability and strong networks in today’s challenging TV landscape, Perjit has also built a second career as a trainer, delivering nationwide upskilling initiatives focused in development, and training sessions on resilience, time management and communication. 

How to apply

This session will take place online via Zoom. Click ‘apply now’ at the top of the page and follow the instructions to apply for your place: you must login or register before you are able to complete your application.

If you need additional support to complete your application or require the application form in an alternative format please contact USF@screenskills.com

Places on these free online courses are limited and applications are often highly competitive. To stand the best chance of securing a place, please be sure to consider the following:

• When asked to list your three most recent credits, please include the programme title and your job role.
• When asked what you hope to gain from the course, please be concise but ensure you cover the specific elements of the topic you would like to gain knowledge of and what gaps in your skillset you believe the course may address. A rewording of the course title or a general comment on career progression does not tell us much about how this course would benefit you.

If you are no longer able to attend, we ask you to please use the “decline ticket” function on the right hand side of the page so that we can release your place. Our sessions are often oversubscribed, so we’d like to give other freelancers the opportunity to fill available spots. Thank you for your consideration.

This course is supported by ScreenSkills, by the Unscripted TV Skills Fund thanks to contributions from broadcasters, SVoDs and production companies.

This course would normally cost participants to attend, but thanks to this support, we are able to offer it to you for free. If you fail to attend, we reserve the right to request reimbursement of costs, unless your place can be taken by someone else.