Each week we explain how to look for work experience. This time, television

Irish television isn't what it used to be. Thirty years ago the country had just one channel. The closest thing to a music programme was the angelus, and Pat Kenny was the nation's sex symbol. Now we are blessed with four national channels, plus cable, satellite and digital services, so there are more than enough programmes to choose from. This is good news for anyone interested in a career in TV. So what, who, how, where?

"A career in TV could mean a lot of things," says Deirdre Walsh of TV3. "You could be a presenter or work as a journalist, researcher or reporter for a newsroom. You could also be in a technical area, like editing, or somewhere like hair and make-up, or PR and marketing.

"If you do your work experience with TV3 you'll generally get a chance to work in a few different areas," she adds. "You might end up going out with a news reporter for a day in the life, work on our live morning programme, Ireland AM, which is usually very exciting for students, and do some time in publicity and marketing. That is, of course, unless you specify an interest in one department."

Walsh advises students to have a look at the different departments in any station before applying. Having an interest and familiarity with an area is always an advantage. "We get so many requests for work experience," she says. "So if there is a department you're interested in it would be a good idea to check the website, to see who might head up that area. Plus, if you express an interest in one field, like news, if you get a work placement you won't end up spending a day in the hair and make-up department, or vice versa."

Different stations have different priorities. If news and current affairs are your thing, you could apply to channels that focus on these areas, such as RTÉ or TV3. If music is what you're all about, then try Channel 6 or a specific music programme on each channel. TG4, which has a broad mix of programmes, is also worth trying, but your Irish had better be up to scratch.

All the stations are worth applying to, but, with two channels and a full range of programmes, RTÉ will always be the most popular broadcaster for work experience. Because of this, the broadcaster chooses applicants through a lottery, with schools applying on behalf of their students.

If you live in Dublin you could also try City Channel. Setanta, the sports station, might also be worth contacting.

An e-mail will not be enough, so send in a formal application and try to make yourself known. The human-resources departments are the best places to start. You can find their details online.

For stations' contact details, see www.rte.ie and www.bci.ie