There's plenty to think about as you begin to plan the next step in your career. The four key areas you will need to focus on are:

Skills - Do you need further training in order to progress? Are employers looking for a specific qualification?

Experience - Do you want to broaden your experience working as a Runner? Or would it be better to find a position as a trainee in a particular job, e.g. Camera Trainee, Art Department Trainee?

Contacts - Are you making the most of opportunities to network? Would you benefit from taking a lower paid job that will put you in a company's recruitment pool, e.g. working as a Photo Retail Sales Assistant so you can then train as a Minilab Operator?

Recognition - Are you getting credit for the work you do? Are you building up a personal portfolio of work that demonstrates your talent and drive?

You should also try asking some of the people you've worked with how they got to where they are and what they think you should do next.

Get yourself out there
Scour the websites of the main trade organisations for information on trainee positions as well as networking opportunities. Attend all the industry events you can and make the most of your networking opportunities. Some of the big events include the annual Broadcast LIVE show, the Bradford Animation Festival and PACT, RTS, UK Film Council or IVCA events, whenever they are open to non-members. And always carry a supply of business cards and CVs.

In the meantime work anywhere you can in your chosen industry. And - always remember - It's up to you to be proactive and get to the people who count.