Posted by Chris on November 16, 2009 at 19:38:59:
In Reply to: Re: Tips for getting into radio posted by bobo on November 16, 2009 at 19:38:38:
: Your tips are:
: Don't eat yellow snow.
: and
: Don't go into radio, anymore.
Don't let some sad, burned out people tell you to not go into radio. Radio is not a dead-end and it will always be around, that is a guarantee (although it is admittedly not as strong a job market as it was say 10-15 years ago).
My tips..go to college and major in something other than radio or media (business, marketing, poly sci, something...). Get either a minor in communications or just work at the student station.
Next, get an internship and work your tail off for free. Do anything they ask and then ask if there is more you can do. The summer after that, get another one and repeat. The more internships, the more connections you make. The more connections, the better your job chances (as long as you were a good intern).
Finally, be prepared to work part-time for minimum wage to start (which is where the degree might come in handy to make a real living).
It can be done if you love it, but if radio is just a hobby or a passing interest, it might not be the career for you. Trust me...there are success stories. The PD at WLS-FM started as as an intern, and now in his mid-thirties is the PD.
If you have a passion for it, then follow your dreams.