We have had a couple of work experience students come through the radio station over the past couple of years. Some are just watching the clock, others are genuinely interested in one aspect or another of the industry.
While they are with us they tend to spend a day or two in every department, and try their hand at everything we do. Sometimes the results are what you would expect… but other times you have to stop yourself and wonder how did they pick it up so quickly.
One of the students we had through for work-experience about 6 months ago had made a great impression with all of us.
She was eloquent, always on time and willing to do anything we gave her to do, and try her hardest to do what she was tasked to do that day, all the while she was improving her skill-set.
Fast forward to yesterday, when she turned up at the station looking for work – on-air.
She had her demo reel that she had produced with us – and she had gone out and had some vocal training. She was realistic and knew that she would have to start at the bottom and work her way up.
Her goal was to do a shift, any shift on radio, no matter what station, and what we gave her to do.
The great news is, she is now one of our promotional team – doing live crosses and interacting with clients and listeners alike, its her first steps in the industry.
We all have to start somewhere, and no matter how you start in the industry – at least you have gotten your foot in the door – and within shouting distance of a microphone.
We all have our stories of how we started, mine was from a production point of view, to a pirate radio operator and jock, to sales, then on-air late night talk back, and back to production, and now you see me in copy, doing what I love – writing.
I know on-air jocks that started straight out of college into an on-air late night shift, then to drive and then breakfast.
We all get our feet in the door at a radio station or studio in one way or another, and I’d love to hear your story – or at least a sentence about your journey – let me know in the comments below.
