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Getting into "the business"

C

chas3r

Guest
I'm interested in starting a career in either production or on-air talent. I've been around radio and tv practically all of my life and know quite a few people in the business. would it be better for me to go to a 2 yr college, a 4 yr college, columbia broadcasting school, or just see if i can get on with one of the people I know?
 
chas3r said:
I'm interested in starting a career in either production or on-air talent. I've been around radio and tv practically all of my life and know quite a few people in the business. would it be better for me to go to a 2 yr college, a 4 yr college, columbia broadcasting school, or just see if i can get on with one of the people I know?
Click to expand...

Since the future of broadcasting is so very unpredictable, by all means get a 4 year college degree. You cannot believe how many of us there are who intended to make broadcasting a career and woke up one day realizing we needed to do something else. You don't want to be in today's world (and TOMORROW's world) without that degree. <Been there, Done that, Got the tee shirt> I got into a race with my own children to see who would get the first degree.

If you have been around this business all your life, I have no idea what columbia broadcasting school is going to teach you that you don't already know. And if someday you would like to work for an accounting firm or an airline or any Fortune 500 company, your columbia brodcasting school diploma will NOT find a place on your resume.

This may not be right for you, but let me tell you what I wish I had done when I was your age: Get a broadcasting job today based on this experience of yours, in a town where there is a university that is respected for their MBA program. Get your degree as you work your way through school. The turn in and get your MBA.

Being a naive little country boy I didn't know there was an MBA program and what it amounted to until I was in my 30's and had 3 children to clothe and feed. If YOU do not know what an MBA is.... don't get a full night's sleep until you have learned all about it. It may not be for you. Two of my youngsters went for degrees. One drives a truck... and is very happy about that.

Your mileage may vary.
 
I appreciate the input. I think I'm going to try doing the dual thing, working at a Jackson metro station while I do the Hinds/Holmes thing, then go from there.
 
RadeoEngineer said:
Get a business law degree and become a station broker.
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I don't have the patience to go to law school. I wish I could.
 
DeadElvis said:
> I don't have the patience to go to law school...

Yeah. A disk jockey in a law school class? 'Never happen.

DE, LL.M.
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Based on my experience, a disk jockey in ANY school class is suprising.
 
Strongly agree with all of the posters suggesting business studies / degree(s). Makes no difference whether tomorrow's content is delivered via analog vs. digital, radio vs. IP, humans vs. VoiceTrak... at the heart of it, whatever you do in this business will always be about making a dollar.

Learn thee about money. The rest is just playin' around.

Paul Burt (34 years in radio, still having fun).
 
> a disk jockey in ANY school class is su[r]prising.

You might think so. But when I was at The University of Memphis law school there were TWO of us. Both from the same station.

Now, at Tulane Law, I think I was the only one.

Funny thing, though. I was doing a moot court round once, and a judge accused me of sounding like a game show host. Huh?! And, I don't think it was a compliment.

DE
 
DeadElvis said:
> I don't have the patience to go to law school...

Yeah. A disk jockey in a law school class? 'Never happen.

DE, LL.M.
Click to expand...

You and Neal Boortz, huh? I guess Neal never did spin records. It's just his mouth that spins. :-\
 
chas3r said:
RadeoEngineer said:
Get a business law degree and become a station broker.
Click to expand...

I don't have the patience to go to law school. I wish I could.
Click to expand...

The old adage is "Never say Never". You may have to push and struggle to stay in the classroom in the first couple of years. You may walk away at the end of four years and say: "I'm through and never coming back." Then again there is always the possibility that the classroom will grow on you. Never say never.
 
All joking aside, Chas,I hear from young folks wanting to get into the business from time to time. For one thing,please don't accept random advice from strangers on a message board. You say you know people in the business,and if you have no experience you'll have to go to someone you know to get yourself in the door. Getting a degree in a marketable field is a must no matter what type of job you wind up in. Don't know your timetable to get a career started or age, but interning is a great way to get some practical experience while attending school. Finding a mentor in the field you're interested in works. But,by all means,get a degree. Mine's in Communication,MSU,class of '78. (And I've been known to rent lawyers from time to time,so they have their uses.)
 
> You and Neal Boortz?

No. I am better educated than Mr. Boortz. :)

Now, talk show host Laura Ingraham is well-educated. UVA Law? Swanky.

DE
 
tzbarber said:
......... Finding a mentor in the field you're interested in works.
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Great contribution tzbarber. Being a country boy, I did not understand the concept of MENTOR until after my "mid life crisis" time. Some people had attempted to be my mentor earlier in life now that I look back on it, but I was too naive to reciprocate and to take advantage of what they were offering.
 
Goat Rodeo Cowboy said:
tzbarber said:
......... Finding a mentor in the field you're interested in works.
Click to expand...

Great contribution tzbarber. Being a country boy, I did not understand the concept of MENTOR until after my "mid life crisis" time. Some people had attempted to be my mentor earlier in life now that I look back on it, but I was too naive to reciprocate and to take advantage of what they were offering.
Click to expand...
I didn't have one, either. Unless the guy telling me that I wasn't good enough to make it in this business was called mentoring at the time. Have seen the concept work,though. We all can use guidance from time to time.
 
I guess I'll see you guys at the Golden Moon Casino at the end of June...will be; I think; my 24th MAB convention. Seeing as I'm 26, I think that may be a record.

Does that help some of you have some sort of clue as to who I am?
 
Chase,

Nobody who went to Hinds and worked at a metro Jackson station ever made it anywhere in this business. Trust me.

And, yes. I know who you are.
 
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