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Starting off....

M

MattHollidaye OnAir

This may be the wrong board to post this at, but I'm willing to take whatever shot I can at this because I'm DYING to get my first crack in this industry, and I need as much advice as I can.

For those who do not know, I'm a 21-year-old aspiring DJ looking to get my foot in the door with dreams of landing a spot in one of the Top 20 markets. I have graduated from Specs Howard in November of last year, in addition to completing an internship for a morning-drive show that lasted eight months. I've been actively looking for jobs ever since, but it seems that I feel as if I'm looking in the wrong areas, or maybe I'm just looking for nothing at all.

A little bit more about me; I have on-air experience, albeit at a college radio station (if one were to qualify that as "experience") while attending Ball State University for one year. I primarily did overnights live from 12 to 7 am, but I also did fill-in work, select weekends (mainly from 5 until whenever the pregame football coverage began), and I also did remote broadcasts on-and-off during the tail-end of the Spring semester.

I'm not trying to be bashful or anything, I just want to be on-air, something that I've always wanted to do and have been chasing after for the youngest. That being said, I'm willing to work at WHOMEVER IS WILLING TO HIRE ME at any station, regardless of what market it is. But I wanna start in a small market and then work my way up; obviously I can't expect to start at the top with the big dogs, and I accept that. If anyone, ANYONE with experience in this industry have any advice whatsoever (good, bad, questionable, looked it up on Google, doesn't matter); if any PD at a small market has any leads; if you would like to comment on this thread, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO DO SO!!!

Thanks in advance for taking the time out to read this thread, and I'm looking forward to your comments :D
 
Many of us reading your post remember what it is like to have such a dream. "Back in the Day" the turn-over and openings was more visible, more open. Today a lot of entry level folks are finding that the entry-door seems to be hidden... and there is no door-bell button begging to be pushed.

I don't think there is (or ever has been) a one-size-fits-all answer for entry level people. Are you a "rock star talent" that will be immediately recognized and appreciated by your employers, or are you a "farm boy klutz" who will not be appreciated for your talent while you are there... but may be missed once you are gone? How many of us even knew the answer to that question when we started out? (It didn't take me long to figure out that I was not on the Dick Clark / Wink Martindale / Ryan Seacrest track to quick fame.)

The only thing I can suggest that might have some value: You are looking for an employer. But also be looking for a mentor.. who may or may not be your employer. Someone on the inside of the industry who can pick up the phone and make a call on your behalf now and then is GOLDEN! And listen to your mentor. Having some one that can kick your butt now and then in a way that you will learn to appreciate is also GOLDEN!

Oh, I left a name out of the list of successes... Fruit Jar Tech alumnus David Letterman.
 
GRC is correct finding a mentor is a good idea. I've been fortunate enough to have had several good ones over the years.
As for finding a job....not an easy proposition right now as you know. Most of the full-time entry level positions have gone away over the years as stations have gone satellite or VT. Might be worth finding a part-time job in a small market and learing how to do everything you can. Most stations do really need board-ops/program upload people. I have two right now that do just that and they are on air too. Granted mostly VT'ing overnights but it is a start. I wouldn't be afraid to put either one in a FT position if one opened. Probably not really what you wanted to hear but might be a way to get in the door.
 
Look past the top 20 markets. You can't start at the top all the time. Be willing to go wherever the jobs are. Finally, have a back up plan, because this isn't a very forgiving field.
 
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