Hello, I'm Alice and I study media and communications student at Coventry University. I was given your contact information by Shelby Hales as I am interested in radio broadcasting, as part of a university module and a future career path. I would love to connect and find out more about the industry!

 

Hi Alice! I'm happy to help, ask away! X                  

 

Thank you! Why did you choose to work in the radio industry, was there a reason behind it? X

 

Before uni, I studied music technology at college. I didn't want to study the subject at uni so ended up going media and comms because it was more open. At uni, I tried marketinh and advertising because that's what everyone else was doing (tip: don't follow what everyone else does!), and ended up hating it! They were too admin orientated for me. Im create a creative and bubbly person, and I felt as if my personality was lost within Thea industries. I decided to have a real think about what it was that I wanted to do, and realised just how much I love music, technology and making things. I then decided to try it out and contacted a local radio station, and that was that! I guess I chose it because I'm a bubbly person, love talking to people (broadcasting) and adore making things (production). But it is an extremely competitive field, and as I am finding experience in invaluable so you need to get as much of it as you can! X

 

That is such good advice! I’ve just started volunteering at Hillz FM in Coventry to try and get more studio experience and it is amazing and so fun! So, what is your favourite part of your job? And the challenges you’ve faced in it? x             

 

That'll be an amazing platform to build upon! Honestly, take everything they give you. At Erewash (the station I'm at), the station manager has links with the likes of Capital FM and we're actually in talks about getting me an internship there- it's more about the people you know in this industry that will allow you to get far. There's a couple parts of the job that are my favourite. I think the first is being in control; so I content plan, produce and present all my shows so am in control and also trusted to do everything to a high standard, I like how trusting it is. The second one is the techy side; I am a software geek at heart so being able to play with faders, create beds etc. is a dream! The hardest part I've faced is criticism. So, being on air you put yourself as somewhat of a target for people who nit-pick. When I had my first every show, I got an abundance of positive feedback, but then there was one tweet outlining what I had done wrong which really upset me. But I spoke about it with my station manager and he made me realise that all the professionals do mistakes, often the majority of the listenership doesn't realise it. You just have to carry on, because mistakes are normal! So what was it that made you want to get into broadcasting? x

 

Good luck I hope you succeed in getting an internship at Capital that would be amazing! I will definitely try listen to your show in the next couple of weeks!! I started doing a show on Source Radio with a couple of friends we don’t get many listeners but the more I did it and became more confident I started to really love it, being on air was so fun and deciding on topics and planning everything. However, I think if I started doing shows at Hillz FM I would be so worried about criticism from the audience but you are so right everyone makes mistakes it’s only natural! How did you manage to get your current position? I’ve been finding it so difficult to even get companies to consider offering placements X              

 

I started on Source too! Well I say started, in first year me and my mates did a show but never took it seriously aha! It's so good that you're not just on Source though, as good as it is, it is only student radio and you are better off going through an actual company like Hillz fm. Have you looked on BBC for work experience? It's worth a look, I think they open applications up around this time. Is it presenting that you are wanting to do? It was just by chance if I'm honest; I still work part time, so its not my full time work (I wish it was!). I did some research into the radio industry for a module in 2nd year and found an article written by Greg James on the importance of experience. In it he said how he built up his confidence and skills through hospital and local radio, and how a student radio competition is what led him to become known to radio one and land his presenting job. After reading it, it inspired me to find some experience of my own so I googled local radio stations, found erewash and the rest is history! I went through the training course that they have here, and realised just how much I loved the industry. They saw my enthusiasm and believed in me which is why I am where I am now. In no way shape or form is this where I want to end my career, but I do think it is a good starting place. Its literally just finding the right person who believes in you; you will find that one person trust me! Whether it be at Hillz or another station! X

 

Okay thank you for the advice I will look into the BBC tonight! I’m not really sure, I’m currently open to anything in radio just trying out different departments to see if there is anything I feel really drawn to or fits my skill set. I think the downside of doing such a broad university course is that we can try out very specific fields or areas of interest. X