Additional Information
A great place to start learning about being a DJ is at your college or
university radio station. If your high school has a radio station -- even
better.
Many colleges offer general media programs that incorporate radio. These
can include broadcasting or applied communications programs.
"To get into campus community radio you usually need a BA or B.Sc.-something,"
says Randy Gelling. He's a station manager at a college radio station. "
To land a job at a campus station, you don't usually need a diploma in
communications. But if you have a diploma, it definitely helps.
"But you can also get that experience -- just volunteer," says Gelling.
"If you show yourself to be a responsible person, you can get a job at a campus/community
station."
English, journalism or communications degrees can be another way in to
the field.
"It's definitely a good idea if you're going to go in to radio or media
in general that you take some sort of related degree," says Gelling. "Communications,
journalism -- I took a journalism degree. Technical stuff is also really useful.
Computers are increasingly important."
For DJs, a great combination of skills includes computer and technical
skills, broadcasting skills, a smooth voice and an even smoother personality.