Do you really need a degree to be in the radio bussiness?!

Do you really need a degree to be in the radio bussiness?

I am considering it, since I have been a nightclub dj for 15 years. I never finished college, but I played on the college radio station while I was there.

For God's sake...WHY would you want to get in radio these days? Do you enjoy self-torture? Anyways here's my answer.

A degree helps but its not required. Experience is the key. Where a degree can help is getting internships. Just about everyone I know got their present job in radio thru an internship. Why?

1.) Because stations are cheap and love free labor.
2.) When an opening pops up management is too lazy to recruit and sort thru resumes, if you are interning and know how to use the equipment, odds are they'll hire you so they dont have to waste time and money training a noob.

So if you are considering going for a degree, you have to do an internship or you probably wont get work.

If you have any of your voice work recorded (even your college radio station) you should put together a two minute demo (about 2:00 - 2:30 tops) and see where it gets you...most likely nine bucks an hour and 20 hours a week, if you're lucky. If you're looking for a part-time gig for some extra cash or bragging rights go for it...dont expect to make a living doing it anymore. All my radio colleauges have second (and third) jobs. Consolidation has ruined this industry. You're probably better off starting your own internet station.