Internships expose adolescents to real-world and hands-on experiences, but we all know that getting an internship is tricky.
So before you start the struggle of applying to a million of them, maybe you should thoroughly think about
why you want to intern,
where you should intern and
what to expect from interning.
Keen to know the answers? So are we.
Tune in as we discover more with 5FM's programme manager Michael Bossenger:
How does one take a first step into the radio industry?
Find a way to get some experience. Usually, this means volunteering at your local campus / community station. It almost doesn't matter where, as long as you can get that exposure to the industry.
What are the benefits of interning in the radio industry?
You get that '
foot in the door'.You can ask people you wouldn't usually have access to all the questions you want. And you get years of
insights and
experience from a variety of professionals across
all fields.
What skills does one have to have as an intern in this industry?
I would start by looking at what sort of experience you've got. Often, we find that individuals who are interested in radio apply but don't have any background knowledge or understanding of radio.
What we're looking for are
aspiring radio enthusiasts who understand what the opportunity means. More specific skills would include:
- basic communication skills
- critical thinking
- digital marketing, and
- an understanding of media in general.
What should candidates look out for in an internship?
A lot of the time, the interns come from a theoretical background and miss out on the 'on-the-job' experience. Take in as much as you can and
ask questions related to the specific departments that you are interested in.
Try to look for internships that give you a
greater overview of the business rather than just one area.
How do you succeed in a radio internship?
First impressions last, so give it your all! Even if you interned years ago at a station, you never know where you might have made an impression. Then, try to get involved in as many areas of a station as possible.
Where can one look for radio internships?
I've found that it helps to follow the stations (you're interested in) on social media. Often, they will announce and share the application process there.
What are a few dos and don'ts when interning in radio?
The dos
- Do your research (understand the station you are interning at).
- Make a good impression.
- Put in the work.
- Ask questions (chances are you're talking to people who were once exactly where you are now).
- Share your story — what brought you here? And where do you want to be?
- Keep the contacts you receive … use them.
The don'ts
- Show up late.
- Be disrespectful.
- Think they are your friend. You might think you know a presenter because you listen to them on the radio every day, but this is a reminder that — to them — you are still a new face and voice. So be mindful of the space you're in and be professional at all times.
- Assume that you can 'just put the mic on and talk'.
- Bring negativity into the building.
Do you have any experience interning in radio? Tell us about it below in the comment section.