How to Become a Radio Disk Jockey
Gaining the proper education to become a radio disk jockey, also know as a DJ or deejay, is quite simple if you apply yourself. However, actually getting a paying job as a radio disk jockey is not. With the introduction of satellite radio, and the lack of new radio stations hitting the airwaves, jobs are scarce and the competition is stiff. If you do find a job in radio, don't expect it to make you rich. As of 2010, the average salary for a radio disk jockey was $19.43 an hour.
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Instructions
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Attend a college or university that offers a degree in broadcast journalism with a concentration in radio. If you do not have the option to earn a degree in broadcast journalism, communications studies is the best next thing. For electives, take courses in speech, public speaking and drama classes that specialize in improvisation. Speech classes will help the aspiring DJ learn the proper way to convey ideas, while improv classes will teach the DJ how to ad lib. Both are important qualifications for a DJ.
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Apply to work at your college's radio station while attending school. At the radio station, you will gain hands-on experience as a radio disk jockey. If you are not able to acquire a job at the college station, offer to work as an unpaid assistant. While being an unpaid assistant is not an ideal career choice, you will still garner work experience.
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Apply for an internship at a local radio station. As an intern, you may work as an assistant to a DJ, programmer or the station's general manager. You may also find yourself being used as an on-air personality.
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Create "bits" and skits that you intend on using once you become a radio disk jockey. Record these bits on your computer or to a podcast. These recordings can be submitted with your resume. If your goal is to be a news disk jockey, record yourself reading a news piece or interviewing a local celebrity. If your goal is to become a music disk jockey, record the dialogue that you would be likely to use before playing a piece of music.
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Create a resume and send it out to the radio stations you wish to work for. Competition is stiff, and according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, "The number of announcers is expected to decline moderately through the year 2018."
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