How To Become A Radio DJ

While listening to your favorite music or talk radio program, you may have once wondered, "How do I become a radio DJ?"   This type of job can be very competitive, as it is a form of show business and turnover can be rapid compared to a salaried position.  Unlike being in front of the camera, your looks are not as important, however; what you are selling is a unique presence that is delivered by a distinctive voice.  Here are some ways that on-air personalities have used to get into this industry.

1. Start by recording your voice on a digital recorder. You can read a paragraph from your favorite book,  create your own radio show or just anything to give yourself an idea as to how you sound to others.  Hearing your own voice may take some getting used to but this will allow you to experiment with different tones and moods.  You will have an idea about your potential to become a radio DJ.
2. Take speech and drama classes if you are still in high school or college.  If you are not already a communications or journalism major, this will help you to create many moods and tonnage for your voice.
3. Apply to a proprietary broadcasting school.  If going to a traditional school is not likely, broadcasting schools offer hands-on courses that can be completed within a short period of time, usually less than two years.  Instructors normally have leads as to internships and may even be on good terms with a station manager or radio DJ.  The latter won't guarantee getting an on-air job but getting an internship is a good way to learn the ins and outs of the industry itself.
4. Start your own mobile DJ business.  This is a stretch to getting on the air and requires upfront expense to  buy equipment and time to build an immense inventory of records to suit most client needs.  Yet, there are some who use this method to slowly build a name for themselves in their city. By word of mouth, they may be asked to be a guest DJ on a regular radio program which could lead to their own show.

Internet and satellite radio are alternatives to the terrestrial box most of us grew up with but competition can still be cut-throat as everyone wants to be the next Ryan Seacrest or Howard Stern in terms of success.