Jobs in media industry are very competitive. It takes a lot of guts, skills and persistence to make it on top. Aside from that, these jobs come with great responsibilities that would take a lot of time and that are usually done in odd working hours. Among the careers listed in the industry, being a broadcaster could be most challenging. Aside from communication skills, a broadcaster must be disciplined and committed in doing his responsibilities and things that are beyond his work to effectively deliver important information. Since his main responsibility is the delivery of facts through a number of media, he must be prepared to be the face and the voice of the latest news. His commitment lies on his audience and his loyalty must be in the delivery of facts and information at all cost. And since jobs like this are extremely competitive, doing internships in broadcasting can guide you to ways on how to lead a successful career in broadcasting.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Radio announcers, disc jockeys, news anchors, field reporters, commentators and celebrities usually make up the broadcasting segment of the media industry. These people specialize on specific styles and methods of delivering news, reviews, updates and latest reports about what is happening around the world. With the use of state-of-the-art broadcasting equipment, these people deliver information from society to society and from country to country. Aside from that, these people are sometimes compelled to risk their lives amidst dangerous scenarios just to get the latest update on wars and other forms of disturbances in the country.
In smaller broadcasting companies, broadcasters such as disc jockeys and radio commentators are also assigned to prop their on-air program by themselves. This means that the broadcaster doubles as the program’s technical person. On the other hand, bigger media companies can afford to operate with a complete staff of technical support, media people and teams of broadcasters as well as field reporters.
Even when you are not actually hired as a professional media person, you can have the privilege to witness the action by doing internships in broadcasting. This way, you can take little media responsibilities. It can be your stepping stone in breaking your way into the business.
QUALIFICATIONS
When we talk about broadcasting, we collectively refer to the jobs that are involved in various applications of media to broadcasting. These jobs include the camera man, technical support persons, the line man, directors, producers and researchers who are not usually seen on the TV or heard on the radio. Actually, these people are the ones who work hard in organizing all the important information that is eventually delivered by the reporter, commentator or disc jockey on-air.
Usually, internships in broadcasting careers are given to college students who are studying communications, journalism as well as multi-media applications in media operations. Internships are also given to those who apply for jobs in broadcasting companies, but are yet in the waiting list of being hired as professional media personnel. Here, they are given small parts of what is done by all the people involved in broadcasting. When an intern happens to deliver excellent performance on the job, internship opportunities can become a stepping stone towards being actually hired by the media company. This also explains why internships in major broadcasting companies are the most coveted internship opportunities in the country.
HOW TO APPLY FOR INTERNSHIPS
If you dream of leading a successful career in broadcasting, taking internships in broadcasting can help you land your dream job. Since these jobs are highly competitive, internship applications are also competitive. You need to set yourself apart from all other applicants. The following steps can provide just the trick you need for your application.
- Do your research. Make use of great internet sources and websites such as jounalismjobs.com or entertainmentjob.com to look out for the available broadcasting internships in your locality in the nearest city. You may also go to the Internship Coordinator of your University. Often, schools go into partnership with broadcasting companies for internship programs as extensions to their academic programs. Do contact every person you know that can provide you the information about available internships and ask help in selecting the best program that will work for you.
- Make yourself available and visible. Fill out application forms and follow instructions to the tee. The minute you decide on which program to take, immediately accomplish the application requirements. You can also create resume tapes for the best broadcasting-related work that you’ve done in school. Lastly, it’s best to send all your materials before the deadline, never after.
- Wait. It usually takes weeks to finally know whether your application has been accepted or rejected. If you have followed the previous steps correctly, then you have greater chances of getting that internship.
In your applications, you may be accepted in paid or non-paid internships in broadcasting. Either way, the important thing is that you are bound to gain valuable working experience. Sometimes, interns are given common employee work and are paid in doing the job. And if the internship is non-paid, the student can avail special loans which are conditionally offered by most universities in the country. The Fair Labor Standards Act restricts the amount of work that an unpaid intern performs. That is why unpaid internship sometimes becomes paid internships. This is especially true if the station is at the middle of a big project and is short in man power.
When it comes to broadcasting internships, you must not be very concerned about whether the company is big or small. What’s important is that you give it your best shot. Remember that your performance also extends your university’s competence in instilling adequate skills. Internships are excellent breaking grounds towards your dream job. Job placements in larger and more successful media stations are usually determined by one’s proven track record. That is a fact!
