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Radio producer: Entry requirements

Although this area of work is open to all graduates and Diplomates, a degree in broadcast journalism or journalism may increase your chances.

Postgraduate diplomas and MAs in radio production are available. Check the Broadcast Journalism Training Council (BJTC) for a list of accredited courses. Educational qualifications are not the only criteria for success - work experience and evidence of relevant skills for radio are valued much more highly. To be successful you will need to show that you have:

excellent written and oral communication skills;
an ability to work as a part of a team and also independently;
good organisational skills and an ability to cope under pressure;
an awareness of current affairs and good general knowledge;
a real interest in and curiosity about all sorts of people;
a lively mind, able to make connections between different ideas and subjects;
the ability to get to grips with new subject matter quickly, to 'become an expert in half an hour';
a willingness to embrace new technology and learn technical skills;
self-confidence, persistence and determination to overcome rejection and break into this competitive industry.

The most important quality is a passion for radio, so:

be clear about why you want to work in broadcast rather than print or television;
take an interest in the changing face of the radio industry, key developments and their impact on radio output;
become a connoisseur of radio programmes in your area of interest;
email producers with comments on their programmes;
take and make opportunities to meet people working in radio - most love talking about programmes they have made.

Get practical experience:

volunteer for student, hospital or community radio (see Hospital Radio and Community Media Association ), or work with CSV Media , who train volunteers for media production projects for not for profit organisations;
try organisations such as the Student Radio Association (SRA) , Radio Independents Group or the Women's Radio Group for information and industry contacts;
consider working in commercial production (making advertisements) or Trafficlink (producing traffic bulletins) as a way into production.

Look for help with basic skills: The Radio Academy offers 'masterclasses' for people wanting to get into radio and produces a CD/mp3 audio on 'Getting into Radio' which gives an insider's guide to working in the industry. Their website includes a digest of work placements in commercial radio.

The RadioCentre also offers advice on getting into radio and runs training courses. The Broadcast Training & Skills Regulator manages training needs within the sector and produces useful download reports which highlight which skills are valued for broadcast media.

Consider gaining some general journalistic experience by reporting for students newspapers or producing editorial content for local newspapers and their websites.

As technology becomes ever more accessible, applicants may also be expected to demonstrate their interest in radio via a portfolio of 'user generated content' such as podcasts, blogs, personal websites (My Space, Bebo), You Tube videos etc.

Be prepared for rejection and accept that there may be a short period where you 'graft and starve' while gaining experience. Get support with your career planning by talking to your university careers adviser or contacting an industry professional for advice via a network such as Skillset: The Sector Skills Council for Creative Media . Producers Alliance for Cinema and Television (PACT) have produced some guidelines about work experience within visual media which may help you decide how much experience is needed and how much you should be expected to do for free.

Experience is essential for this role, but it is illegal for employers to discriminate against candidates on the grounds of age.

For more information see work experience and find courses and research.

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