MBA & RADIO?

[fourseasons]

I am currently at work on my MBA degree.

My first love is being on-air.

Any ideas as to how I can tie both fields together?

[Dan Dennis]

Buy a radio station.

Seriously, you're going for an MBA and you want to work in radio? 

Here's what you do - hire an agent. If you've done any radio in college, put together a reel and shop it around to some of the smaller agencies. Or see if you can get in the door to do industrials/commercials, and build a reel. Then see if your agent can get you a regular gig - overnights, weekends, anything to get your foot in the door.

Oh, and get a day job. Preferably something that pays well.

[ahummel83]

hire an agent?

I was considering that but didn't know if and how that would benefit. I have about 4 years on air experience here in Dallas.

What are some of the benefits of hiring an agent...if any ?

and how much do they cost ?

curious..

[tested]

Most of the people on this board will read your comments about like this:
"I just discovered a way to turn water in to gold, but I really like to work with my hands.  Do you know how I can get a job cleaning porta potties?" 

Here's an honest answer: stay out of the radio business.  Don't try to be a DJ.  The jobs are hard to come by, pay very little and don't last long.  This business just isn't what it used to be.  It's just not that fun anymore. 

If you've got the right voice, I'd suggest you try to do voiceover work on the side while you work at a real job that makes real money.  If you just must be in the radio business, get into sales.  You will be well qualified for it with an MBA.  If your voice is good enough, maybe they'd let you voice some commercials. 

[edriskill]

I've told people for years that they should go to college for a business degree, then do whatever their heart desires.  I worked in radio from high school through my '30's... went to college and tried to keep jobs in sales when time permitted.  When I reached a point in life (age 30, to be precise) where I knew that I needed to do something with a better financial future in it for my family, I used the business education I had received and started my own sales business.  I actually worked part-time in radio for another 5 years to help finance my business, until it could float on it's own.  I have done some part-time over the last few years, just because I missed it so much. 

If you can make it in radio (and many have), then you will have a great time, meet great people, and have great memories.  If you don't make the living you need, then you will have all of the above, plus an MBA that nobody can take away from you... the best of both worlds.  Good luck.

[scottythecynic]

I am currently at work on my MBA degree.

My first love is being on-air.

Any ideas as to how I can tie both fields together?

This implys some experience. In college perhaps? Maybe you could intern to get your foot in the door. Good luck to you!

[Dr. o Fun]

What are some of the benefits of hiring an agent...if any ?  and how much do they cost ?

An agent:

• negotiates your contract on your behalf;
• acts as your "answer man" between you and the station;
• is your personal crisis manager;
• finds you other paying gigs outside of the station

If it pays you money, it is in the agent's best interest to get the gig for you (personal appearances, speaking engagements, voice over or production gigs, whatever is best suited for you).

How much?  Generally, 10-20% of your entire income.

dr

[EbolaMonkey]

I am currently at work on my MBA degree.  My first love is being on-air.  Any ideas as to how I can tie both fields together?

A lot of the CEO's of radio companies don't have MBA's.  Hence many of the problems in radio.

You'll likely know more about running a business than your PD or GSM or GM.