Anyone recommend a young, idealist, radio loving guy trying to obtain an internship in PDX Radio?

Which station's would you suggest trying for an internship at?

My thought is work my ass to the bone during internship, develop skill, kiss butt, network, explore the different radio jobs THEN turning that into a job. Is that even feasible with the radio monopoly?

That's what I did. I started in promotions, took a temporary job in the studio over the holidays...and then the following summer, I got hired on by my station.

Are you in college? Most stations require that you're attending school because you usually start in promotions. Their insurance only covers employees, so they require that you are a student so the school will cover you.


Good luck! (And keep the idealism.)

Hey Mjd,

I would suggest giving Dave Bourne a call over at KUIK. He usually has a few students working throughout the year, primarily board-op fills, but could be a regular gig.

Thanks for the kind words, Darkstar & Copernicus.

I talked with 95.5/The Game and they have been inundated with internship applications since the station started. They also require college credit, not necessarily for health insurance purposes.

USA - land of the college educated landscaper, janitor and grocery clerk. Regardless, I'm always going to be idealist when it comes to things I love and enjoy.

Follow your passions and the work will find you.

I personally went the internship-part timer-full timer route BUT, I am willing to bet you could land a part time (like single shift a week) board op or promotions gig IF you make a true pest of yourself (I've seen a few people who weren't students land spots that way).

Small stations are great opportunities try contacting companies in the greater PDX area. The huge question is what skills do you have right now? Hardware, software, management, anything you can think of that could propell you into being a useful tool for a company. Do research don't limit yourself to one area (PDX is the big apple in Oregon but not the only apple).

I would suggest you avoid interning in a promotions department.

I always ask for certain kinds of interns. Matt, our intern now was hired because he's studying sound engineering and wanted to be a studio rat. He's been incredible. Came in knowing Pro Tools for crying out loud. He's been a great help. Our intern prior to Matt was also incredible. She learned how to load things in Enco and deal with changing information in Selector. If the intern has skills, they should treat it just like a job interview. Come with a cover letter and resume and GOALS. Not everyone gets thrown into promotions.

Back in the day I interned for Entercom and Rose City Radio. I learned much more during my internship at RCR than I did at Entercom. Interning at Entercom was pretty much a waste of time.

I might advise you to look for an industry that would suit you that is in growth mode rather than in decline.

If you build the Tower, the signals will come!

I appreciate all the additional info. Have a strong chance at an internship now. So thanks! Whether radio is declining or transforming in the next five to ten years, who knows. I doubt $4/gal gas helps.