Don't be afraid to start at the bottom.
With more than 20 years in radio, Bill DeVille has paid his dues in an elusive industry. He's now host of "Musicheads" on Minneapolis Public Radio's The Current (thecurrent.org).
After a nine-month program at Brown College's Broadcasting Program, DeVille sent out 150 resumes to radio stations -- not realizing that he knew one of the station's program directors, a former neighbor who would help him land his first job. DeVille explained, "In radio, it's not what you know, it's who you know."
"I started out at a country station in my hometown -- Sioux Falls, South Dakota." He worked four hours on Sundays. "I had no interest in it but wanted to start my career and knew I had to start from the very bottom."
Over the next decade, DeVille's career ramped up. "I'm doing a live radio show in the Twin Cities. I love it."
DeVille's main tip for those just starting out? Don't do what he did, when it comes to education. "I recommend getting a four-year degree and doing college radio." That's not the only route, however. "Or volunteer at a public radio station. With all the Internet opportunities, it's not as far-fetched as it seems."
Radio show, host, over 20 years of experience, median annual salary: $56,540
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