Education · 1 of 4

The path

Short schooling, then hours in a real control room. Experience is the credential here.

1. 1

   High school

   Grades 11 and 12

   Physics, electronics, computer courses. Join the school broadcast club or help run the sound at events.

2. 2

   Certificate or associate degree

   1 to 4 years

   Broadcast technology, electronics or audio engineering at a community college. A four year media technology degree also works and is not required.

3. 3

   Work at a college or community station

   During school

   The fastest way to get real hours. Several journalism schools run full commercial stations staffed by students.

4. 4

   First job in a small market

   2 to 3 years

   Master control, board operating, or an assistant engineer role. Nights and weekends to start.

5. 5

   Certification and a bigger market

   Ongoing

   Add Society of Broadcast Engineers certifications, learn transmitters and networking, and move up market or into engineering.