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10 Questions with ... Matt Revtai
February 12, 2013
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I am a recent graduate of Robert Morris University in Moon Township and looking for my first entry-level job in radio. While in school I interned as a reporter/call screener at 93.7 The Fan, host/producer at TribLIVE Radio, and in the operations department 90.5 Essential Public Radio. I also hosted my own weekly show at school. I am always watching or listening to sports any chance I get. My passion for sports was the reason I decided to major in Communications at college and chase my dream of working in sports radio.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I maintain a positive attitude each day by just knowing that the radio business as a whole is a very tough career to get into, along with knowing that I prepared myself the best I could by obtaining several internships when I was in college.
2) Some people get discouraged or enlightened with the business when they actually step out of it for a while. Tell us your observations from the outside.
As a recent graduate outsider, I would say it can be very discouraging for people like me. For most of the job openings, no matter the market size or location, want someone with three to five years' experience. It's getting harder and harder to find that first job to gain the experience to move your career forward in the right direction. To me, this is not giving recent college graduates like myself a chance to prove ourselves.
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Absolutely I plan on sticking with radio. It is my dream to work in radio and I will do whatever it takes to land that job. I will go wherever a job opening is across the country just to make it become a reality.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
I would like to obtain a job as a sports radio host or producer.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
I find the courtesy level of places I've applied to be very appalling. I've only received a total of two rejection e-mails out of countless applications. I am surprised how often I'm ignored when I follow up on the opening I interviewed or applied for.
6) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
To separate myself from other candidates, I tried to diversify my internships and learn every aspect of radio I could. Being able to wear multiple hats seems to be the future of radio in my opinion.
7) What has been your biggest career accomplishment?
My greatest career accomplishment to this date would have to be getting a chance to intern at several stations during college. Each time Robert Morris worked with me to help fit the internship into my check sheet for graduation, and then the station worked with me to get the most I could out of the internship each time ... and not be the coffee person.
8) If you were offered a similar position to what you were doing for considerably less money, would you seriously consider taking the job just to stay in the biz?
I have not had a job in radio yet, but to me working in radio is not about the money. To be able to have a job that you love to go to every single day would be great. Not many people can say they have a passion for their job, but that's how I would feel in a sports radio job.
9) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
This experience of finding my first radio job will be rewarding because I will know how hard work always pays off for those who don't take no for an answer or give up right away. I would also be grateful to have a job in radio and get to do something that I always wanted to since I was little kid.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
In five years I see myself as a producer of a successful local sports radio show and enjoying what I'm doing. In 10 years, I see myself as getting my first break as a radio host, and I'm excited to see what the future brings.
Bonus Questions
How about a low-cost recipe for the On The Beach Cookbook?
Here is an easy and cheap recipe for people who like chocolate-covered pretzels with peanut butter. Buy a bottle of cake frosting, a bottle of smooth peanut butter, and your favorite bag of plain pretzels. Put the chocolate frosting and peanut butter into a small dish. Mix it around until the chocolate frosting and peanut butter are one. Then put it in the microwave until it melts which usually only takes 14-20 seconds. Then get your pretzel and dip them in the melted chocolate and peanut butter. It's cheaper than buying the gourmet pretzels at the store.
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