-
10 Questions with ... Will Love
May 27, 2014
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
During my teens I began cultivating a career for myself within the journalism industry, which lead to me working as a correspondent and editor for multiple publications within the tri-state area. For years I produced cover stories and features on celebrities and public figures. I also acted as promotions coordinator for various events hosted by the magazines as well as for a national staffing agency. After being interviewed routinely on various major-market radio stations promoting such events, and after assisting an independent radio station in New York State as an on-air talent/associate producer, I began applying my multi-faceted experience at Cumulus Media/Westchester. Today, I work as an on-air talent, producer and Marketing Assistant for 1230 AM WFAS and 103.9 FAS-FM (Arbitron market #39). My airchecks are available on: YouTube.com/WillLoveInc.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
I am a very spiritual person. The minute I lose touch with my spirituality, I notice I am a lot more susceptible to situations if they take a wrong turn. I also find that fitness is a good outlet to place negative emotions. I enjoy swimming, cardio exercises and every once in a while hitting the spa.
2) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes. I have worked very hard to get into the industry. Even during my time when I was not working in broadcasting (ex: years in editorial and event marketing) I continued doing what I was doing because I intended to apply my experience specifically within radio in the long-term.
3) What's the best way to get your foot in the door?
To put it best, learn to settle, at least in the beginning. For example, maybe you desire (and need) a full-time gig - yet the only thing available is part-time and/or not in the department you want to work in long-term - just go for it anyway. View it as a learning experience, especially since all departments in radio work together nowadays. Who knows, you may realize you enjoy promotions just as much as programming, or vise-versa.
4) What is the next job you'd like to obtain?
Ideally I would like to be hired as a full-time on-air talent.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
This is a good question considering it took me a lot of trial-and-error re: getting a response with job application follow-ups. Radio is a small industry, so often times HR directors are inundated with responses and in turn applications go unnoticed. In order to get somewhere you have to know what to say, how to say it and when to say it. Basically you have to do the leg-work yourself. If you sit around and just wait to be contacted, no matter how good your resume looks, there is a chance you won't receive a response.
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
On a part-time scale, I am surprised at how low they are. On the contrary, if I were a full-time employee, I would be saying otherwise, as the full-time salaries of my colleagues and friends are either A) about what I would expect or B) significantly more than what I would expect.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
The key is developing experience in a number of areas that you can make use of within the industry and being willing to work. For example, prior to getting involved in radio, I had acquired years of promotions and marketing experience in addition to editorial experience. All areas were focused on media and entertainment. Therefore, I was quickly able to use what I learned to my advantage within the promotions and programming departments when radio became my career.
8) Are you spending as much time listening to radio as you used to?
I knew since I was a child I wanted to work in broadcasting and radio was always a large part of my life growing up. I listened to local and out-of-state stations online way before apps like iHeartRadio launched. I can't say I'm listening to it "more," but rather I pay attention to the "details" more.
9) Is there anything specific that you regret doing while you were still working?
Yes. I sent a text message to a boss asking a question. It was more or less just for reassurance, however, I was shocked when the response I received read, "I thought you would know all of this as you said you have worked in radio." I felt like I put my foot in my mouth. It made me realize that sometimes the best way to learn is by trial-and-error rather than by trying to avoid a negative outcome. Plus, unless the question is of vital importance, it's always best to go to a colleague for assistance. Directors are busy enough as it is.
10) Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?
In five years from now I hope to be a full-time on-air talent in a major market with my own themed show rather than just working a shift. I have always wanted to be a part of a major program ala Kiss 108's "Matty in the Morning" or Z100's "Elvis Duran & The Morning Show." I admire the careers of JoJo Wright, who I have interviewed, and Paul "Cubby" Bryant, who I've been fortunate to get to know. I also have a lot of respect for Joe Pardavila. I would like to take my career in the same direction as their careers within the next ten years. Overall this is a difficult question to answer since I am equally dedicated to programming and promotions. However, with radio being the way it is today, I don't think I will ever have to worry about not being involved in events or online content.
Bonus Questions
Any books you can recommend to people who need something inspirational to read?
Yes. Since I was in my early teens I listened to George Noory on Coast to Coast AM. He often interviewed numerologist Glynis McCants. Many A-list celebrities and successful professionals follow her work. After reading her book, "Glynis Has Your Number," I can see why. I know this type of spirituality/science is not for everyone but I find that it helps give direction.
-
-