-
10 Questions with ... Josh Barlog
September 27, 2016
Have an opinion? Add your comment below. -
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
I transferred to North Central College in the Fall of 2013 strictly for their radio station, WONC. I spent two-and-a-half years there as Sports Director and Assistant Station Manager. During that time I was a journalism intern for 1340 WJOL and a broadcast assistant for the Joliet Slammers, a professional baseball team in Illinois. I have a 2016 IBS Award for Best Station Promo in the Nation, a 2016 Associated Press Award for Best Spot News and was a 2016 CBI Finalist for Best News Reporting.
1) What do you do to maintain a positive mental attitude and stay motivated?
For me, it is understanding that it only takes one application to change your entire life. It only takes a split second to turn unemployment into a dream come true. Staying positive is easy when you love what you are trying to get in to.
2) How are you occupying your time, besides looking for a job?
I am a social media and web coordinator for BNutty Peanut Butter. It is a different job and as fun as it sounds. I control their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram accounts along with their website BNutty.com
3) Do you plan on sticking with radio?
Yes. Being in radio is something that I'll never give up on. I fell in love with it at WONC and I can't imagine a career in another field.
4) What has been your best resource for finding out about job openings?
Right here on All Access actually. I like the fact that, the majority of the time, you are sending your material to an actual person and not some automated service that will fill your inbox with "Thanks for applying" messages.
5) How are you finding the "courtesy level" at places you've applied? (Callbacks, e-mails, rejection letters, etc.)
Understanding that people are busy, I do not expect much. However, I was just on the phone with a PD in California for about 20 minutes discussing radio and getting words of encouragement. So I would say when I get responses, the courtesy level is very high.
6) Are you finding salaries/benefits lower than you ever thought, about the same, or have you seen some pleasant surprises?
From what I've seen over the months, they have been about the same as what I expected, but I have also found some surprises and some that are lower than I would like.
7) With consolidation there are definitely fewer jobs. How do you separate yourself from the pack?
I immediately separate myself from others because I am visually impaired. While that may be a red flag to people in the business, I know, and have proven that I am capable of doing the job. It has allowed me to work through adversity and find ways around obstacles in order to complete tasks.
8) What do you miss most about radio? The least?
I miss spending time with people in the business. I have met so many kind people who want nothing but the best for people trying to get into the business. What I do not miss about radio is the constant nightmares of the legal not getting played when I was Assistant Station Manager at WONC. Luckily, those nightmares were never a reality.
9) What have you learned about yourself, others, or life in general in your downtime?
I've learned that I am more resilient and dedicated than I had originally thought. I have continuously sent out applications with no luck so far, but with hope that I will find the door of opportunity into the radio industry.
10) How will this experience change you when you get back to work?
I think it will make me even more eager to get going and stay busy. I love the idea of getting involved and helping a station in any way I can. Any time I even think about radio or listen to it, it gets me excited to one day be a part of it.
Bonus Questions
Seen any good movies recently?
I love comedies but like to mix it up every now and then. Deadpool was my most recent theater visit. American Sniper was great, but nothing tops The Sandlot.
-
-