When March comes marching in, we see students dressed in togas, marching to the beat of the Aida Hymn. Yes, it’s graduation season once again! T’is the season for the students to be happy dahil finally, all the sleepless nights, stress, and all that are gonna be rewarded at natapos na nila ang kanilang pag-aaral, flying colors or just simply true colors (What? LOL). But this is also the season to reflect on what you really want in life for once you take off your toga, your journey to the real world begins. 

The real world. For Mass Comm, particularly broadcast communication graduates, mayroong dalawang real world. (Majority of) broadcast communication graduates either go to radio or TV to work. In my case, being a broadcast communication graduate myself, I chose the latter. Naalala ko tuloy nung grumadweyt ako nung 2010, I was also scarexcited (a strange combination of being scared and excited) as to what the future holds. Saan kaya ako matatanggap? Will I be employed soon? Ganyan ang mga naiisip ko noon. But since I was really determined to reach my goal (which is to become a DJ), I became DJ Boom Bayona, I made it. Now, to all aspiring DJs out there, heto lang ang masasabi ko: If I can do it, you too can.

This photo was taken when I graduated from college in UP Diliman on April 25, 2010. Every UP student wouldn’t pass the chance to be photographed with the legendary Oblation on his/her graduation. Iskolar ng Bayan, galing ay iaalay sa bayan. 

Well, based on my experience (sorry to burst your bubble), mahirap makapasok sa pagdi-DJ kasi sa sobrang saya ng trabahong ito, walang nagre-resign. Meaning to say, job openings for DJs in various stations are almost always slim to none. But if you really are determined, walang imposible. Kaya iyan. However, determination alone isn’t enough. You have to be prepared. Parang sundalo. Armado dapat bago sumugod sa laban. Hence, I’m gonna give you some tips on how to jumpstart your career as a radio DJ.

PREPARING FOR YOUR APPLICATION

1. Identify which station you’d like to apply (niche or masa). Choose your preferred stations and start phoning them if they’re looking for DJs.
2. Record your self-intro demo. Basically, magpapakilala ka lang. Dito, ilabas mo ang isang daang porsiyentong lakas sabi nga ni Toguro. LOL. Introduce yourself in the quirkiest way you can. Tandaan, in a sea of other DJ hopefuls, you have to stand out so bring out the unique side in you. 1-2 minutes of self-introduction will do. You need not worry of renting a studio or high-tech equipment. Just plug a microphone on your laptop or desktop computer and you’re good to go. Here, you can listen to the demo I used nung nag-a-apply pa lang ako. 

APPLYING FOR YOUR DJ (DREAM JOB)

1. Create your “DJ Kit”. Your “DJ Kit” consists of the following: 1) your resume and 2) your demo CD. In your resume, put all your achievements, seminars, etc., related to radio. However, be mindful of what you put in there. Isang page lang ha. LOL. In your demo CD, put your self-intro demo. Now, if you have other audio materials such as radio commercials or radio shows you’ve done in the past, include them there as well for that extra edge.  
2. You’re all set and ready to go sago! Puwede ka nang mag-radio hopping. Yup, pumunta sa stations and submit your “DJ Kit” nang personal. Also, submit your “DJ Kit” to as many stations as you can for more chances of winning. 
3. Pagkatapos magpasa, you only have one thing to do - maghintay. More of patience test, actually. Yes, cliche man ang good things come to those wait na mantra, patience still is a virtue and it does work here. Wait for one to three weeks for the call backs. And when they do call you back, you’re moving on to the next level - interview (puwede ring inner view. LOL). 
4. For the interview, you don’t need to worry about everything. Basically, ang itatanong lang naman nila ay based sa resume mo and sa iyong demo CD. All you have to do is be yourself! However, in rare cases, call backs also require the applicant to do an on-the-spot recording or demo so be prepared. Be confident! Confidence is key to ace the interview (and the on-spot-recording). If you made it, congrats! You’re well on your way to your training towards becoming a disc jockey!

Graduation signifies endings which are actually beginnings. Beginnings are never really easy. But however rocky the situation may be, you have to start somewhere. If you want to be a DJ and achieve that D(ream) J(ob), magagawa mo iyan. Just believe in yourself. With preparation, confidence and of course, prayer, that voice inside that wants to be heard will be heard. It’ll go places - malayo pa sa nararating ng radyo. So, sa lahat ng 2012 graduates, here’s a shout out for you: Congrats y’all! Keep the fire burning, Conquer the real world and keep charging for that D(ream) J(ob)! 

KABOOM!