# Choose Career or Hobby

Part of the Radio Merit Badge Digital Resource Guide: [Introduction & Overview](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/radio/guide/index.md)

*9. Radio Careers*

> **9.** Do ONE of the following.

The final requirement asks you to look beyond the badge itself. Choose **one** of two paths: research a professional career in radio, or explore radio as a hobby or volunteer service.

## Your Options

**[Req 9a — Research a Radio Career](../req9a/):** Pick one radio-related career and research the training, education, costs, job prospects, salary, duties, and advancement opportunities. Present your findings to your counselor.

**[Req 9b — Radio as Hobby or Service](../req9b/):** Explore how you could use radio as a lifelong hobby or volunteer service. Research training, licensing, expenses, and supporting organizations. Discuss short- and long-term goals with your counselor.

## How to Choose

**Choosing Your Path** — Consider what interests you most

- [ ] **Career curiosity:** If you're interested in engineering, broadcasting, telecommunications, or public safety, choose 9a.
- [ ] **Hobby interest:** If you've been excited by the hands-on aspects of this badge and want to keep going (especially if Option A or E sparked something), choose 9b.
- [ ] **Both are valuable:** 9a gives you practical career research skills. 9b gives you a plan for personal development.

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- Previous: [Use Radios in the Field](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/radio/guide/req8e3/index.md)
- Next: [Research a Radio Career](https://merit-badge.university/merit-badges/radio/guide/req9a/index.md)