Research a Radio Career
9a.
Explore careers related to radio. Research one career to learn about the training and education needed, costs, job prospects, salary, job duties, and advancement. With permission of your parent or guardian, your research methods may include an internet or library search, an interview with a professional in the field, or a visit to a location where people in this career work or train. Discuss your findings and career interest with your counselor.
Radio-Related Careers to Consider
| Career | What They Do |
|---|---|
| RF Engineer | Designs radio systems, antennas, and wireless networks for telecommunications companies, military, or aerospace |
| Broadcast Engineer | Maintains and operates the technical equipment at radio and TV stations |
| Telecommunications Technician | Installs, maintains, and repairs wireless network infrastructure (cell towers, microwave links) |
| Radio Broadcaster / DJ | Hosts on-air programming, selects music, conducts interviews |
| Emergency Dispatcher (911) | Coordinates emergency response using radio communication systems |
| Spectrum Manager | Works for the FCC, military, or large organizations to manage radio frequency allocation |
| Satellite Communications Engineer | Designs and operates satellite communication systems |
| Wireless Network Engineer | Plans and optimizes Wi-Fi, 5G, and other wireless data networks |
| Avionics Technician | Maintains radio, navigation, and communication systems in aircraft |
| Audio Engineer | Records, mixes, and produces audio for broadcast, music, film, and podcasts |
RF Engineer
- What They Do
- Designs radio systems, antennas, and wireless networks for telecommunications companies, military, or aerospace
Broadcast Engineer
- What They Do
- Maintains and operates the technical equipment at radio and TV stations
Telecommunications Technician
- What They Do
- Installs, maintains, and repairs wireless network infrastructure (cell towers, microwave links)
Radio Broadcaster / DJ
- What They Do
- Hosts on-air programming, selects music, conducts interviews
Emergency Dispatcher (911)
- What They Do
- Coordinates emergency response using radio communication systems
Spectrum Manager
- What They Do
- Works for the FCC, military, or large organizations to manage radio frequency allocation
Satellite Communications Engineer
- What They Do
- Designs and operates satellite communication systems
Wireless Network Engineer
- What They Do
- Plans and optimizes Wi-Fi, 5G, and other wireless data networks
Avionics Technician
- What They Do
- Maintains radio, navigation, and communication systems in aircraft
Audio Engineer
- What They Do
- Records, mixes, and produces audio for broadcast, music, film, and podcasts
What to Research
For your chosen career, find answers to:
- Training and education: What degree, certification, or license is required? (Associate’s degree? Bachelor’s? FCC commercial license? Specific certifications?)
- Costs: How much does the required education cost? Are there scholarships or employer-sponsored training programs?
- Job prospects: Is this field growing, stable, or declining? Where are the jobs located?
- Salary: What’s the starting salary? What can an experienced professional expect? (The Bureau of Labor Statistics at bls.gov is a reliable source.)
- Job duties: What does a typical workday look like?
- Advancement: What does career progression look like? Can you specialize or move into management?
Research Methods
- Internet search: Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), professional association websites, job listing sites
- Interview: With parent/guardian permission, contact a professional in the field. Prepare 5–10 questions in advance.
- Site visit: Tour a radio station, cell tower facility, or telecommunications company.