The OICB Radio & TV Career Tips Blog

Rick Camp, Graduate Spotlight

Our graduates will be the first to share with you how important internships, experience, and networking are when it comes to trying to land that first job in broadcasting. Rick Camp, a recent graduate, shares his story.  

My experience with Sportstownchicago.com paved the way for me to get the Producer position that I now have with 670 the Score. 

As a student with ICB, I began my on-air show with Sportstownchicago.com (our student run radio station) approximately two months after I began classes. I made every attempt to be involved with stringing, studio work, play by play and color commentary for the Friday Night Lights broadcasts during high school football season.

With the early hands-on ICB experience, I was able to take the things I had learned in class and student activities to secure my internship with 670 the Score. The early on-air time was a huge advantage as opposed to students from other schools who had never had the opportunity to get on air. Additionally, I was already familiar with the editing software that The Score used and knew many of the basics, such as formatting and locating key audio elements. Being able to hit the ground running is very attractive to potential future employers.

As my internship ended, I continued to work perfecting my show and obtaining more play by play experience with different sports. I knew that by giving myself as many skills as possible, I would be more marketable as the time came closer to start my job search. 

Just a month after graduation I was hired at WBIG to run the board and cut highlights for the Kane County Cougars games and learned how to follow a log for the Bears Radio Network.

Adding those skills to my resume and being able to execute successful interviews led to landing my first job as a Producer with 670 the Score. Since being here I have had the opportunity to run the board, screen calls, and research topics for night and weekend hosts. I also produce on site for the Boers and Bernstein Show. As part of my producing duties I edit highlights and secure audio from all the biggest stories in sports. The experience I'm getting with the station is invaluable. Being able to learn from some of the best in the industry also helps me continue to perfect my role as producer. All these things will only help me advance in my career. 

You can check out my show "Sports Hump", with co-host Ian Duthie, on Wednesdays from 10:00am-1:00pm on SportsTownChicago.com. You can also follow me on Twitter @RickCamp670 and @SportsTownChi!

For more information on where training from one of our broadcasting colleges can lead you, visit http://beonair.com/careers.

If you're ready to take that first step to making your dream of working in broadcasting a reality, it's as easy as scheduling at tour!

The Ohio Center for Broadcasting. Where Broadcasting Careers Begin!

Graduate Success Story, Richard W. Nelson

There are few things that make us more proud than hearing from our graduates who have landed their dream job.

Dear Mr. Gary James, the Staff, and Students of OCB/ICB,

My name is Mr. Richard W. Nelson and I am happy to say that I am a graduate of the Ohio/Illinois Center for Broadcasting. I graduated from the Cleveland Campus in '09. I feel that by attending OCB/ICB, I have been able to obtain my dreams of working in the entertainment business.

I currently work at Activate Entertainment/Indie Power, located in the entertainment capital of the world, beautiful Studio City, Los Angeles. I currently oversee our video editing/production facility. I shoot and edit video, as well as edit and process audio for direct to DVD, and music videos for a wide range of clients. Since moving to LA from my home town of Youngstown, Ohio, I have had the privilege of working with one of the greatest rappers of all-time, Chino XL. I've also worked with hip-hop dance legend Steve “Zulu” Gremlin, and the brother of Jimi Hendrix, Leon Hendrix.

The things that I learned at the Ohio Center for Broadcasting have given me a great advantage in landing opportunities in the entertainment industry. At OCB, students learn what they need to know to be successful in this highly competitive marketplace. The key to a long lasting career in this business is have the right knowledge. From using Final Cut Pro to shooting and editing video in class projects, I'm now able to use those same programs and skills every day in my current position.

I'd like to offer some advice and pass along some of the things I learned along the way that may help you while you are working toward your dream of working in the broadcasting industry. 

• Nothing comes without sacrifice, determination, and effort. If you want to be successful, you need to give it everything you have. Be willing to put everything on the line and work long hours for your dream. This is a 24/7, 365 day a year business. At times, it can be tough and demanding, but for someone who is passionate about this business, it is all worth it.

• Do not be afraid of getting out of your comfort zone. If you don't take chances you will never know what you are good at. In this business, the more tasks you know, the better off you will be. So perfect all of your skills and try everything. The more versatile you are, the more successful you will be.

• Be humble and don't burn bridges. This is very important. In this business, everyone knows everyone, and your reputation will precede you. You never know who your next coworker or future boss may be. Always be willing to grow and learn new things everyday.

This is a tough business to break in to, and if you take your education seriously, listen to Gary and your instructors, you will do just fine in this business.

Sincerely ,

Richard W. Nelson

If you feel you're ready to take the first step toward your dream of working in broadcasting a reality, it's as easy as scheduling a campus tour.