Rachel's job log: 10

Rachel Killington is looking to pump up the megahertz of her local radio career.

No standing still

When the gorgeous Mr Keating sang 'Life is a Rollercoaster' he was spot on. I’ve been through lots of ups and downs this year, and although it has often been scary, it has been exhilarating too. The thing is that the carriage my career is residing in has unexpectedly slowed and reached a plateau, and I’ve decided I need a good shove to get me going again.

Don’t get me wrong, I know I’ve accomplished a lot since the beginning of the year, and I’m a lot happier because of it. The difference is that now I’ve been shown what I could achieve, I’m even more determined to boot my career into the direction of the goal, albeit that I might need a few practice shots first.

Progress report

A few months ago I began work on a demo for a vacant presenting position within the radio station. I knew I wouldn’t get the job as I have hardly any experience but decided to give it my best shot anyway. Last week I made an appointment with the radio station’s Programme Controller (my boss) to discuss the demo. I had steeled myself for disappointment so could barely believe my ears when I was told that I have strong observational skills, a sense of fun with an edgy ‘attitude’ and that one of my links ‘hit the mark’.

Yes, there were negative points - I’m completely inexperienced, my links often sounded too over-prepared (which they were) when they need to seem spontaneous, and I sounded unnatural and nervous at times (which I was). But those are points that can all be worked on.

The most thrilling thing was that I actually got positive comments. My boss said he thinks I’ve ‘got something’ (I presume he was referring to talent not anything unsavoury like fleas or a contagious disease) so now I need to concentrate on nurturing that ‘something’ in the hope that it will grow.

Time for change

Like my fellow bloggers Laura and Sarah I’ve decided I need a change. Not so much a change of occupation, but more of an adjustment of my aim within my profession. I’ve spent the last eight months laying a secure foundation on which to build my career but I haven’t really started any of the building work yet.

Ultimately I want to be a radio presenter. I did two years’ unpaid weekly work experience at the radio station whilst at college doing my HND before I went to university. After my graduation I worked in television production but always kept my ears open, and as soon as a paid position became available at the station I fought tooth and nail until I got my foot in the door.

I never gave up until I’d achieved what I set out to do, and always worked hard to get there. I was always so passionate and driven and wanted to be one step ahead of everyone else, so it came as a bit of a shock to realise that recently I seem to have lost a certain amount of that early determination.

I’ve been quite content to just do the work I’ve been given and the tasks I’ve been asked to complete. Yes - I’ve done them well and to the best of my ability. I’ve proved that I’m reliable, dedicated and hard working but I don’t feel that I’ve been particularly proactive in pushing for that dream job (apart from making a few demos), and I need to work on that.

Encouraged to go on

So I’ve decided to grit my teeth and just go for it because I know it won’t be easy. It’s a tough industry and particularly dog-eat-dog. Sometimes it’s safer just to plod along from day to day, because if you aim for the stars there is an astronomical plunge back down to Earth if you don’t quite make it. But I know if I play safe, I’m never going to be the next Fearne Cotton or Sara Cox and radio is all I’ve ever really wanted to do.

I’m looking into doing a radio production or presenting course as there is so much I need (and want) to know. I want to learn everything I possibly can about the industry, and then more, so I have the skills to be the best that I possibly can. My boss at the station told me that I’m delivering fantastic on-air links and that it’s a skill not many people have. That was the biggest compliment I’ve ever received work-wise and it’s one I’ve worked hard for. But I can’t afford to celebrate for long, because you’re only really as good as the last thing you’ve done. I’m determined now to work even harder than I ever have before.

• Rachel's job log: 9 - change in the air.
• Rachel’s job log: 8 - no time for soaps.
• Rachel's job log: 7 - summer dreams.
• Rachel's earlier job logs - channels to radio.

Have you received encouraging words from the boss (or the opposite)? Email Rachel your comments and experiences.