DJ

As a club DJ you might:

• play and mix records in clubs or bars, to create atmosphere or keep people dancing
•  choose music to suit your audience's taste and the venue's music policy
•  operate lighting and visual effects in time to the beat
•  create your own sounds, manipulate beats, use samples, and add music and sound effects
•  work with an MC who raps or sings over the music

As a radio DJ or presenter, you'll present a radio programme in your own style. You could:

• choose the music to be played
•  keep up an entertaining and natural flow of chat
•  interact with the audience through phone-ins, emails, texts and social media
•  keep to a very tight timing schedule
•  interview studio guests
•  operate studio equipment to play music, pre-recorded news, jingles and advertisements (known as 'driving the desk)
•  discuss ideas with the producer, write scripts and prepare playlists for future shows

• knowledge of media production and communication
• excellent verbal communication skills
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• to be flexible and open to change
• broadcasting and telecommunications knowledge 
• the ability to use your initiative
• knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• volunteering
• applying directly
• specialist training courses

As a successful club DJ, you could move into music producing and recording, club promoting, working for a record label or starting your own label.

As an established radio DJ, you could get involved in other types of media work, like TV presenting.