Julie Koehrer

Julie Koehrer is a May 2006 graduate from the Radio Department at Columbia College Chicago. While at Columbia, Julie took advantage of all the opportunities afforded to her. Starting with her first internship at WJMK-FM, Julie showed the talent and dedication to succeed in the industry. Besides working for studio time, Julie was a Teacher Assistant, assisted in tours of the facilities, worked open house as a Student Representative and was a proud staff member of 88.1 WCRX-FM. Currently, Julie is an On- Air Talent and Production Assistant at Rock 108 FM in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Julie was delighted to take part in this interview.

1. Like many Columbia students your journey started at a State University. When did you decide that transferring to Columbia would be an option?

While I was attending the State University they had received a budget cut in the radio/television department and were beginning to combine the classes together. I had no interest in working with television and that is when I realized I should look into Columbia for a more specialized education.

2. Was class size and individual attention a factor in choosing Columbia?

Absolutely. At the State University we would sit in lecture halls sometimes filled with up to 300 students at once. It was hard to pay attention and it made it easy to not attend at all. With the class sizes and individual attention at Columbia, the professors know you and they know if you miss and they get to really know you as a person. Being on that kind of level with someone makes it easy to come to class. You know they actually care if you are there or not.

3.What were the highlights of your first semester at Columbia?

Getting hands on experience was definitely a highlight for me. At the other college I attended we didn't get to work with the equipment very much or we did it in shifts so you didn't get very long to learn hands on. Plus the teachers. I mean I can name every teacher I had my first semester and I probably still keep in touch with more than half of them. Just incredible. They start to treat you as colleagues and friends.

4. In your second semester you started working for the Radio Department in studio time as a student worker. Looking back, would you say this job was beneficial to your success?

Without a doubt. I don't think I would have had the same experience if I hadn't been hired as a student worker. It's almost like having constant practice with the equipment because you're helping other students and sometimes teachers. Plus, it helps with networking. As a student worker you get to meet almost every person who is in the radio department.

5. Your first internship was at WJMK-FM in Chicago. At WJMK, you were able to work with Bill Latour in production. What was that experience like?

He was amazing. I have been very fortunate with my experiences through Columbia and its connections. Not only did I get to do routine production work at WJMK, but Bill eventually allowed me to work with his Pro Tools and would let me piece together some psa's and commercials that he would voice. I even got to voice a spot once. It was great. He was great to learn from and is an incredible person.

6. Before internship number two, you hosted a show at WCRX-FM. What were some of the things you learned at the station?

I learned to relax behind the microphone. Its one thing to be in class and having people hear you, but its another to have actual callers who are total strangers to you and have something to say to you. I learned more intense board work. The board at WCRX can be intimidating at first. I also learned more about program logs and how to work with others at a station.

7. Internship number two was at WLUP-FM working with "Johnny B." This internship is definitely for a "morning person." Describe the typical five days a week in the life of "Julie K" at the time?

What an experience. I am BEYOND grateful for that. I won't lie though, it was a rough semester. Luckily, everyone at Columbia is understanding and supportive. A five day week looked like this.. wake up at 3 a.m. be on a bus to the station by or before 4 a.m. arrive at the station by 4:45 a.m. intern under intense circumstances (morning shows are highly intensive) Mon/Wed/Friday ..finish interning by 1 pm. on Tues / Thurs I would leave the internship by 8 a.m. to get to class by 9. After classes I would then work in studio time until around 7 - 8 p.m. On Monday nights I had a night class that ended around 10:00 pm. that was the roughest part for me. Again, teachers and such were understandable at Columbia. They understood how hard I was working and would work with me if I was having problems...especially with staying awake.

8. What gave you the motivation to seek an On-air gig?

I've wanted to do on air work since I was 8. I was actually working a job doing production and the woman that I was working for was very inspirational. I got a job with her through Columbia right after graduation. She had worked hard to create her own show and business and always encouraged me to go for what I really wanted.

9. How long did you work on the demo and how many did you send out?

Actually, I think the demo was only worked on for about 2 weeks while my boss at the time was on vacation. It might have been a month though. I only sent out I believe it was 10 possibly 12. I got two responses and one that led to my current job.

10. You are now working at Rock-108 FM In Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Being a lifelong Illinois resident, how has the transition been?

The transition was simple. I'm in the same time zone and the weather is affected the same as at home. The teachers were so supportive of the move that made it so easy, but it definitely has not been hard at all. I really like it here.

11. Any advice for students who are getting ready to graduate and test the waters?

Not to sound cliche, but don't give up and DON'T be afraid to move. Even if it's for a part time position it could turn into more. For a reality check....Nothing is NOT good enough. Not in this business. It takes a willingness to learn, to move, and pure passion to really do things. If this is something you really want, you have to make sacrifices..which may include sleep. I also say get your demo done and send it out to as many places as possible. Send them out everywhere because each PD has a sound they're looking for and you could just be it.