DJ
Use your passion for music to entertain people in live venues, at events or on the radio.
Also known as: disc jockey, radio host, radio presenter
About the job
A day in the life – Radio DJ
What it's like
Fancy being the top local DJ in your area, a well-known radio presenter or even the next Calvin Harris?
As a DJ, you'll play music in clubs, at events or on the radio. It's your job to entertain people and get them dancing! You'll know the type of music your audience will enjoy.
Depending on your setup, you'll use different formats like vinyl, CD or MP3. You'll have a range of equipment such as turntables, mixers, microphones and amplifiers to play the music.
And there's more to being a DJ than just pressing play! You'll also prepare the next tracks, respond to requests, operate equipment and chat with guests if you're broadcasting on radio.
Working as a club DJ
As a club DJ, you'll play and mix records in clubs or bars to create a fun atmosphere that keeps people dancing. You'll choose music that suits your audience's taste and the venue's music policy.
Your tasks might include:
operating lighting and visual effects in time to the beat
creating your own sounds by manipulating beats, using samples or adding effects
collaborating with an MC who raps or sings over the music
Working as a radio DJ or presenter
In this role, you'll present a programme in your own style. As well as playing the music, you'll interact with your audience through phone-ins, emails, texts and social media.
Many radio DJs also work in clubs or present events on the side.
Your tasks might include:
choosing the music to be played
maintaining an entertaining and natural flow of conversation
posting social media content to engage with your listeners
interviewing guests either on air or before the programme
operating studio equipment to play music, pre-recorded news, jingles and advertisements - this is known as ‘driving the desk’
discussing ideas with the producer or broadcast assistant, writing scripts and preparing playlists for future shows
posting social media content to engage with your listeners
Working as a mobile DJ
As a mobile DJ, you'll play music at social events such as weddings and parties. You'll take your own equipment and music to each venue you perform at. Ahead of each event, you'll discuss the music choices with the people who are organising it.
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Creative Scotland – learn about the organisation that enables people to build careers in the arts, screen and creative industries across the country
Audio Academy – check out this charity that promotes excellence in audio and radio throughout the United Kingdom
BBC Careers – explore 'Get In' Taster Experiences with the national broadcaster, they also offer work experience, trainee schemes and apprenticeships
ScreenSkills – discover roles in the creative industries and routes into them
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Tourism and hospitality Digital technologies Creative
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- creative
- researching
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- developing a plan
- self esteem
- taking initiative
- time management
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Music
Music Technology
Skills for Work: Creative Industries
You don't need any qualifications to become a DJ. Although, many people study a relevant college course to build technical skills and gain contacts in the industry.
Let's explore the routes you can take to get into this career.
Work
You can become a DJ by applying directly for work within bars, clubs and radio stations.
Employers will expect to see evidence of your mixing and presenting skills – you can showcase your talent by creating an online music channel or posting mixes on websites like YouTube.
Use the My World of Work job search to find vacancies. It's also a good idea to contact venues and radio stations to ask if they'd consider giving you some work.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you develop skills and find a job. Useful subjects include:
Sound Production
Music
Media and Communication
Radio Broadcasting
Journalism
Audio Engineering
Use the My World of Work course search to find opportunities to study at college.
Volunteering in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become a DJ. Search for radio-based opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
Do your research to make sure you target your demo mixes to match a radio station's playlist or a venue's music policy and audience.
You can find lots of online tutorials on setting up as a DJ, how to use equipment and mixing or remixing techniques. Get started by searching for free DJ courses on My World of Work.
Experience is vital if you want to become a DJ. Take every opportunity you can to work at parties or weddings and on community, hospital, school, college or university radio stations.
Posting mixes to online video and music streaming websites can help you get noticed.
Mobile DJs must have a driving licence.
You need to be at least 18 years old if you're working in a venue where alcohol is served.
As a DJ, you should love music and have a strong knowledge of the latest trends within the industry.
You should start building your collection of music and equipment as soon as possible.
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