How To Work As An OAP

Wondering what an OAP is? That’s basically on-air personality/presenter. You know that gadget called a radio? When you turn it on and you hear people talking, a program being hosted or music being played, that includes the job of OAPs. What are the bits about being an OAP?

I haven’t always been the talkative type. Used to bury myself in books (I still do till date) and observe people without saying much. Decided to change that in 2014. I had observed so much that I just wanted to talk. Being a music fan too, I was addicted to listening to the radio all day during the six months ASUU strike. It was awesome how OAPs on my two favorite stations: Beat FM and Splash FM would talk about issues that I could relate too. It felt great that they were far away but actually understand and I’d picture myself doing the same, someone somewhere feeling how I felt.

When I got into university, I joined the press organization of my department. Every press organization is automatically a member of The Union of Campus Journalists. I had a friend who was an OAP at a station in Ibadan but I was too shy to ask her about it and it was quite difficult getting a place as an OAP in Ibadan then. Everything was attached to being connected.
I became the technology editor of the Union of Campus Journalists last year and the union had internship spots at the school’s radio station. So I applied, did the test and interned for 6 weeks. Was observed during that period and after the internship, was asked if I wanted to take up a program. Said yes and there! An OAP.

Okay I’m not exactly like Ronke Giwa, Toolz or Tosyn Bucknor yet. But I think I just might have found my calling. I haven’t been much of the programming aspect of computer science fan and I have one year to go. Might just go for the broadcasting and information management part. I really do want to work at Beat FM some day or have my own radio station. Amen? Amen!

Now how to work as an OAP.

1. Be informed!
Lol can’t stress how important that is. I did not even know about the internship till two days before the test and yet some of my friends heard but did not have interest and didn’t bother to tell me. Saw this advert online for a new entertainment radio station too. You should talk to people and find out the steps you’d need in getting the job. Most OAP jobs are not advertised. Some stations require professional qualifications like B.Sc. or even M.Sc. while some don’t. Find out which you qualify for and give it your best shot.

2. Be yourself and have fun at it.
Unless your intended post requires being someone else on air, just be real. Discover your strengths and weaknesses as a presenter. Get tons of practice in presenting. Try out your innate presenting skills. Acquire new presentation skills. Become a better presenter.

3. Are you passionate about it?
Passion goes a long way. Why force yourself to do something you don’t exactly love? Do your research. Meet practitioners and experts in the broadcast media if possible. Get professional advice and guidance in presenting. Acquire the knowledge and develop the skills in presenting.

4. Intonation and accent. This is basically a personal thing. You can decide to work on the way you pronounce to sound more radio worthy and professional or not.

The rise up the ladder is gradual. Start from a level and you’ll get better.

There you have it, bits you need to know about how to work as an OAP.

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