"Remember nothing is below you. Do everything you are asked and you will get places. Just take "no" out of your vocabulary." -Cody Trombley
We ask Specs Grad Cody Trombley, Promotions Director for Channel 955 & 100.3 WNIC, to share her path and give some advice on working in the radio industry.
Where do you work and what do you do there?
I work for iHeartMedia Detroit. I am the Promotions Director for Channel 955 and 100.3 WNIC.
What people/positions do you rely on?
I rely on my promotions team to make my visions happen flawlessly. I also rely on my Program Director to help me keep the station on track promotionally with his vision for the look and sound of the station.
Daily responsibilities:
Prize Sheets, coming up with new ideas, reaching out to people to help make our ideas happen, brainstorming, meetings, writing proposals, working with record labels, work with account executives…the works!
What attracted you to the program you were in at Specs?
I actually became interested in Specs when someone came and talked to my telecommunications class in high school. I had no idea that people actually got paid to be in radio. Once I found out you can make a career out of radio, I was sold!
What are the instructors like?
I loved all my instructors. I still keep in contact with some of them. They're like the friend you would call up to tell about the coolest thing you just did. Not a teacher who is going to forget about you in a couple years.
How does Specs Howard prepare you for the real world?
I think Specs really prepares you for how hard the industry is. Dick Kernen said it best, “You haven’t worked in radio unless you have been fired for no reason!”
Did you participate in any internships or volunteer programs? If so, what effect did it have on jumpstarting your career?
I interned for Greater Media Detroit. If it wasn’t for that internship and getting my name out there I would not be where I am today. You have to show people you want it so much that you will do it for free, better than the paid people, just to have your shot.
What advice would you give a student currently attending Specs Howard?
Get an internship and network!
What was the most important thing you learned at Specs?
Networking is everything and don’t burn bridges. No matter where in the country you are applying for a job, chances are that they know someone you know or have worked with.
Have you encountered other Specs grads in the workplace?
Specs people are all over this business. No matter where you work there will be at least a few people who have gone to Specs in every department.
Specs is anything but ordinary because...
...they understand how the creative mind works and push for great things with their students and grads.
What is your biggest accomplishment in the radio biz?
My biggest accomplishment would definitely be becoming Promotions Director for Channel 955. Channel 955 was one of my top three choices for stations that I wanted to work for when I first got started in radio.
How did you get started working where you are now?
I actually got a phone call from a previous sales manager I had worked with, who was then the Marketing Director, asking if I was still interested in promotions and wanted to come over to iHeartMedia Detroit to join the team.
What drew you to this profession?
Music. I love music and am so lucky I work so closely with it.
What do you love most about your job?
Pulling off HUGE events that came from a random idea.
What character traits should a person in your profession have?
Outgoing, unique, creative, great attitude, and fun to be around.
What do you find most challenging in your position?
Not being able to say no is really challenging. No matter what, you have to figure out how to make it work.
List any industry-related jobs and internships you’ve had and explain. What effect did it have on jump starting your career?
Promotions Intern/Event Manager/On-Air on RIFF 2/ Board Op at Greater Media Detroit.
Promotions Assistant/Promotions Coordinator/ Promotions Director at iHeartMedia Detroit. I will take any chance I can get. I have built a pretty awesome resume in this town. Remember nothing is below you. Do everything you are asked and you will get places. Just take "no" out of your vocabulary.
What do you hope to achieve in the next 10 years?
My ultimate goal is to be a Marketing Director with maybe a small on-air gig on the side.
What future trends do you see in your industry?
I think listeners will be able to be more involved in the future. Social Media has changed this business so much in the last nine years since I have been in the business. Radio stations are so much more accessible than they use to be. I’m excited to see where technology will take things and how people will be able to access us.
What motivates you?
Wanting to be successful and happy.
What is the biggest challenge you’ve had to face to get to where you are today?
The biggest challenge would have to be having to prove that I am the right person for the job. Nothing is easy but its always worth it.
What would people be surprised to learn about you?
I used to be really shy. My 6th grade teacher, Mr. Richter, actually wrote in my yearbook “speak up so we don’t forget you are here”.
If you are interested in additional Specs Howard graduate stories, visit the Graduate Stories page by clicking here.
Every Specs Howard School of Media Arts graduate has a story to tell. We collect new life lessons from the field as often as we can. If you are a graduate and have a story to share, visit our website, and drop the Career Services department a note to let them know what you are doing. We love hearing from our graduates.
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