Success Story
IDVR’s Workday Wednesday
“My services from VR have been instrumental in helping me shape my career goals. They have provided me with realworld experiences in media and broadcasting, helping me to see my potential, and offered valuable learning opportunities about the industry. This experience is helping me to prepare for my next step— entering the Media Arts program at the College of Western Idaho (CWI).” -Kyle, Pre-ETS Participant
Story
IDVR Partners with Iliad Media Group for a tour and informational interview for students with disabilities interested in broadcast and communications
What started as a virtual informational interview during IDVR’s Workday Wednesday series has grown into a dynamic, hands-on career exploration opportunity for students with disabilities. Local radio personality, Twitty, invited students working with VR to come for an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the station.
The tour gave students working with VR an inside look at how a radio station really operates. From the production studio to the control room, students got to see every moving part of a live radio show including how it’s produced, how playlists are curated, and what it takes to be on air 24/7 without skipping a beat.
Twitty also pulled back the curtain on the business side of broadcasting, explaining how multiple stations can operate under one company umbrella, each targeting different listener preferences. Students were introduced to staff members in various roles, giving them insight into the wide range of career paths available in radio from marketing and music programming to engineering and on-air talent.
One of the most valuable takeaways? Understanding that career journeys don’t always follow a straight line. Students learned how developing a diverse set of skills can open doors to many roles within the industry—and how seemingly unrelated jobs can build toward a dream career.
“Giving tours at the radio station is always fi ne but the students and even the staff at VR were by far the most engaging and exciting group this year that I gave a tour to. Very curious as well as informed with some of the technology we use in radio. Could definitely see the wheels turning in their brains both for the students and adults on just how all the working parts come tog ether to make radio seem like a flawless and easy job to do.” – Twitty, Iliad Media Group
“I really enjoyed the opportunity to experience the radio industry firsthand at Wild 101. Observing how a radio station operates and exploring the different career paths in media and broadcasting gave me valuable insight for supporting and connecting students interested in these fields.” – Lorri Dale, Pre-ETS VR Counselor
“Informational interviews and workplace tours provide relevant information to students so they can gain important insights into the workplace where they otherwise would not have access. This valuable information allows students to make informed decisions about their future careers. Twitty at Wild 101 did an exceptional job of welcoming students into Wild 101 for them to see firsthand how different career fields work together to make radio possible.” – Jurene Willett, Pre-ETS VR Specialist