By: Darylin Smith

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Jennifer Alyse discovered her interest in radio when the local radio stations would visit her high school. After high school, she continued her education at Michigan State University beginning as a sports medicine major but eventually graduated in December 2015 with a degree in communications.

“If I would’ve switched my major to media,I think I would’ve been a little ahead, and knew about different career opportunities.”

Following graduation, Alyse began the post-graduation job search, a process that many college graduates struggle with. Fortunately, in June 2016 she stumbled upon an opening on LinkedIn for a marketing and promotions position at Radio One, which happened to be in her hometown of Detroit, Michigan.

“When I got hired,I thought marketing and promotions was a cool way to tie in what I like to do, I like the events, and I love the music.”

Now, Alyse is the Online Editor at Radio One which covers their R&B, gospel, and hip-hop stations in their Detroit market.

“I typically get in around 8 or 9 a.m. and go through all the sites for social media. I edit interviews, post, and make videos. Constantly checking social media and checking in with marketing. I am at my desk looking at the site, social media, and reports until about 5:30 p.m.”

Alyse’s position at Radio One has opened the door to numerous networking opportunities and events. She has broadened her connections outside of the radio industry to different sponsors, label reps, and liquor reps just to list a few.

“My job provides an avenue to connections; it teaches you how to network and communicate because you’re always around a lot of different people.”

Alyse’s favorite aspect of working in radio is the fact that no two days are the same; she has a routine but at any moment she could get invited to a significant event, or a well-known artist could stop by.

“I loved meeting Elle Varner she’s very genuine, and Nipsey Hussle was pretty dope too, those are my favorites.”

Being the Online Editor, social media is essential to Alyse’s position, and advancements such as changes to Instagram’s Algorithm effects interactions between the stations and their online supporters. Alyse is very focused around busy times, likes, and engagements for the social media pages. 

“Sometimes people won’t see your content. When I began college, Instagram just started popping, I never thought I could get a job with social media.”

With technology advancing radio is evolving, and Alyse is excited to see how music will progress. With the abundance of streaming platforms, the music industry is moving fast; new artist and new music are presented daily.

“I am thrilled to see music and technology advance because that’s where both of my worlds meet.”