Often, a person who wants to become a TV hostess seeks a bachelor’s degree in preparation for this career. While there’s no ironclad path a person can follow and expect to be guaranteed a job, an individual interested in this field can boost her chances of securing a job by completing internships with a major television network. Additionally, interning with a cable network or hosting on a public access channel may help. Likewise, gaining exposure in the entertainment industry, such as by hosting events at a comedy club or nightclub, may help a budding TV hostess to make valuable contacts.
While there are some people who become TV hostesses with without going to college, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in a related field may help. In fact, a person may have a difficult time competing for a TV hostess position at a major network without a degree in a related field. Many people interested in this field choose to pursue degrees in broadcast journalism. Others may work toward degrees in communications or related majors. No matter which major the aspiring hostess chooses, taking classes in television broadcasting, public speaking, and mass communications may provide good preparation.
Besides education, internships may help pave the way for a person who wants to become a TV hostess. In many cases, television networks hire new hostesses from among those who already work with them. As such, an intern may have an advantage over other job candidates. Regardless of whether an internship leads to a job with the same network, an intern can gain valuable experience in such a position and may also make career-boosting contacts. Often, these internships are unpaid, but a person who wants to become a TV hostess may chalk the lack of pay up to paying her dues.
To gain exposure and related experience, a person who wants to become a TV hostess may spend some time hosting events in comedy clubs and similar entertainment revenues. Not only will this provide the budding hostess with experience in appealing to a crowd and developing good stage presence, but it may also help her to make a name for herself in the entertainment industry.
After completing a degree and gaining at least some experience, a person who wants to become a TV hostess may seek an entry-level job with a television network. These jobs are typically far from the spotlight an aspiring hostess craves, but they do provide a way for her to get a foot in the door. In fact, many TV personalities start with lower-paying jobs behind the scenes and work their way up to the spotlight.