1995 Broadcasting/Radio Graduate

JAM'N 94.5

Ramiro Torres is one of Boston's hottest jocks. Many Bostonians know him by name but those who do not will certainly recognize his better-known title, "The Freakin' Puerto Rican". Clear Channel Communications' Boston hip-hop station, JAM'N 94.5 has become a home of sorts to Ramiro. He has been working at the station ever since he graduated from The New England Institute of Art & Communications (The New England Institute of Art) back in 1995. He started out as an intern and has managed to work his way up through the ranks over the years. It has been a whirl-wind ride but Ramiro has finally landed and he likes where he is. The coveted time slot for all on-air talent, the morning drive, now belongs to him.

Ramiro's story is not one that fairy tales are made of. His story is about hard work, determination and paying dues. It wasn't that long ago that Ramiro was working for free as an intern at JAM'N. He believes that it was his strong work ethic and his true desire to learn that helped to set him apart from other interns and propel him in the direction of success. "In order to succeed in this business you have to make yourself available, work hard, do what is asked, then ask, listen and learn." From intern to fill in to over night jock to where he is today, Ramiro has learned valuable lessons and skills along the way. He stresses the importance of networking. "It's not who you know, but who knows you that is important. There is no negative to networking."

Ramiro believes that it is never too early to start thinking about your career. He urges The New England Institute of Art students to learn as much as possible about radio while they are in school. "The industry has changed and the more computer/digital knowledge that you graduate with, the better." Of course, he is also a firm believer in the importance of internships. An internship can provide a student with the opportunity to get his or her foot in the door of the radio industry but as we have learned from Ramiro's story, getting your foot in the door is only half of the battle. "You have to have a passion, you have to really want it", he claims. Ramiro did want it and he has worked hard in order to claim his spot on the morning drive.