9 answers
Ava
Student
Scranton, Pennsylvania
6
Questions
Asked
619 views
How did you get started in the industry? Like how did you find internships and connections?
I'm looking at pursuing a career in the business side of the music industry. #music #music-industry #music-management #marketing
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9 answers
Ben Wynett
Corporate Development Analyst
1
Answer
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ben’s Answer
Ava,
Thank you for the question. During college, I had a similar interest in the music industry. I planned philanthropic concerts, which led to impactful donations to the community, but it also allowed me to immerse myself in the music business. When planning and managing the event, I had to coordinate with different music agencies, managers, and the bands themselves to understand their needs and to ensure they would deliver the experience we wanted for the concert. That quick story is all to say, look to see how you can get involved with on-campus or community organizations/businesses that host concerts/events with live music. It's an easy way to start understanding the music business and to make connections. After working directly with band managers and agents, I was offered an internship to work directly with a music agency in Charleston, SC. I ended up choosing an internship with NCR which I was fortunate to receive after reconnecting with an old friend from college. I recommend leveraging as many resources at your school (career fairs, career center, mock interviews, etc.), and then connect with people in your network (friends, family, classmates, alumni, etc) who work in industries/roles that you are interested in.
Summary:
- Get involved with concerts/events at your school, community, etc.
- Develop strong relationships with people in the music business and don't be afraid to ask about internship/job opportunites.
- Use as many resources at your school to reach out about jobs/internships.
- Look at jobs/fields you're interested in and reach out to people in your network who could get you an interview.
I really enjoyed my experience in the music industry and am now working for a technology company which I really enjoy as well. Hope you find this helpful and good luck!
Best,
Ben Wynett
Thank you for the question. During college, I had a similar interest in the music industry. I planned philanthropic concerts, which led to impactful donations to the community, but it also allowed me to immerse myself in the music business. When planning and managing the event, I had to coordinate with different music agencies, managers, and the bands themselves to understand their needs and to ensure they would deliver the experience we wanted for the concert. That quick story is all to say, look to see how you can get involved with on-campus or community organizations/businesses that host concerts/events with live music. It's an easy way to start understanding the music business and to make connections. After working directly with band managers and agents, I was offered an internship to work directly with a music agency in Charleston, SC. I ended up choosing an internship with NCR which I was fortunate to receive after reconnecting with an old friend from college. I recommend leveraging as many resources at your school (career fairs, career center, mock interviews, etc.), and then connect with people in your network (friends, family, classmates, alumni, etc) who work in industries/roles that you are interested in.
Summary:
- Get involved with concerts/events at your school, community, etc.
- Develop strong relationships with people in the music business and don't be afraid to ask about internship/job opportunites.
- Use as many resources at your school to reach out about jobs/internships.
- Look at jobs/fields you're interested in and reach out to people in your network who could get you an interview.
I really enjoyed my experience in the music industry and am now working for a technology company which I really enjoy as well. Hope you find this helpful and good luck!
Best,
Ben Wynett
Gloria Ortiz
Instructional Designer
842
Answers
Irving, Texas
Updated
Gloria’s Answer
Hi Ava,
I am not sure how other people have done it, but my nephew opted to go the route of education. He went to Belmont University in Nashville, TN. They have well-known musical programs around a variety of disciplines in music. Several bands and industry people went to school there. It is a city of music, so internships in your field would probably be available. The school has a performance that is often on TV, I believe every other year. https://www.pbs.org/show/christmas-belmont/ The city of Nashville is wonderful.
Here are some links to learn about the business side of music:
https://www.belmont.edu/curb/undergrad/music-business/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/curb/about/accreditation.html
I would think being close to a hub of industry would be helpful. You should research how others got into the job that you want to get. The work history of others can be a place to start on your own journey to your career.
Good luck.
Gloria
I am not sure how other people have done it, but my nephew opted to go the route of education. He went to Belmont University in Nashville, TN. They have well-known musical programs around a variety of disciplines in music. Several bands and industry people went to school there. It is a city of music, so internships in your field would probably be available. The school has a performance that is often on TV, I believe every other year. https://www.pbs.org/show/christmas-belmont/ The city of Nashville is wonderful.
Here are some links to learn about the business side of music:
https://www.belmont.edu/curb/undergrad/music-business/index.html
https://www.belmont.edu/curb/about/accreditation.html
I would think being close to a hub of industry would be helpful. You should research how others got into the job that you want to get. The work history of others can be a place to start on your own journey to your career.
Good luck.
Gloria
John Morrow
6
Answers
Updated
John’s Answer
I recommend considering a school known for strong connections in the music industry, such as Belmont University in Nashville, TN.
Atul Bhankharia
Sales
456
Answers
Mount Laurel, New Jersey
Updated
Atul’s Answer
You have to determine what you enjoy while you were in school.
For instance: my son in high school enjoyed computer programming so he took Java courses in high school.
He was also part of the Robotics program where companies like Lockheed Martin and other local companies' employees were assisting and mentoring.
When he was looking for an internship after finishing high school and 1st year of college, he reached out to mentors, school teachers, friends whose parents were in the industry where he wanted to work.
Because he had a higher GPA, one company took a chance and asked him to learn the Python language for programming before joining.
This is what he did and got the internship.
Also, explore the LinkedIn website for the region where you live and many employers are offering internships.
Wish you all the best.
For instance: my son in high school enjoyed computer programming so he took Java courses in high school.
He was also part of the Robotics program where companies like Lockheed Martin and other local companies' employees were assisting and mentoring.
When he was looking for an internship after finishing high school and 1st year of college, he reached out to mentors, school teachers, friends whose parents were in the industry where he wanted to work.
Because he had a higher GPA, one company took a chance and asked him to learn the Python language for programming before joining.
This is what he did and got the internship.
Also, explore the LinkedIn website for the region where you live and many employers are offering internships.
Wish you all the best.
Jonathan Blayer
Beverage Sales Consultant for Restaurants
4
Answers
Johnston, Iowa
Updated
Jonathan’s Answer
I don't have experience in the music industry but in terms of an internship first look for places you have worked before. Just because an organization doesn't have a formal internship program doesn't mean they wouldn't be interested in putting one together. My summer job had been working for a moving company to pay for a business college. One summer they were down a sales person and I got the role. I got the experience on my resume, college credit, and they ended up paying me an hourly rate. That may not always happen but doesn't hurt to ask, especially somewhere you know or would like to get your foot in the door.
Shaun Thompson, MPM
Program Manager
4
Answers
Loganville, Georgia
Updated
Shaun’s Answer
I got started in the industry by researching the definition of project management and the ongoing needed for that service.
Once I did that I found others that were in the role I was interested in . I met with them to determine the current skillsets I had to transition to that role as well as other skillsets I would need to be successful.
Once I did that I found others that were in the role I was interested in . I met with them to determine the current skillsets I had to transition to that role as well as other skillsets I would need to be successful.
Hey Shaun, how did you find other people who were in your role? Networking and finding these folks is by the hardest part and I'm sure that the student would appreciate any further insight you can provide!
Gurpreet Lally, Admin
Lehua Pagett
Trade Development / Sales
2
Answers
Oreland, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lehua’s Answer
Hi Ava! I see you are from Scranton, PA. I am in Philly suburbs... Not sure if this is of interest, but it is 2 hrs from Scranton.... Rock Lititz.
Looks interesting and they offer internships!
https://rocklititz.com/education
Also, I'd recommend, if possible, anytime you apply for something online, to follow up with phone call or visit in person -- shows initiative!
Good luck.
Looks interesting and they offer internships!
https://rocklititz.com/education
Also, I'd recommend, if possible, anytime you apply for something online, to follow up with phone call or visit in person -- shows initiative!
Good luck.
Jackson A. Munuo
Work in Information Technology
3
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Jackson A.’s Answer
Internship is the best way to get hands on experience in real world. This allows you to determine if you would like the field of work that you are interested in. So, I will encourage you to look for internship opportunities.
These opportunities are available for some companies to even high school students. So, you don’t have to wait until you are in college to seek such opportunities.
These opportunities are available for some companies to even high school students. So, you don’t have to wait until you are in college to seek such opportunities.
Terri Hill
Manager
6
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Terri’s Answer
As a college student at Hampton University, I was looking for scholarship dollars. I spoke with my advisor who shared that CIGNA Insurance was looking for students to work during the summer. I applied and was hired as a summer intern. As a result, I was given a scholarship the following 2 years and a full time job following graduation.