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From my first internship to my latest job, I’ve had a turbulent yet exciting experience starting out in the music business, learning a valuable lesson about the importance of networking.
Although I had completed a few internships around Boston during college, I knew that I would travel to another city for my final one. With the strong desire to dive into the music publishing business, I followed my advisor Alan Williams’ suggestion that I try an internship in Nashville. Without hesitation, I went for it. Less than 24 hours after graduation, I found myself driving down to Nashville, carrying only what I could fit into my car, not knowing anyone there, to start my internship at Universal Music Publishing.
My internship at Universal was informative and interesting. I gained a solid understanding of how the publishing business works in Nashville compared to New York City or Los Angeles. I also received the opportunity to attend important meetings and industry events. Although I did gain real world experience, the most valuable thing I gained were the relationships I formed with the staff. These relationships became extremely important when my internship ended and Universal Music Publishing was unable to offer me a position. The staff at Universal made every effort to let me know about any openings in the business that they heard of. In addition, it was great to be able to use my supervisor and co-workers as references throughout the job search.
Once my internship was over and I needed a job, my first move was to inform everyone in Nashville (and elsewhere) that I was searching for employment. This step was imperative. As most of us have realized, very few jobs in the music industry are posted. Often, the only way you find out about job opportunities is through people that you know. I reached out to all contacts I had made in Nashville, friends, former professors, former internship supervisors, and other UMass Lowell alumni.
It is important to understand how competitive the music industry is. In Nashville, for example, there are hundreds of music business students from schools such as Belmont University and Middle Tennessee State University graduating every semester.
This is also true in other cities, such as Boston, although on a smaller scale. Competition for entry-level jobs is fierce. While this may sound intimidating, it gives you a reason to work hard to make yourself stand out from the crowd.
I managed to land my first job with Naxos of America, an independent classical record label and distributor, located right outside of Nashville. I was hired as their distributed label and marketing coordinator. It was a great first job and spectacular experience. Though everything seemed to be going very well, the company went through a restructuring after six months. I lost my first full-time job in the music business. It was quick, unexpected and devastating; however, I knew that I needed to move forward, and I was unwilling to give up on my desire to work in the business.
At first I was afraid to tell everyone the news, but I soon realized that this was completely the wrong approach. It was only when I began to tell everyone about my job loss that I got help –in the form of advice and notice of job openings. A few of my co-workers from Universal and Naxos emailed me job leads that resulted in interviews. Although I thought that pursuing the music publishing business was what I truly wanted, after a few interviews at other publishing companies, I could tell that it was not the right fit and I wanted to try something different.
One of the important things to consider when searching for a job is exploring all options. During my first job search, someone had suggested working as a temp. This allows you to try working for different companies for short amounts of time. I indicated to the temp agency I applied to that I was looking for a temp-to-hire position. The first company that I was placed with, Outback Concerts of Tennessee, Inc, is where I still work today. I started as a receptionist and have recently been promoted to a position where I work as an assistant to the comedy department and the general manager.
Losing my first job in the music business made me realize that I needed to seek out more networking opportunities and commit myself to continuingly expanding my contacts – both in and out of Nashville. To increase my network of contacts, I have joined the Women’s Music Business Association, I stay in contact in MEISA and MEIEA, and I make an effort to attend music industry events as often as I can.
You will be amazed at how small the music industry is. I never would have expected to receive phone calls in the office from former classmates, or to be working on concerts for the Lowell Memorial Auditorium and the Tsongas Arena. Interestingly enough, when I began the job search for the second time, I sent a message to a former supervisor from an internship that I had completed in Boston. As it turned out, she was on her way to Nashville for a conference and offered to get me a pass. This proved to be a great networking opportunity and she was able to offer me some helpful advice.
What should a college student do to prepare for life after college? Start interning with different companies as soon as possible. Take advantage of any and all opportunities to make friends and meet people. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that you don’t know to ask for advice. Most people are flattered that you would consider them and are able to offer you honest and helpful suggestions. Continually revise and work on your resume. Participate in a few information interviews. A solid resume may get you an interview, but a strong interview will land you the job. Most importantly, be prepared to prove yourself, work hard and never give up.
Please feel free to contact me at any time via email: Dore.Kate@gmail.com
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