Employer
Sony Music U
Internship Title
Campus Marketing Representative
What were your duties?
-Promoting new music being released under Sony's labels
-Creating organic social media content for artists
-Covering concerts at Canopy Club featuring Sony artists such as San Holo, Cherub, and Jimmy Eat World
-Hosting events to promote new music/music events (Walk the Moon release party, Grammy Awards viewing party, Frenship release pop-up at Espresso Royale)
-Putting up posters on/off campus and handing out marketing tools promoting new music
-Bi-weekly conference calls with team members across the country
-Partnering with RSO's/local campus groups for cross-promotions
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
The most fun part of my job is our yearly trip to New York City to visit the Sony office right near Madison Square Garden. With all expenses paid, we get to meet with representatives from each of Sony's labels and hear about new, exclusive projects they are working on. However, the best part of the trip is finally getting to meet the team of reps from all over the country. Getting to interact with people my age who are as passionate about what they do as I am is always amazing, and I've made some of my closest friends.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
The hardest part of my job was initially creating relationships with RSO's, local businesses and other campus groups when I began. When I started the job as a junior, I didn't know many people or have many music connections on campus. It took a lot of time and hard work, but over the past couple years I have partnered with many organizations on campus for activations such as Star Course, Music for the Masses, Illini Student Musicals, Espresso Royale, FACT, the Asian American Cultural Center, and multiple Greek organizations.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
The classes I took in the College of Media helped me prepare for my job by teaching me about the importance of branding, social media, how to look for trends in data to create insights, and other specific skills such as Adobe software and creating digital art.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
My job has prepared me for a career in countless ways. I have learned important communication skills while practicing professionalism and figuring out what I specifically want to do when I graduate. Sony Music U gives students the opportunities to dip their toes into every aspect of the music industry, from live shows to social media to creating content and coming up with ideas for marketing tools. This job made it very clear that there are many different ways I can approach a career in this industry, and taught me the skills I need to get hired, no matter what I decide to do.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
All internships and jobs are solely what you make of them. Take more responsibility than what you are given, create professional contacts by reaching out to your peers/superiors, and have fun! The listening parties I have thrown have had upwards of 60 guests and have made for some of my greatest college memories. Don't think of it as something you have to do - make it your own and do what you love.
