Music Related Intern Jobs

About This Music Career

An Intern actually performs many of the same duties as other staff members, just maybe not on as big of a scale. As a result, they earn tremendous experience and learn about the ins and outs of the company for which they are working. They take orders and report to the department head, director, or manager, whatever that department may be.

Nearly every department actually hires an intern, and depending on the size of the label, the intern can get experience in various departments. Duties definitely depend on which department the intern is working in, meaning their responsibilities can range from addressing envelopes for a party thrown by the public relations department, to helping make arrangements for press functions. As they learn more and more, they can actually begin writing press releases and attending a variety of meetings.

A Marketing Intern can be found working on consumer surveys, gathering and analyzing data, calling ration stations and so on. As they gain more experience, they might learn about what it takes to develop marketing campaigns, go out on calls with Field Reps, or even assist in creating a sales incentive program with the Director.

The classic intern role showcases the intern as a handler of different administrative tasks, and when they first begin with a record company, their tasks aren't much different. But, as he or she gains experience, they really get a lot of hands-on experience with more difficult tasks, but usually under extreme supervision.

Even though some interns perform work without receiving a salary in return, they perform many of the duties as a paid employee, and is expected to act like a paid employee by showing up on time and abiding by company norms. And even though the Intern may not be getting paid, he or she could use the Intern program as part of a college credit experience.

Many Interns who do a good job during their time have a fairly good chance of becoming a paid employee of the company after the internship comes to a close.

Salaries
As mentioned, it is common for an Intern to work without earning any type of compensation, but instead gaining a ton in hands-on experience. Some interns do get paid, but usually not a whole lot, ranging from $1,500 to $3,000. Some colleges/internship programs allow the student/Intern to apply their Intern experience towards gaining college credits.

Employment
Even though many Interns do not get paid, competition is always intense for available Internships because of the valuable experience gained. The good thing is that most departments offer internships, and turnover usually occurs every year.

Advancement
The main reason for nearly every Internship is to give the Intern the opportunity to get their foot in the door to gain experience. For the music and recording industry, Interns are nearly guaranteed a position with the company once their internship ends successfully. They may first be promoted to staffers and then move on to become Supervisors, Coordinators, or Directors in various departments

Education and Training

Because most Interns are in the middle of completing their college or music school degree, record companies really only require the Intern have a high school diploma. Useful college majors might include advertising, business communications, journalism, music, the social sciences, pre-law, and more.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
The whole point of the Internship is to gain experience. Thus, little to no experience is required to become an Intern. All that's needed is the desire to work for the recording industry. Because obtaining an Internship can be quite competitive, those who are chose to be Interns are usually quite strong with building personal relationships, while showing advanced intelligence, and eagerness to learn. A knowledge of music and/or the recording business is a definite plus.

Unions and Associations
Because of the nature of the position, interns do not usually belong to any union while working. However, they may join relevant associations.

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