Guide to Internet Job Hunting - Using the Internet to Find Internships and Summer Jobs

Summer Jobs and Internships

The music industry is a highly network-driven community. One of the best ways to get your foot in the door at a studio, club, or record company is to do an internship or take a summer job. There's no better way to hone your skills and at the same time display your talents to the folks that make the hiring decisions. According to a recent study by the National Association of Colleges and Employers, employers report that more than a quarter of their class of 2000 hires came from their company's internship program.

Almost every company, studio, or music-related business has internship programs. It's a great way for employers to meet or audition a pool of potential employees, while at the same time getting valuable work accomplished.

Just like any full-time job, you can expect to go through the same interview and selection process as regular employees. Though some internships and summer positions are paid, many are not. This is the price you may have to pay for a great opportunity. Expect to work very hard. Remember, this is your time to impress!

Finding Summer Jobs and Internships Online

Berkleemusic caters to all professions in the music industry: from a session guitarist looking for a once-off gig, to a college senior looking for a second internship in a different field. Members participate in a valuable network and benefit from up-to-date industry information, job listings, and internship postings as soon as they are listed.

The Internet is your most powerful tool as you cast a wide net in your search for a summer job or internship. To begin, create a list of all the places you would like to work at, then list all the people you know at these places. If you don't have any personal ins, don't worry. On many occasions, the company or institution will have a career section on their site with a human resources contact name or e-mail address. Once you have the contact information, send a cover letter and resume. Check out the Berkleemusic guidelines for creating dynamic cover letters and resumes.

Remember to Start Early

Always keep in mind that you need to start looking for that internship early in the semester. Companies may request submissions up to two months in advance. Keep in mind that jobs and internships in the music business are in very high demand. Creativity is key to getting noticed. Try to come up with something that reflects your talents and at the same time catches the eye of those hiring.

Now You Have the Internship

Through determination and good luck, you have secured that much sought-after position. Here are some things to keep in mind once you begin work.

• Expect to be treated professionally and act professionally at all times.
• Develop a good working relationship with your internship supervisor, as they can make or break you.
• Always, always, always ask questions and take on projects that are beyond your regular responsibilities.
• Don't be afraid to pitch in and help out, even if it's with another department. (You never know; it may be other departments that come back to hire you in the future.)
• Don't be afraid to pay your dues. Often this means long hours at the photocopy machine, at the coffee shop, or backstage wrapping cords.
• Leave the internship with a practical knowledge of the different jobs at the company, studio, or institution.
• Remember your network. Take business cards when you leave and make it a point to keep in touch.

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