Sorry this is probably in the wrong category.
As a prospective business major, should I work at a record label over the summer?
I’m looking into a ton of record labels because I love music and would love to go into music production/management in the future. My parents think it’s impractical and I also understand the risk (especially since my interests have fluctuated a lot throughout my life). They want me to apply to different summer internships (not the music ones) related to marketing and finance, but I’m trying to explain to them how working at a record label would be hands on experience in the business field and doing something I love. So my question is, how related are music production and business/econ undergrad?
Also, do you have any recommendations on getting started in the music industry?
As far as I’ve researched, it’s a really difficult field to find employment… which is pretty depressing…
This may not surprise you, but record companies need finance and marketing guys too. Not everyone is A&R; so don’t think one internship/degree keeps you from working in the industry you love – in fact it can help you get a job easier to have other experiences.
When I was in college back in the stone age I had a job with a major label as a college rep. It was a storied training program and incredibly fun and even paid enough that I paid my own living expenses the last two years of college from it. SONY still does it I guess:
Be aware all internships have risk of exploitation but entertainment may be the worst. And the business is nothing like it was back when I was in it – and I chose to leave when it was good!
I know two people who now work for record companies who got in through the business side. It is a tough industry right now. One is a CPA by trade the other has a MBA. Both worked a number of other jobs in different industries before they made their way into the record business so keep in mind that it was a long process. I’d suggest you keep the record/music business in as a long-term goal but expand your short term possibilities.