Major?
Public Relations with a minor in music
Year? 2011!!
Where are you interning this semester?
Big Hassle Media, which is a music PR company.
How did you find this internship?
I had already been interning there since the Fall of 2010, and decided to ask to stay. I had already done so much there in the Fall that I thought staying for the spring would be a good idea. Before that, I found it through a connection at Red Light Management that I made my sophomore year in college through MEISA.
Did you apply to any others?
For this semester, I applied for Idol Roc Entertainment. For the Fall, I also applied to Rogers and Cowan, Doghouse Records and Big Picture Media.
How did you end up choosing Big Hassle?
Choosing the internship was so hard! After a lot of struggle and back and forth, I picked Big Hassle for many reasons. One is the size; it is a very small company, and I know everyone who works there, which is reassuring to me. I also knew that since it was so small, a lot more tasks would be given to me, which was proven throughout the Fall semester. I also just felt like I belonged there. I liked the staff and felt like we clicked real well.
What do you think are some qualities of a good intern? Bad intern?
I think that being a multitasker, especially in the music industry is super important. I always have tons of different tasks and clients to deal with on my plate, and I have to be able to handle them with skill. Also, have a passion for what you are doing. If you don’t have that it will definitely show through your work.
I think just not caring and only doing what you have to do, not going above an beyond makes someone a bad intern.
How do you think you stood out against other candidates?
I think that my passion for the industry that I want to work in helped me stand out. I know a lot about the industry and the genre I want to work with. I think that in my interview process, and my resume really show how much I love the music industry and how much I really want to work in it. I refuse to give up.
What are your recommendations for anyone going for the same position?
Never give up!! If you have a passion for this industry, it will show through everything you do. Just make sure you know your stuff. Know up and coming artists, new trends in the industry, and always always network. Even if a professional is not a part of the area you want to work, you never know who can help you.
What are your plans for the summer?
I hope to be working!! Haha. I think my dream would to either be offered a job at Big Hassle, or anywhere, or definitely spending a short time on Warped Tour. If not, I will probably continue to intern somewhere music related, while working else where.
Are there any members of the Hofstra faculty you would thank for helping you get where you are today?
Definitely Dr. Lampl! He teaches the music industry programs at Hofstra, he has always been so helpful to me, whether when it was when I was on E-board on MEISA or being my teacher. He really believes in all of us and really wants us to succeed. He is always so excited to hear how well I am doing.
What Hofstra activities were you involved in that you think aided your experience?
I think the most important were definitely WRHU and MEISA (Music and Entertainment Industry Student Association). On MEISA, I was PR chair from 08-09 and President from 09-10. I planned events and became way more connected in New York with industry people. I helped plan Hofstra’s music industry conference for two years.
Want to keep up with Heather? Then follow her on Twitter, @imso2ndgrade!