by: Anna Glinski//
As I reflect on these last 3 months, I realize it has been the experience of a lifetime to intern at Sony Music. In my short time here, I learned more than I have in my 15+ years of schooling. I’ve heard some nightmare intern stories, but I’ve had quite the opposite experience. I spent my time in a friendly environment full of music enthusiasts like myself. If I say “I’ve been to over 450 concerts,” they’ll reply with “same!” This environment was one that fostered learning, creativity, and openness to opinion.
As a large part of the experience, I got to work on a first time project- coming up with marketing ideas for four different artists along four different tiers to be presented to senior level executives at the end of the semester. This project was challenging and pushed me out of my comfort zone, as it’s something I never have really done before. I was assigned to work with five other interns, people who I am now very thankful to call my friends. We worked hours upon hours, stayed in the office late, and FaceTimed whenever we couldn’t meet in person. This project pushed my creative boundaries and completely changed my way of thinking. I now think very analytically about ideas and the music industry in general. I’m extremely grateful for being able to develop this deep way of thinking, and I realized that it’s absolutely crucial for me to continue developing.
Today we presented our ideas to a room full of senior directors, and our Senior Vice President, Jen. Jen is someone who I’ve gotten to interact with a few times over the semester, but I also watched her interact with others. She’s one of the most down to earth people I’ve ever met, someone who is very hands on with their work. After seeing the way she works, I can honestly say that she’s an inspiration to me, and of course I hope to be in a position like hers in the future. Now, if you told me earlier this year that I would be put in a room full of executives who would want to listen to MY ideas, I would have told you you’re insane. But today, I had to pinch myself to remind myself that my hard work put me in that room. To hear everyone’s positive feedback and congratulations, it felt like a dream come true. I’m 20 years old, and to say my team and I impressed senior level executives, is absolutely surreal to me. Also, I think the fact that these directors wanted to listen to us says a lot about Sony Music’s culture.
I couldn’t have done this without my supervisor, Alyse. Over the semester, we learned how similar we are to each other. Our work ethic is the same- we are overachieving, go-getters, who will never be okay with settling for average. Whenever we sat down for a brainstorm session, we felt like we could take over the world. She guided me through this project, and especially in the last couple of weeks, we went above and beyond to make sure everything was absolutely perfect. I think in this time we both learned a lot, and we especially learned that wisdom comes with experience. I’m so extremely grateful for getting to work with such an amazing boss, and I genuinely look forward to staying in touch with her, now considering her a mentor. Working with her made me believe that people like us are going to take over the world one day.
There is nothing more important in life than following your dreams. Music is one of most important aspects of my life and to experience it as a career is a dream come true. I have also reached the conclusion that my dreams have come true because I work endlessly to them, and for that I am proud of myself. I’ve learned how important it is to define success in your own terms, and never ever let anyone else try to change that definition for you or tell you it’s not good enough. Find something you love, and chase it. In doing that, your dreams will come true.
