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It Never Hurts To Ask: One Question Lands Dream Internship

Published: April 13, 2021

How many students from a small school can say they interned in their fields with a favorite celebrity figure? Emily Kaiser knows how blessed she is. This junior majoring in music business landed her dream internship job with a popular band simply by walking up and asking for it.

Kaiser attended a concert by one of her favorite Christian bands, Anthem Lights, during her sophomore year at Greenville College. She felt lucky to see them in person; like many 21st-century artists, Anthem Lights relies largely on the internet to grow their fan base and dont do many live shows. Kaiser recognized an opportunity that wouldnt come twice to get her foot in the door with a favorite group.

After an autograph session, she mustered the skills of professionalism shed learned in music business class, walked up to the band, and asked if they needed an intern.

It turned out the bands current intern would leave soon, creating a vacuum they were only too happy to fill with a confident student majoring in music business. When the school year ended, Kaiser trekked to the bands base in Nashville to start the internship of her dreams.

She worked closely with the band members during brainstorming sessions and discussions about social media strategy. She ran errands and provided support for video shoots, photo sessions and long stretches in the recording room. To her delight, the band let her listen to recording sessions and even asked her opinion on occasion. Her most visual role came at two summer concerts when she helped run the Anthem Lights merchant stand and train volunteers.

Kaiser saw connections between what GC taught her about the music business and her daily work with Anthem Lights. The reverse was also true; lessons she learned through her internship gave her a head start in some of her music business classes when she returned to GC that fall. Overall, she experienced a close connection between learning and the polished professionalism a job in the music industry requires.

Beyond the educational aspects, the dream internship was just plain fun. The band members and their families became my friends and I made memories to last me a lifetime, Kaiser says.

She remains grateful for the opportunity and all she learned. Her advice to other students considering a dream internship? Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and simply ask people if they need help. Then, just trust in God; He has a plan.

Learn more about preparing for life after college:

Brent McCollums Internship to Launch a Career

Music Business Internships Open Doors of Opportunity for Students

Beyond the Badge: Dual Internships Profit Problem Solver, People Helper

Greenville Chamber of Commerce and Greenville College Unveil New Internship Program

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