Degree and Graduated: Bachelor of Entertainment Business Management 2014.
Since graduating from JMC, what have you been up to in the industry?
Upon graduating earlier this year, I made my way to SXSW festival in Austin to further my learning and to experience what it was all about. Since returning, I have moved to Sydney and am currently interning at Secret Sounds Connect, learning about the world of festival sponsorship and rights properties. Not wanting to relax too much, I am also assisting with Inca Roads Festival in rural Victoria, aiding with artist liaison through to the event to be held in November.
What skills did you gain through your studies at JMC that are helping you on your current career path?
The skills gained through my studies at JMC have been extremely valuable thus far. Last year I acted as Stalls Coordinator for the Spring Fling Festival in North Melbourne, the skills that proved to be most valuable were planning and management skills, particularly the understanding of necessary legislations and health and safety laws necessary in order to run a safe event. Notably, my understanding of copyright and contract law has been of great advantage, it has allowed me to adapt quickly within my internship at Secret Sounds connect, as it deals mostly with rights properties and their assignments. Having always held a passion for events, previously working within the industry, the course allowed me to expand upon my existing planning and management skills, adding to that promotion and marketing knowledge, I now feel quite competent in giving my ideas life.
What did you like most about studying at JMC?
The small class sizes meant we were lucky in receiving personalised learning. Lecturers knew us by name and we were able to really engage with the content, asking questions and receiving in depth feedback. The content was up to date, in keeping with the current industry, the lecturers were extremely knowledgeable and experts within their field, holding valuable industry experience.
Highlights of your career to date?
It is only the beginning, but so far attending SXSW has been a definite highlight. The experience I am currently gaining at Secret Sounds is proving relevant to my goals and extremely informative, hopefully leading to open doors. My role as volunteer manager for Peats Ridge festival, Stalls Coordinator at Spring Fling Festival have reignited my passion for events and planning, whilst also filling me with a sense of pride and achievement.
Any advice you have for anyone wanting to enter into a career in the music industry?
I hardly feel like the person to be handing out advice, given that my career is only in its beginnings itself, however, the biggest piece of advise I would give is to realise that you aren’t simply going to be given a job. As it is with most industries, this industry is all about hard work, dedication and passion. A big factor that I feel is necessary, is the willingness to work for free or start at the bottom. There are an abundance of opportunities for students or passionate individuals out there. Volunteer as much as you can, try internships, it’s not only about that foot in the door and putting your fresh knowledge into practice, but also about giving different things a go. There are so many directions you can take within the industry and the best way to find out which one you are good at/enjoy most is to try it. I am still on this path and enjoying every moment of it.
JMC Contact Details:
Phone: (03) 9624 2929
Website: jmcacademy.edu.au
Location: 169-171 Bank Street, South Melbourne, 3205.
Open Day: Saturday August 23, 10.30am or 1.30pm. Please phone or visit online to register.
