Thread by @azsamad

HOW TO GET THE INTERNSHIP THAT YOU WANT

Ok, this is for:

+ students who are about to graduate
+ musicians who are coming from a different field of study/work BUT want to work in the music industry

(THREAD)

The advice here will have some music industry specific tips but a lot of it will be relevant for different industries too.

Okay, first things first.

1. You are not special until proven that you are.

A lot of people come demanding for an intership. They feel they are special.

Well, you're PROBABLY not.

At least until you can prove it.

Now how do you prove your worth?

Well you need proof.

Like...

2. Have a portfolio of your work

If you've ever done anything in music:

+ recorded your own band
+ recorded and mixed your own demos
+ wrote songs (have demos and/or notated music)
+ performed (and have videos of your performances)

All this is important.

Believe it or not,

social media is your best friend.

In theory, you should have documented your music work from as early as possible.

This is so that you can choose your VERY BEST work to represent you.

This is the ACTUAL NAME CARD of the modern music world.

People hire people who:

+ can do the work
+ has the potential to do the work
+ has the right attitude
+ is polite and courteous
+ are willing to learn

3. Get introduced

Now, if possible, find a way for someone who knows you personally to introduce to you to the people who you want to work with.

Want to intern in a recording studio?

Is the sound engineer there your guitar teacher's college friend?

Well, ask your teacher very nicely for an introduction!

PRO TIP:
People trust their friends.

Repeat after me:
People trust their friends.

This is important. Why?

Between someone random who e-mailed them with bad grammar, and someone that their friend of 21 years recommended...

Guess who is MORE LIKELY to get the internship?

🤔

I mean you have to be good & likeable & worthy (of course) but yes... 😎

4. Know how to talk & write

Believe it or not, A LOT OF PEOPLE SUCK AT THIS.

What do I mean "know how to talk & write"?

Well, it means that you can carry a proper conversation with someone both on the phone and in person.

It means that you can write clear sentences in e-mail, WhatsApp and any informal or formal communication.

It means that you WILL reply their emails and messages & not "ghost" them.

If you're unsure of how to write or talk as best as you can, learn from someone you trust or a good trainer or teacher.

SIDE NOTE:
I don't actually offer this as a course but I also do cover this topic with my private students. Interested? DM me for details.

Now, what if you don't know anyone who can introduce you?

Get someone who knows someone who knows someone there.

If not, write a GOOD E-MAIL and contact them to inquire about internship possibilities.

Typically in Malaysia,

Music internships tend to be at:
+ recording studios
+ audio post production studios
+ record labels
+ music industry related companies
+ a specific composer/musician's studio

There will be other cool opportunities but they tend to never be advertised.

How do you get the unadvertised ones?

By being in the scene.

You have to meet people.

Go to:
+ gigs
+ album launches
+ concerts
+ music clinics/workshops/talks
+ music college events
+ anywhere where musicians (who you want to meet) might be

Also, do not underestimate social media.

You CAN get to know people by actively participating in their social media conversations.

The key is to ADD VALUE.

This sounds like such a buzz word.

What it means is "don't say stupid things."

Think before you post.

First impressions count

and the more you use social media

as a platform for your music career,

the more it will be more than memes and GOT spoilers.

(PS - DO NOT POST GOT spoilers. OMG! I haven't watched today's episode yet. If you post a spoiler, I will mute or block you.)

Also, people do see your social media updates!

So be aware when you post updates that make you look unprofessional.

Do you have any questions? 🤔

Reply to this thread with your questions

so that others can benefit from it too! 😃

If you found this thread helpful,

please click below

https://twitter.com/azsamad/status/1127863081025933312

and retweet the entire thread!

Feel free to tag any friends who may benefit from this too.

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Thanks for reading!

For more music tips, follow me:
@azsamad
facebook.com/azsamadmusic
instagram.com/azsamad/
youtube.com/azsamad

website:
azsamad.com
azsamadlessons.com

Ingat!