I was wondering if any of you have any experience working for a major or a independent label. I am going to college for business, and i am going to minor in music. I rap and i dont know if that would be a deterrent or would help me get a job. I dont know if i should go to graduate school after 4 years. I definitely want to be in the music industry and am just looking for some advice
You need to fully define your goal and needs. Do you need financial stability? Are you looking for a 9-5? Would you be willing to work on commission? Could you work for free for 6 month's if it transitioned to minimum wage a paying position? How much are you worth in the market place? How much time and money are you willing to dedicate to outside corporate/business training to raise your value? Answer those question's honestly so that you can make an informed decision when you research job prospect's.
Are you looking to make a career of rap or is it just a passive hobby? If you want to rap..record content and market it. If you want to work at a record label do not come with a rapper's mindset, leave the beats and rhymes at home...but bring structured, well thought out idea's.
Use your business school craft: research the companies you're seeking employment from, find out their company culture before you start work(strict or laid back), find out what opening's they have and what the position's will require then market yours skillset as an educated, hard working, rainmaking, business professional.
Skill's that will be needed the most include, but not limited to:
the ability to stay organized and on track with task with minimal supervision,
self starter who can follow a schedule and meet deadlines
coherent, quick, effective business communication skills,
basic level MS Office(word,excel,powerPoint,outlook) navigation ability,
basic business math,
sales skill's(creating copy, prospecting, appointment setting, negotiating and closing),
ability to work in a team based structure,
ability to lead a small team in project setting's
ability to scout and secure prospective talent
ability to work in a guided web environment(updating/monitoring social media websites)
some music proficiency and working industry knowledge
availability to work on call
Don't get caught up in the job! Learn the business. See what system's are in play. Cultivate connection's. Don't burn any bridge's, everyone is moving up or out. Parlay the skill's into a higher position elsewhere or start your own venture.
If you're looking to be a professional in the industry, finish your bachelors but get an internship, apply for a FT job once you're over 60 credit's. Go for an MBA/J.D...WHILE YOU WORK... and you will be light year's ahead of everyone. If you're looking to be a rapper/producer, you need to be in a perpetual state of creating content and marketing it...degree's or no degree's, job or no job! Don't get stuck in someone elses desk work if you really want to be in the booth!