A Hot Take on Internships

Are internships just an illusion to give young adults hope that the industry they've chosen isn't full of shit?

Well, I'm calling full bullshit on the industry I've chosen. THE MUSIC INDUSTRY.

(Loud round of applause.)

The job market, as you already know, sucks. Every podcast, newspaper (if we still use those), news channel, influencer and masterclass is talking about it.

Getting a job right now as a young adult is hard. Everywhere.

So where do we go from here?

I've applied to 120 internships in the last three months and just keep getting denied.

And God forbid I ask why. Or, you know, want some feedback so I can actually become a better candidate.

I just keep getting the same statement from every recruiter and hiring manager:

"Due to a high volume of applicants, we cannot provide individual feedback."

Okay.

But then how am I supposed to know what I'm doing wrong?

Even with help from industry professionals, a revised resume x10, online coaching, networking events and countless conversations with people already working in the industry, I

keep hearing:

“You'd be an ideal candidate.”

So what is it?

Is it schooling? Is it connections? Is it work experience? Is it money? Is it knowing the right person? Is it just being in the right place at the right time?

Someone give me an answer.

Because here I am as a candidate:

• 10+ years of experience across artist branding, release strategy, content creation, live events, music marketing and audience growth

• Built and executed independent release campaigns across streaming, social media, press and live performance channels

• Led multi-channel marketing campaigns across social, email, web and podcast platforms to strengthen brand visibility and business growth

• Collaborated with producers, engineers and creative teams to deliver commercially competitive releases

• Earned a SOCAN #1 award

• Debuted Top 50 on Apple Music

Here is my portfolio.Here and my CV

And yet I've been rejected by Warner, Liberty PR, The Orchard, Universal, Dirty Hit, Beggars Group, Wasserman Music — just to name a few.

I'm not saying I'm entitled to a job.

I'm not saying I'm the most qualified person applying.

I'm saying I genuinely want to know what I'm missing.

Because if I'm going to keep getting rejected, fine.

But I reject your rejection — and I'd really like to know how I can be a better candidate.