Internship Overview
Part of the Belmont experience is internships. Students intern side-by-side with professionals who are a daily part of the Music Industry, expanding students’ knowledge, experience, and industry contacts. Interning allows students to focus and solidify their strengths, goals and career paths before graduation. While Nashville is the dominant location, students have interned in Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, London, and Australia. Through an extensive industry database the Intern Office is able to assist students in locating and dialoguing with interested companies. Generally, the demand far exceeds the supply of students (usually 500+ requests and 160-200 students per semester). Internships are not a requirement for graduation, but are always highly recommended. They are typically done while attending classes. A student may intern as little as 10 hours per week, and can do up to 6 internships.
While most internships are unpaid, they can be either paid or unpaid and a student may receive credit for performing the internship. A student may receive both pay and credit, but must be receiving at least one to meet the Fair Labor Standards Act.
ELIGIBILITY
Music Business Internships are available to junior and senior standing, degree seeking Music Business majors and minors registered as full-time students at Belmont University.
PREREQUISITES
Students must complete an internship lab and two-three classes within their major. In addition, they must have junior or senior standing with a 2.8GPA or higher.
PROCESS
Students find internship opportunities by researching postings online through a secure, password protected site. Students also consult with the Internship Coordinator for advice and updates on which companies are seeking students, as well as general histories and past evluations of the companies. Students complete an "internship Override Request" through the Internship Office. If approved students attend an orientation during the first week of the semester in which they will intern. Once they have attended the orientation, they are able to begin their internship.
INTERNSHIPS
Students are not placed in internships. They are responsible for searching the database of available positions and contacting the recruiting employer directly for interviews.
JOB OUTLOOK
Few job positions are found directly with the company a student is interning for. However, nearly 80% of jobs are found through networking with affiliated companies while interning.
