Follow these steps for a less painful, less poverty-stricken professional life.<\/p>\n
Before you\u2019re desperate for a job, before your loans are due, and before you need something from people, it\u2019s critical to start meeting people who are actually working in the industry.\u00a0 You will be investing heavily in your future network, one that will pay very rich dividends down the line. \u00a0So take a bus, ride your bike, take a Southwest flight, or just Skype it if you must, but get in front of as many people that are willing to chat.<\/p>\n
Start looking for people with interesting\u00a0positions and companies, and start setting up\u00a0\u2018informational interviews\u2019. \u00a0Influential, heavy-hitter status helps, though up-and-coming is also great, because you\u2019ll be rising with them and allies always help. \u00a0Start by dropping an email, connecting over LinkedIn, or making a call. \u00a0Meet over lunch, coffee, or just sit\u00a0in someone\u2019s office and ask questions. \u00a0You want to develop a sense for who these people are, what they\u2019re doing, and their take on the business.<\/p>\n
Frankly, this has zero downside, and you\u2019ll be amazed at how many people will open their door, especially if you\u2019ve taken the time to research and meet them<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Once in front of the person, make sure to actively listen, respect their time, take some notes, and think about whether you like this person\u2019s life. \u00a0And, hand them your resume, even though you\u2019re not looking <\/strong>(and tell them that).\u00a0 Then, keep the connection warm after the meeting by sharing articles, updates, playlists, whatever (sparingly, don\u2019t spam!)<\/p>\n Old-line media companies are struggling with evaporating revenues,\u00a0but the tech side is just as (if not more) brutal. \u00a0This is an industry in extreme flux, and one that has seen a massive pie-shrink over the past 15 years. \u00a0That means fewer jobs, less money for the people that have jobs, and typically less \u2018life stability\u2019 compared to more established (but boring) fields. \u00a0It also means fewer successful startups, which translates into even lower job security and stability.<\/p>\n But that doesn\u2019t meant there aren\u2019t jobs and opportunities<\/strong>. \u00a0It also doesn\u2019t mean you shouldn\u2019t accept the challenge, simply that you should consider your risk appetite and ability to stomach extreme uncertainty.<\/p>\n Most importantly,\u00a0you need to understand that you are entering an extremely challenging and unstable business or you may succumb too easily to setbacks. \u00a0Because for every Jimmy Iovine and Daniel Ek, there are thousands and thousands of people struggling, unemployed, or unable to gain traction in this business. \u00a0Try to plot your course to become the exception, not the rule.<\/p>\n The statistics on college are mind-numbing and discouraging; the realities of entering school are difficult for many individuals (and families) to stomach. \u00a0According to a recent Wall Street Journal report, the average college graduate in 2014 harbored $33,000 in debt, which is double the amount 20 years ago (even factoring\u00a0for inflation). \u00a0Indeed, roughly\u00a040 million Americans now have at least one outstanding student loan according to Experian, with 63 percent in some stage of delinquency or late payment according to a study released by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York.<\/p>\n On top of all that, the price of a college education is soaring: according to the College Board, college tuition across state and private institutions have ballooned more than 125 percent in the past thirty years, far greater than the growth of family wages.<\/p>\n So, skip college and start earning money immediately? \u00a0That\u2019s not a wise decision, simply because a degree will still help you\u00a0get ahead, in the\u00a0music industry and most other industries. \u00a0Recently-graduated 20-somethings do suffer high rates of unemployment<\/a> relative to other age demographics, but that\u2019s always been the case. \u00a0And college graduates are still way better off than those with only high school diplomas.<\/p>\n Yes, college is expensive, but skipping college is probably more expensive in the long-run. \u00a0But\u00a0how you shape and apply that college education is now more critical than ever\u2026<\/p>\n Renaissance learning, socializing and partying are all parts of the college experience. \u00a0But they are also luxuries in a more difficult post-Great Recession environment. \u00a0For that reason, it\u2019s critical to actively think and pursue a specialization while in undergrad, and balance that with \u2018softer\u2019 parts of the college experience. \u00a0That means being more qualified and possessing more skills than other students at graduation, and therefore being more attractive to an employer<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re dead-set on being in the music industry, there are also music business degrees you can pursue. \u00a0Our partner Berklee College of Music is one great option<\/a>, and there are online options that are more targeted and cost-effective. \u00a0All of which means that you\u2019re amassing critical skills and learning all of the specific areas of the music industry, which will be critical when you enter the real world.<\/p>\n Now, are you ready for the NFL?<\/p>\n If you\u2019re familiar with concepts like \u2018trigger warnings\u2019 and \u2018micro-aggressions,\u2019 then you\u2019re unfortunately familiar with a hyper-sensitive, overly-protective environment being cultivated a too many American college campuses today. \u00a0Comedians like Chris Rock are skipping college tours for a reason: student bodies are now devolving into\u00a0over-sensitive, easily-offended, and thin-skinned masses, with resulting graduates frequently too fragile to handle the real world<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, executives in the real world are just starting to catch wind of this issue, and spending extra energy to avoid hyper-sensitive, ultra-PC employees that distract for actual work and open liabilities to frivolous lawsuits and other distractions.<\/p>\n If this sounds familiar to you, understand it\u2019s not helping your future. \u00a0As a quick measure, try getting off campus for at least one day a week. \u00a0Interacting with professionals in the real world is a good first step,\u00a0meeting actual music industry professionals and staying connected with them (see #1) will also better prepare you to graduate and get to work.<\/p>\n If you want a job at Spotify, fine. \u00a0But understand that everybody wants a job at Spotify<\/strong>, and Apple Music, and Shazam, and SoundCloud. \u00a0These are fun, hip, and connected environments that will impress your friends, but not if you can\u2019t get in<\/strong>. \u00a0Do a little extra homework, and you\u2019ll find all sorts of less obvious opportunities, which means less competition and greater chance for advancement once inside.<\/p>\n You\u2019d be amazed how many companies exist across touring, publishing, DIY, rights management, digital distribution, legal, and merchandising, just to name a few sub-categories. \u00a0In fact, many of these companies aren\u2019t getting their doors beaten down, which greatly increases your chances of (a) networking with these companies (see #1), and (b) landing a gig with them.<\/p>\n Chase the niches.<\/p>\n Of course, read Digital Music News everyday! \u00a0But also read everything else you can access, including publications and sites covering industry, music, culture, scenes, whatever.<\/p>\n But don\u2019t stop there. \u00a0Read books like Steve Gordon\u2019s The Future of the Music Business<\/em>, watch interviews with top industry players (and not-so-top industry players), and dive into research reports. \u00a0Follow debates, releases, lawsuits, and trends. \u00a0Develop a fine-tuned knowledge of the business, and develop your opinions on it.<\/p>\n Some of that will come from your education, but a large amount (perhaps a majority) will come from your own reading and research.<\/p>\n If you want to be a Rock n\u2019 Roll star or famous DJ, then go for it. \u00a0In that case, your focus will be very different: you are basically playing a complicated lottery. \u00a0Yes, the world sometimes rewards uncanny talent and hard work\u00a0(Eminem gave his demo to Fat Joe six times, and was rejected every time), but most of the time, it doesn\u2019t.<\/p>\n That said, there are indeed winners, and sometimes, very big winners<\/strong>. \u00a0That\u2019s great if it\u2019s you, but, learning the music industry while pursuing a musical career can only assist you regardless of the outcome. \u00a0For starters, once you have traction as an artist, you\u2019ll understand the business and be that much less likely to get screwed by it (and yes, most artists get screwed). \u00a0But you can also work in this business if things don\u2019t work out \u2014 or, even after they do and the fame dies down.<\/p>\n (Also, there\u2019s way, way more than being the frontman that gets laid. \u00a0Even the biggest producers aren\u2019t well known to the public; they can go to a restaurant in peace and better afford it. \u00a0Behind-the-scenes careers\u00a0typically last longer, so think about that).<\/p>\n There\u2019s a huge amount of debate over whether unpaid internships are worth it (or even ethical). \u00a0If you\u2019re slaving away on errands and busy work without meeting anyone or learning anything, then you\u2019re definitely wasting your time. \u00a0But usually that\u2019s not the case, especially if you\u2019re taking initiative and getting college credit.<\/p>\n And, here\u2019s a little secret: the executives working at these companies understand that interns are making little-to-nothing, and that\u00a0part of the value is that you should be learning. \u00a0So, they\u2019re willing to help out and teach you things and help you network, especially if your\u00a0attitude is good. \u00a0Again, you\u2019d be amazed at how many industry friends you can amass in this developmental period.<\/p>\n These are stronger relationships with a more established, typically older professional, usually in the field you want to enter. \u00a0And the benefits are incredibly strong: as the mentee entering the\u00a0professional world for the first time, you gain an incredible perspective, valuable tips, and an expanded network.\u00a0 And for the mentor, the younger person offers fresh new insights, access to a different generational culture and outlook, and the the ability to expand the network to an up-and-coming set.<\/p>\n Down the road, you both will be strong allies. \u00a0This is all win-win.<\/p>\n So, how to you find a great, life-changing mentor? \u00a0Oftentimes universities have mentor programs, though you can also seek them out as you expand your professional relationships. \u00a0Typically there\u2019s something you have in common, especially if you\u2019re in the same field. \u00a0In the best case scenario, you have a great friend and ally in the professional world and beyond, for life<\/strong>.<\/p>\n I\u2019ll give a huge shout-out to Michael Lopez, my mentor for many years and currently a top management consultant for companies and organizations spanning Coca-Cola, Wikipedia, SanDisk, Stanford University, and Creative Commons among others. \u00a0Trust me this is a\u00a0good guy to know<\/a>!<\/em><\/p>\n For starters, get the basics straight or you won\u2019t even be considered. \u00a0Resumes need to perfect and polished, cover letters triple-checked and polished.<\/p>\n Also, double-check all of your social media accounts, and either shut down accounts or make them private. \u00a0Some people don\u2019t care about some risqu\u00e9 pictures, other people totally care. \u00a0Then, make sure you survive quick online checks like a search on Google.<\/p>\n After that, you need to start learning how to interview effectively, because like test-taking, successful interviewing is part talent, part learned. \u00a0Learn the most typically-asked questions, determine how to present yourself most effectively, and practice techniques for relaxing if you get nervous. \u00a0 And, practice interviewing, either informally (through \u2018informational meetings\u2019 or more professional conversations), or for jobs you\u2019re only lightly considering.<\/p>\n The worst thing is to jump into a serious job interview with little practice. \u00a0You might lose out on a huge opportunity.<\/p>\n Younger people are powering huge amounts of innovation, are oftentimes starting most innovative companies. In fact, they are actually preferred by investors to lead early-stage companies. \u00a0 There are many reasons for this, and it helps to recognize the strengths that young people often present:<\/p>\n (a) Greater energy and stamina. These are all huge assets, but they should be subtly conveyed to your future employer. \u00a0Be sensitive: an older person typically doesn\u2019t want to hear that younger people are typically better looking, even though it\u2019s true. \u00a0But an older businessperson can definitely recognize that fresh thinking and enthusiasm are critical for any company, and they\u2019re oftentimes willing to take a lower-salary risk.<\/p>\n That said\u2026<\/p>\n (a) Immaturity. Among other issues.<\/p>\n Older people misbehave too, but they know better. \u00a0So remember, it\u2019s an office, not a frat house. \u00a0Stop hitting on the administrative assistant, don\u2019t get drunk at work-related events, and as a general rule\u00a0keep overly-personal things out of it (who you\u2019re sleeping with, stories from Vegas, drug-related stuff, etc.)<\/p>\n Sometimes that\u2019s fun and cohort bonding, usually it\u2019s not. \u00a0So err on the side of professionalism, take the high road, and interact with people as adults. \u00a0You\u2019ll be respected back.<\/p>\n Investors are typically scared of music-related startups, simply because of the licensing pitfalls and profitability problems they present (see SoundCloud and Spotify for easy examples of this). \u00a0But music remains a wildly in-flux space, which spells\u00a0innumerable opportunities and ideas that haven\u2019t been thought of. \u00a0So think of those ideas, but please do your research before falling into the most obvious pitfalls.<\/p>\n At\u00a0Digital Music News, we\u2019re constantly presented with start-up ideas that sound exactly like the last one. \u00a0Artist DIY, for example, is a wildly over-saturated space with well-established, hyper-competitive players (want to compete with ReverbNation, for example)? \u00a0Other companies are smartly investigating deep niches, and solving problems: our partner Dubset Media Holdings, for example, is smartly working on derivative licensing across recordings and publishing, and potentially opening huge new markets and possibilities for services like Spotify and SoundCloud in the process.<\/p>\n See the difference?<\/p>\n And, don\u2019t be stupid: start-up culture is now pop culture, but the realities are far less glamorous. \u00a0You\u2019ll be spending virtually all your waking hours getting something off the ground, you\u2019ll constantly be stressing about money, investors, teammates, and competitors, and the chances of success are incredibly thin.<\/p>\n Maybe that makes success that much sweeter, but go into this with your eyes open.<\/p>\n Most of the time, your parents are right. \u00a0But they also came of age in a much different era, one that was frankly better for professionals. \u00a0College was cheaper (see #3), and the economy was probably a lot stronger when they were coming of age (see \u2018the 90s\u2019). \u00a0The net result is that this isn\u2019t your father\u2019s economy, and it\u2019s definitely not your father\u2019s music industry. \u00a0So take your parents\u2019 perspective and criticisms with a grain of salt, and keep plugging away.<\/p>\n If this is a game, why not enjoy it?<\/p>\n#2. Mentally Prepare Yourself for\u00a0How Extremely Difficult This Business Is.<\/h2>\n
#3. Get a Degree.<\/h2>\n
#4. Expand Your Mind, but Keep Your Education Focused, Skill-Oriented, and Real World Oriented.<\/h2>\n
#5. Develop the Real World Armor That Colleges Don\u2019t Provide Anymore.<\/h2>\n
#6. Chart Your Course, But Avoid the Obvious Choices.<\/h2>\n
#7. Read\u00a0Everything.<\/h2>\n
#8. Rock Stars Need Not Apply.<\/h2>\n
#9. Try to Get Real Industry Experience, Paid or Unpaid.<\/h2>\n
#10. Develop a Mentor Relationship.<\/h2>\n
#11. Learn How to Interview Like a Rockstar.<\/h2>\n
#12. Accentuate the Many Advantages of Youth.<\/h2>\n
\n(b) Looks.
\n(c) Critical cultural connection.
\n(d) Greater optimism\/enthusiasm.
\n(e) Fresher thinking\/unencumbered by past \u2018truisms\u2019
\n(f) Fewer family obligations\/mouths to feed (and lower salary demands)
\n(g) Greater ability to fail and take risks<\/p>\n#13. Avoid the Horrible Qualities of Youth.<\/h2>\n
\n(b) Righteousness, emotional reasoning, black-and-white dichotomizing
\n(c) General irresponsibility.
\n(d) False knowledge of everything; condescension.
\n(e) Inability to comprehend or adapt to common workplace etiquette.<\/p>\n#14. And Yes, Start Your Own Venture, but Do Your Research.<\/h2>\n
#15. Listen to Your Parents, Then Ignore Them.<\/h2>\n
#16. Be Upbeat, Be Positive, and Enjoy the Ride.<\/h2>\n