Originally from Lowell, MI, a small town just east of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Lowell High School, senior Arts Management major Sydney Munson has been able to showcase and develop her leadership skills through classes, student organizations, and securing a coveted internship.
Last year as a junior, Sydney was elected to the prestigious role of Director of Productions for Columbia's Student Programming Board (SPB), one of the 60+ student organizations on campus. Leading a team of students, the organization planned and produced open mics, concerts, drag shows, film screenings, festivals, and much more. According to her, “I was responsible for corresponding with all of the talent we worked with, reserving the venues, assigning volunteer roles, creating the production schedules and layouts, and coordinating technical aspects. The experience taught me so much!”
Sydney also has had the experience of being a booking intern with Outer/Most Agency, an opportunity she secured by connecting with alumni who work at the agency and who were also once involved in SPB. As Sydney relates, “Working alongside the talented staff at Outer/Most each day and being able to learn the ropes of this side of the industry has been incredibly beneficial and has shown me that pursuing a career in booking is most definitely a path I'd like to consider for my future. However, I'm also open to potential careers in the arts that are more hands on with venue operations, event production, and talent relations as well.”
Sydney had these tips for students. “Get involved as soon as you can! Find a club, office, or program on campus or in Chicago that focuses on something you're interested in, even if you're only slightly interested in it. You'll meet people with your shared passions and expand your circle. Our industry is built on connections and what you do with them, so don't waste any time being afraid of networking. You got this!”
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