Hunter Meisel is a senior Music Business major at Columbia College Chicago with an emphasis on talent management. For the last two semesters she has been interning with Midwest Folk Alliance which has given her the opportunity to work closely with folk artists around the world in preparing for the leadup to the organization’s October event in Lisle, IL.
Additionally, this semester she has secured two more internships, bringing her total to three. This go-getter is setting a high standard at each one, demonstrating reliability, adaptability, and a knack for acquiring knowledge across various fields.
Each of Hunter’s three internships provides unique learning opportunities. “I work within different departments at the agency including festivals, touring, financial, contracts, and others. I think working at a booking agency is one of the best ways to understand the live music industry because it touches on every aspect of it. Folk Alliance Region Midwest, also known as FARM is so different then any other internship I’ve done before. It’s very hands-on and open to suggestions. I feel like a part of their team over the last few months I’ve been working alongside the board members and volunteers. I’m helping them spread the word about their upcoming conference in October. I’m working with the conference director to run their social media, reach out to local organizations, businesses, and groups to hopefully gain more attendees at the conference. Additionally, I’ve implemented new ideas like reaching out to colleges for student volunteers to help run the conference. As a student, I know I would love to be involved at such a big music conference to grow connections and volunteering is a great way to do that. At Copernicus Center, I will be working alongside the GM acting as a shadow. I will learn how to operate a venue from the box office to the bar and backstage hospitality. I know this will be such a great opportunity because I have not had a lot of experience within venues, which is the foundation of the live music industry, and essential information to know for an aspiring tour manager.”
Hunter attributes her preparedness for these internships to her courses in the Business and Entrepreneurship Department, as well as her leadership development as a key member of the Student Programming Board (SPB). The SPB is one of over 60 student organizations that offer opportunities to build professional skills, engage with peers, and work on various events. Here’s what Hunter had to say about her internships: “Throughout my time at Columbia, I’ve had many different internships. Each of these opportunities were unique and helped me learn different skill sets that I can use in the future. The fact that all of these opportunities we’re different from one another gives me the chance to investigate different fields I might be interested in and helps me to know what I like doing and what positions might be right for me. Each internship and opportunity I get, I know it is one more step towards my future career in the music Industry. Additionally, each internship is a chance to connect with fellow peers and music industry professionals that I will be working alongside in the future.”
With graduation approaching, Hunter has set some goals for the coming months. “I am actually graduating in December, so I only have one more semester left at Columbia. This semester, I am focused on finishing out strong, while growing connections to help me secure a job in the music industry after graduation. I’m also looking enjoying what little I have left of college by spending time with my friends, staying involved with the Student Programming Board, and taking interesting classes such as the event practicums, Fresh Connect and the Gala. These classes add to my experience in events. Also, I want spend time exploring Chicago and attending concerts, as that is my favorite thing to do and many good artists are going on tour this fall.”
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