Advice to Becoming a Good Studio Intern

by | Jan 8, 2021

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Advice to Becoming a Good Studio Intern

Fresh out of engineering school, and you’re full of ambition. You’re unsure of your next steps but finding a sweet spot as an intern in a studio is on the top of the list of “things to do.” Being a recent graduate and now interning at a music studio myself, I’ve gained some insight into the real world and what to expect. Like most ambitious and eager Audio Engineers, I came into the industry wanting to be the next best engineer. I was met with the harsh reality that I had to earn my stripes to get where I wanted to be. Here’s what I’ve learned and the values I’ve obtained to help me in the future of the music industry.

Learn and be observant.

 Your first week will likely be a crash course of the studio orientation and the critical studio policies. I would take some extra time and study the policies to identify the studio’s dos and don’ts quickly. Learning these guidelines will help you understand the “why” behind your actions as an intern. Also, take some time to learn about your studio space. Being observant and having a keen eye will help you identify things missing or possibly out of place in the studio. Keeping the workplace clean, organized, and tidy will keep the day to day cleanliness up to par and won’t add to your team’s workload.

Stay busy and take the initiative.

 As an intern, expect to clean, run errands, and occasionally any front desk duties as needed. There will be moments where you’ll have downtime, but that’s just a deception led to make you think you have “downtime.” Slow days are great moments to detail spaces that may have been overlooked or just impossible to get to because of bookings. Taking the initiative will help you stand out from the rest who may not consider being pro-active. Having the mentality of “doing things before someone tells you to do it” will build character and help you stay ahead of the game. Always work like someone is watching you, even when they’re not watching you. Chances are they’re observing you and the work you do.

Opportunities will arise.

 I struggled with holding on to the faith that I will get the chance to shine. You have to believe that everything you do is for a purpose, and you have to trust the process. You may feel discouraged and at times hopeless, but those thoughts will only prevent you from manifesting your blessing and what can come your way. Be patient; your moment will come even though it may not feel like it at times. Someone wise once told me, “The only way to be ready is to stay ready.” 

Everyone’s journey is different, but the starting point is similar to many who have chosen to follow their passion. My experiences have taught me to humble myself and focus on the things that will make me better as a person, a worker, and most of all, an engineer. Dedication to self-development, working hard, and overcoming the challenges of self-doubt will make you a well-rounded individual who will rise above any expectation.         

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