How Does a Record Label Intern Spend a Workday?

Record label internships are generally based in places such as New York City and Los Angeles. The job is mostly indoors, with some activities taking place outside. Some autograph signing sessions and other publicity related activities may be held outside. The hours the intern works vary greatly. Some interns work 18 hours per day, while others work only 4 hours.

Typical Day

Despite the fact that most of the day is spent indoors, most of it consists of doing legwork that the corporation needs in order to survive. This may include anything from making coffee for a producer to compiling tracks for a CD. The kind of work depends on if the record label is small or large. The daily job duties can range from sending out mailings to going over sales charts. A typical workday is busy but rewarding.

Video Shoots

Many record label interns help out during a video shoot for an artist. On those days, the intern usually sets up the video set and changes the set throughout the shoot, as needed. He also helps with technical things, such as wiring and boom operation. Interns are also responsible for some of the grunt work, including getting lunch and handling special requests from musicians. This may include walking a dog or grabbing a latte.

Publicity Events

A record label intern is responsible for taking care of the small details of a publicity event. Ensuring that tables and other décor is set up properly is the main focus of the intern. Some interns have to help out if some of the other hired help doesn't show up. For example, she may have to carry appetizers around if one of the servers fails to show up. Mingling with the guests is usually reserved for only interns that have proven their worth as a customer service agent.

Gratis Items

Many record label interns get a lot of gratis items from the label. This may include shirts, jackets, CDs, DVDs and concert tickets. These items serve two purposes. First, they allow the intern to learn the ins and outs of marketing. Second, they provide free advertising for the label. However, the intern must make sure that he represents the label appropriately while using these gratis items. For example, he will be expected to stay sober during a concert if he is using gratis tickets.