Over this past summer I got the chance to intern at Link Up Media and Jamrock Magazine in New York City. Link Up Media / Radio is the parent company of Jamrock Magazine. According to Link Up Radio's website, they “provide daily quality programming for audiences in the New York tri-state region with additional listeners in the US and Caribbean.” Jamrock Magazine is a lifestyle magazine “with a distinctly Caribbean-American flair.”
During my time at Jamrock I was able to work on many different projects in marketing and event planning, including:
1. Updating their MySpace, Facebook page and Twitter accounts
2. Sending media kits to potential partners
3. Posting events / flyers on different websites and social networks
4. Doing research on different companies that sell radio and print leads; contacting those companies by phone and email
5. Running errands to the bank or to drop off a copy of the magazine
6. Participating in meetings and brainstorming sessions
7. Taking phone calls and assisting listeners with their questions
One of the many fulfilling experiences at Jamrock was working at Reggaefest -- one of Jamrock and Link Up Radio's biggest concerts -- as well as the weeks and days leading up to the event. I was not only able to see the amount of time, work and energy spent behind the scenes putting an event together, but I was also a part of the actual event. I got to attend these events for free, and got to meet celebrities from working backstage, as well as people in the media industry. This was very fulfilling as I was able to build my network. I actually enjoyed running errands because I got a chance to show that I am responsible and capable of handling myself in the working world. And I loved talking to callers at the radio station because they were mostly Caribbean people, so I felt at home.
I gained a lot from this internship, including friendship. The experience I gained could not be taught in a classroom. I now know the time and energy spent putting an event together, executing that event, how to work with celebrities, how to be diplomatic in a fast-paced environment, and most importantly building my network.
You know how most people have a list of things they hope to do before they die? Well I think an internship should be on every college students’ list of before they graduate. The experience, friendship and connections you gain will not only boost your resume, but also your confidence.