How’s your passion for the music industry? Have you ever wondered what it’s like to work at Universal Music? Or are you studying and would like to intern here in the future? We have been here as the Fall semester interns and, even if it’s been an online experience, it has certainly been a unique one!
*If you’d like to apply to be a Universal Music Canada (UMUSIC) intern, please consult your program’s director for more info!
While you’re here, check out this intern-approved playlist that highlights the #BestOf2020 in music!
We are here to tell you a bit about how our day to day has been for these past few months –
Adithya (Addie) Rajeev, Commercial Affairs
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I am the Commercial Affairs Intern so I assist with the Commercial Affairs department and more specifically, the Bravado team. I help with the licensing for retail merchandise for artists, the Bravado newsletters, and social media!
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Definitely all the people I’ve been able to meet and the general fun atmosphere even though it’s been all virtual! Everyone’s been so nice and kind and incredibly supportive. I’ve been able to ask so many questions about things I’ve always wanted to know more about and every thing I’ve gotten to do has been a fun new experience!
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
How casual everyone is for sure. I thought it’d be a more rigid environment but it’s literally like going to work with your friends with how open everyone is and that really made the experience for me!
Any advice for future applicants?
Be yourself, follow your passion and it’s okay to make mistakes.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
“Scotch Bonnet” by Ramriddlz, “Hardest to Love” by The Weeknd, “Go Crazy” by Chris Brown and Young Thug, “Cyanide” by Daniel Caesar and “Holy” by Justin Bieber and Chance the Rapper.
What are some benefits and downsides about interning virtually?
A downside would be missing out on seeing everyone in person and checking out the amazing new building. The benefits have been being able to chill in hoodies and sweatpants all day while constantly snacking.
If you could swap lives with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
Bruno Mars, because he’s insanely talented and always looks like he’s having a good time.
Mika Alpas, Communications
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the Communications Intern, completing an internship as part of the Music Business program at Humber College. My team creates publicity for artists by arranging interviews and everything else press related. I’m responsible for staying on top of press coverage, editing/drafting/uploading press releases to the UMC website, pitching to media outlets, Linkfire creation and more!
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Sitting in on interviews and ultimately sharing artists stories and music with Canada!
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
The traffic of information can be a lot! Everything is communicated internally, so you regularly know what other departments are up to. Depending on the day you may have a light workload or be absolutely slammed and putting out fires here and there, but that’s the nature of the industry and its a cool thing to experience.
Any advice for future applicants?
Network! Put yourself out there. The industry is small, you never know who you may run into down the road.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
Giveon, Jorja Smith, Snoh Aalegra and Masego’s “Studying Abroad” EP *Chefs Kiss*
Sarah Ibrahim, Marketing
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the Marketing Intern, studying Creative Industries at Ryerson University. My role consists of tracking and analyzing music consumption, brainstorming and compiling ideas for future artist marketing initiatives, certifying songs and albums on Music Canada and any miscellaneous tasks the department may have.
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Having a front row seat to all the information at UMC. I’m talking artist projects, but also all the analytical information. It’s really cool to see how people interact with new and old music in a fast changing environment.
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
Not being able to meet the people you’re working with in person! We have Zoom calls almost every day, so it’s weird to think I’ve only ever known my department in a virtual space. They put a lot of effort into trying to make the whole work from home experience exciting and worthwhile, which is amazing!
Any advice for future applicants?
Sharing your passion for the role and industry is a must. Be sure to bring up any experiences you may have working/volunteering for music industry events, or any creative projects you may be working on.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
The entire “Dreamland” album by Glass Animals. All day, every day.
Do you feel like you learned during your education period the skills needed for this position, or you have acquired them along the way during the internship?
Definitely a bit of both. I’ve taken several marketing courses throughout my education that make understanding some tasks easy. Working in the industry virtually, during a pandemic, is not something school can teach. Being able to adapt and the willingness to learn is vital to stay up to date with new trends in music.
Sara Kohan, Digital Marketing
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the Digital Marketing Intern, working alongside our Platforms/Partnerships, Streaming and Consumer Engagement teams to execute digital strategy and help maximize our artists presence in the digital space. I am a recent Arts & Business Graduate from the University of Waterloo and am now completing a post-grad Music Business Certificate at Humber College.
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Learning new technologies, scoping untapped opportunities and helping our artists succeed in the constantly evolving digital landscape.
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
How challenging it can be to measure the impact of our collective efforts across the abyss of the internet.
Any advice for future applicants?
Be open to change and learning because a new app feature or seismic industry shift is always looming around the corner.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
Where melancholy or rage meet groove – that’s my jam 🍯
“Stop Calling the Police on Me” by Serena Isioma, “Damaged (Working On Me)” by Zenesoul, “Fubu” by Ambré, “Vibes Chauffeur” by Iskren Mihaylov and “OHFR?” by Rico Nasty.
If you could swap lives with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
I’d like to be Lil Uzi so that I can eat popsicles and exclusively do ‘the shoulder’ thing all day. Alternatively, Rico Nasty – because she owns it.
Jake Davis, Brand and Business Development
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
Brand and Business Development Intern (at the Shed Creative Agency). I work with my team to create authentic cultural connections between artists and brands, based on a deep, lived understanding of audience passion points.
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Working with an extremely creative team and watching our concepts come to life!
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
Spending hours and hours on Instagram and TikTok “for work”.
Any advice for future applicants?
Do NOT stay in your lane. Take the time to reach out to other departments, learn as much as you can over the short 4 months and cater your internship so that you get what you need out of it.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
First 5 Songs on Shuffle: “Truth” – Alex Ebert, “HIT EM WHERE IT HURTS” – PawPaw Rod, “Eugene” – Arlo Parks, “Connaissais de Face” – Khruangbin and “The Baal Shem Tov (feat. Joey Dosik)” – The Fearless Flyers.
If you could hang with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
Tough call, but I’d say James Blake. Super talented, dope friends and just seems like an all ‘round good dude!
Hannah Tsuji, Graphic Design
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m a graphic design intern with the UMC creative team. For my role, I make playlist covers, website banners, social media edits, the classic rock newsletter and anything else requested of me. Most of my work is done on the Adobe Suite – Illustrator, Photoshop, and After Effects. I am currently a 4th-year Creative Industries student at Ryerson University with a specialization in media business and graphic communication management.
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
The most rewarding part of this internship is the people! Though we are working remotely, everyone has been very welcoming and accommodating to the situation. I’m so happy to have had this opportunity to work with and learn from the incredibly talented people at UMC.
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
I honestly didn’t know what to expect because of the pandemic. I knew that my position could be easily adjusted for the circumstance since graphic design is fairly independent but wasn’t sure what my day-to-day would look like. It’s also much more chill than I expected for a larger organization in terms of workflow and environment which definitely made things less intimidating.
Any advice for future applicants?
The creative industries are a highly competitive environment so it is all about gaining experience where you can. Most internships and entry-level jobs now require years of experience when hiring so I would recommend to not hesitate and start early – student organizations, freelance gigs, and personal projects are a great way to build up your portfolio.
What’s on your work from home playlist?
“Off the table” – Ariana Grande & The Weeknd, “Imported” – Jessie Reyez & 6lack, “Away Park” – Kota the Friend and “WHiTE LiE” – LOONY
If you could swap lives with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
Probably someone like Rihanna because who wouldn’t want to be Rihanna for a day!?
Do you feel like you learned during your education period the skills needed for this position, or you have acquired them along the way during the internship?
My program mostly focuses on the creative industries as a whole as well as the entrepreneurial-business side of things. I kind of fell into graphic design with my first internship at a small marketing agency and then built on those skills throughout that internship and freelance gigs afterwards. While working at UMC I definitely picked up and improved on some skills of mine while also getting to learn more about the music industry, the role of design for a larger organization and how it can be applied to different artist’s brands.
Leila Atta, Label Partnerships
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the Label Partnerships Intern! When I’m not at UMC, I study Creative Industries at Ryerson University, specializing in music and media business. As part of the Label Partnerships team, I’m the busiest on release days, scouring digital service providers for playlist features. I pretty much help out wherever else needed!
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
The most rewarding part is having the opportunity to work with a great team and learn more about the independent label community!
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
Honestly just the sheer amount of independent labels UMC works with! I feel like I’m constantly learning about a new label or up-and-coming artist.
Any advice for future applicants?
Take opportunities to network and ask lots of questions!
What’s on your work from home playlist?
I have a bunch right now, but here are my top 5! “See You At Your Funeral” – PUP, “Wild Things” – Seaway, “hiccup” – VALLEY, “Just Right” – Grayscale and “this time last year” – Nightly.
What are the benefits and downsides of interning virtually?
The biggest downside I would say is that I’ve never met the team I work with in person! I also just think that the music industry thrives off of human interaction so it’s been disappointing to not be able to be in more of a social setting. But a big benefit is the flexibility working from home allows! I’m able to work at lot more with the team while going to school full-time since I’m at home.
If you could swap lives with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
Post Malone. I honestly don’t really have a reason why, I just feel like he probably does some interesting stuff. And I want to drive around in a Rolls Royce, haha!
Charley Swartz, Promotion
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the Promotion Intern at UMC. I help the Promo department with various tasks such as compiling radio chart information and reports and so much more! I am currently in my 4th year in the Creative Industries program at Ryerson University specializing in The Music Industry, Professional Communications and Business.
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
There are so many rewarding parts of the internship, I couldn’t pick just one! I have loved learning more about Promotions and the music industry in general. It has been so great to be a part of such a welcoming team and trusted with confidential information and important tasks.
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
The most unexpected part is how much I learnt over these past few months and how quickly the internship has gone by. Also, the support I’ve received from my supervisors even though my internship has been remote. My supervisors are always there for me whenever I need help and have set me up to succeed!
Any advice for future applicants?
Be passionate, have a strong work ethic/attention to detail and don’t be afraid to ask questions 🙂
What’s on your work from home playlist?
My playlist honestly changes daily but a few of the artists currently on it are: Ariana Grande, Machine Gun Kelly, Billie Eilish and The Weeknd.
Juanfran Faneca, Interactive Marketing/Social Media
What’s your role at Universal Music Canada?
I’m the interactive Marketing intern, completing my Sport & Events Marketing postgraduate at George Brown College. My role consists on supporting the Social Media and Consumer Engagement departments. I track our artists’ performance on social platforms, write blog entries like New Music Friday and this one (congrats if you made it this far!) and assist our Community Manager crafting posts and social media assets. I do a bit of everything!
What is the most rewarding part of the internship?
Everything, for the most part! And how much you learn about the music industry! I really enjoyed weekly meetings where different departments converge so I could learn more not only about my own department, but how different ones coordinate and work together.
What is the most unexpected part of the internship?
How incredibly friendly and welcoming everyone is! You read “UMC” and expect some daunting and strict big corporate behavior but nothing of sorts! Everyone has been incredibly kind and open to share their experiences and knowledge. I’m also surprised on how the company has kept working almost flawlessly even in an online scenario.
Any advice for future applicants?
If you’re offered to meet other departments or be put in contact with someone you want to meet, do it. This is not only a great networking experience but a learning experience of the music industry overall!
What’s on your work from home playlist?
I’ve really been enjoying Keith Urban and Machine Gun Kelly’s latest albums these months, and I’ve also found a renewed interest in The Tragically Hip. And lots of Deadmau5, always.
If you could swap lives with an artist for a day, who would it be and why?
Lewis Capaldi! I never knew it until now, but I always dreamed of having beef with Noel Gallagher!
We are all finally done with our internships, but we couldn’t recommend having a placement here enough! If you’re currently studying anything entertainment related and need to intern somewhere and love the music industry, consider applying here!