What comes to mind when you hear the word ‘intern’? If fetching coffee, paper cuts and grunt work is what comes to mind, then think again. Being an intern at Universal Music Canada (UMUSIC) means endless opportunities, a supportive team and (obviously) a chance to live the dream! Read on to get to know the newest interns.
*If you’d like to apply to be a Universal Music Canada (UMUSIC) intern, please consult your program’s director for more info!
MEET CHELSEA
Role at UMUSIC: I am the catalogue marketing intern. My responsibilities include catalogue research, contributing to store adds for MusicVaultz.com, stock transfers and more.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: The sense of community! Being online definitely changes interactions, but there are so many opportunities to meet people. Everyone is so nice, supportive and most importantly, welcoming. I love meeting so many interesting people.
What’s the most unexpected thing: How many people are on the UMC roster! I was familiar with a handful of the artists, but there are so many more than I was originally aware of. Learn a new name everyday!
What’s on your current WFH playlist: I think it changes all the time, but recently I would say:
- “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo
- “Checkmate” by Conan Gray
- “the lakes” by Taylor Swift
- “MAZZA” by slowthai
- “Sofia” by Clairo
Any advice for future applicants: Authenticity is key! Be yourself throughout the entire process and the best fit will find you. Enjoy it, learn as much as you can and put yourself out there.
What do you love most about music? I love the power music has to make people feel. I think this can mainly be seen through movie soundtracks, but I believe there is a song for everything. We all have soundtracks to our lives; music is connected to moments.
Favourite way to relax after work? I love to read, crochet, watch movies and catch up with friends!
MEET FRANCISCO
Role at UMUSIC: I am the video production intern. I assist the content producers with creating and editing videos and gifs, as well as producing assets for commercial use.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: Being able to see the things you’ve created being posted and seen by a ton of people!
What’s the most unexpected thing: How supportive the creative team is. If I have any questions or if I don’t know how to do something, everyone is willing to answer and hop on a zoom call to show me.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Save Your Tears” by The Weeknd
- “Circles” by Post Malone
- “RUN” by Joji
Any advice for future applicants: Don’t be afraid to talk about yourself, just keep it relevant and have fun.
Top 3 things on your bucket list? Skydiving, travelling to japan and travelling across Canada.
Name an artist you’d love to swap wardrobes with? Post Malone. His style is a mix between a cowboy and streetwear, and I think it’s so bizarre that it works well for him. Won’t really work for me, but hey, I’d love to have the man’s confidence too!
MEET OLIVIA
Role at UMUSIC: I’m the social media marketing intern! A typical week for me includes tracking engagement on our social media accounts, trend hunting, pitching ideas, creating content for UMUSIC’s website and socials, and helping wherever else I’m needed.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: As of right now, my favourite part is curating the New Music Friday blog, which comes out weekly. Every day is different here, so I’m constantly learning new things that I can apply IRL.
What’s the most unexpected thing: As a consumer, you think you have a pretty good idea of what goes on behind the scenes but it’s so much more. It’s an all-hands-on-deck type of thing and it’s really cool to be part of that.
Any advice for future applicants: I know it’s a cliché, but be yourself. Your hard work will speak for itself.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Gasoline” by HAIM
- “Midnight Zone” by Balance And Composure
- “invisible string” by Taylor Swift
- “Garden Song” by Phoebe Bridgers
Name 3 skills needed for the position: Time management, attention to detail and curiosity.
Name a guilty pleasure of yours: Singing along (badly) to nostalgic songs in the car.
What is the first concert you’ll attend when this is all over: Definitely HAIM. I knew who they were but shrugged them off for a long time. One day in quarantine, I stumbled across a live video of them and have been hooked ever since! They’re ridiculously talented.
MEET HANNAH
Role at UMUSIC: I’m the promotions intern! I help monitor our artists’ streams, social media growth, radio station adds, and their placements on Canadian and American radio charts.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: Being able to work in an industry I’ve always been passionate about and being trusted with confidential information and new music before they’re released to the public!
What’s the most unexpected thing: Definitely the amount of guidance I’ve had so far! I was worried about dealing with imposter syndrome during my internship, but right from the start, my team has always made sure I’ve understood how to complete my tasks and encouraged me to ask for help when needed.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Love Story (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift
- “You” by Benny Blanco, Marshmello & Vance Joy
- “Replay” by Lady Gaga
- “Driver’s License” by Olivia Rodrigo
Any advice for future applicants: Familiarize yourself with the songs and artists you’re monitoring, pay close attention to detail and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
What do you love most about music? I love that music can be open to interpretation and bring so many people together. I also love a good key change.
Any hidden talents? I’ve been playing the clarinet for over 10 years and was in my university’s marching band all throughout my undergrad!
MEET SEHAJ
Role at UMUSIC: I’m the brand & business development intern with Shed Creative Agency – a division of UMC that creates cultural connections between brands and music. My role consists of supporting our accounts team in preparing partnership pitches to brands, opportunities to artists, and managing Shed’s Instagram (@shedagency).
What’s the best/most rewarding part: The ability to come up with creative ideas around partnerships, and knowing that between our strong team and Universal, we have the ability to bring any idea to life.
What’s the most unexpected thing: How easy it is to connect with everyone within my team and around Universal to build relationships, receive guidance and learn about the industry. I wasn’t sure how I’d be able to connect with people on an individual level coming into a new role working from home, but between zoom calls, slack messaging and the openness of everyone, it’s been great.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Back to the Topic” by J. Cole
- “Whoa” by Snoh Aalegra
- “Enough Said” by Aaliyah feat. Drake
- “Underdog (Remix)” by Alicia Keys feat. Chronixx & Protoje
- “Ladbroke Grove” by AJ Tracey
Any advice for future applicants: Make the most out of your opportunity by reaching out and getting involved in anything that interests you. You’re coming into a great culture with people that share the same passion for music and are willing to help you make this the experience you want. Enjoy the journey!
What do you love most about music? I love how music has the ability to elevate or alter your vibe to shift you to your best frequency. It’s always fun to get introduced to new music that resonates with you by seeing what the people around you are listening to. Music is such a unique outlet that connects us with others and can even connect us with ourselves.
Favourite song lyric? “I’m prolific, so gifted. I’m the type that’s gon’ go get it, no kiddin’” – “Victory Lap” by Nipsey Hussle
MEET MIRANDA
Role at UMUSIC: I am the digital marketing intern! I support the digital marketing and streaming teams by collecting assets, updating playlist reports, monitoring social media trends (especially TikTok!), and participating in brainstorming sessions for upcoming tracks!
What’s the best/most rewarding part: Being surrounded by people who have a passion for music just like myself! It makes the job fun and such a positive environment.
What’s the most unexpected thing: How much work I have (in a good way!). When you think of an intern, a lot of the time the expectation is that you will be getting coffee and not doing anything substantial, but I feel like I am given meaningful work that made this an amazing learning experience.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Like 1999” by Valley
- “Good Days” by SZA
- “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
- “Wait a Minute!” by WILLOW
- “Close to You” by Dayglow
Any advice for future applicants: My advice would be to not underestimate yourself. Sometimes it may seem intimidating to put yourself out there, but it is definitely worth it!
What is the first concert you’ll attend after the pandemic? Harry Styles and Tame Impala! I am HUUGE fans of those two artists. I was supposed to go in the summer, but they got rescheduled so I’m crossing my fingers I’ll get to see them soon.
What’s your favourite song to sing in the car/shower? Definitely “Uptown Girl” by Billy Joel. I also embarrassingly scream this song before a night out.
Favourite way to relax after work? I really enjoy ending my day with a good book! I love that it gives me some time away from my computer/phone screen and helps me go to bed. If you have any book recommendations, let me know 🙂
MEET ISAAC
Role at UMUSIC: Commercial affairs intern – I work with Bravado Canada, working with merchandising and new products. I ensure that artistic assets and files are around for companies to use for different merchandise options. I also put together a monthly newsletter with updated retail programs and news regarding our artists.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: Just being able to work at UMG as a whole is rewarding. I feel like every day, I’m gaining more valuable knowledge that I can use not only in the workforce, but in my day-to-day life. The working environment is the best one I’ve had the pleasure to be a part of.
What’s the most unexpected thing: How much free space I have. I didn’t expect to have as much control over my schedule as I do. It allows me to complete tasks on time, but not feel rushed while doing it.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “Everytime” by Big K.R.I.T
- “Speaking Terms” by Snail Mail
- “Window Seat” by Erykah Badu
- “True Colors” by The Weeknd
Any advice for future applicants: It’s a super generic answer, but just be yourself! There’s no point in being inauthentic or pretending to be the person you think Universal might want you to be. Be honest and open about who you are, what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Being genuine goes a long way in helping you feel confident about yourself and what you’re saying.
If you could trade one day with any artist, who would it be? Justin Bieber. He’s a local, and him being a huge Leafs fan is the biggest factor. I’d be able to hang out with Auston Matthews AND be famous? Say no more.
What is one fun fact about you? In 2018, I listened to 222 albums and ranked them. I probably put more work into that ranking than I did towards other things in my life at that time.
MEET KAITLIN
Role at UMUSIC: As a communications intern, my role consists of reviewing daily media, supporting artist media, monitoring needs, assisting with press releases, filing press, general media relations, and other tasks as required.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: The most rewarding part is getting to experience the Universal Music atmosphere every day, overall as cliché as it is, it’s a dream. Not to mention logging on every day to a team who has been nothing but welcoming and whose kindness supersedes all.
What’s the most unexpected thing: Going in as an intern, you have an idea of what your role will consist of, but the constant day-to day involvement and work tasks that, in such a short amount of time, have already provided me with so many amazing learning opportunities and new skills.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “A Phone Call in Amsterdam” by Valley
- “Anyone” by Justin Bieber
- “Only For a Moment” by Arkells
- “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals
- “Bloody Valentine” by Machine Gun Kelly
- “Glad You Exist” by Dan and Shay
Any advice for future applicants: Take time to create relationships, whether it be a brief information interview, coffee chat, whatever it may be, put yourself out there and reach out!
What is the first concert you’ll attend after the pandemic? The first concert I will be attending after the pandemic would have to be without a doubt, Arkells, they always exceed expectations, the energy, the atmosphere they create is always indescribable.
Any hidden talents? I like to dabble in singing…
MEET MARK
Role at UMUSIC: I do graphic design! 🙂 Banners for streaming platforms, weekly newsletters, playlist covers, and various other tasks that fly to me.
What’s the best/most rewarding part: Actually getting the internship after people seeing my goofy profile pic on zoom & Seeing my work reach platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, or Social Media. :>
What’s the most unexpected thing: Everyone being laid back and very open, I’m able to ask questions and get feedback without being worried (school usually makes the corporate world seem stressful). Would probably be 100x better without COVID-19 being around.
What’s on your current WFH playlist:
- “FAR” by Gunna ft. Young Thug
- “I Love Music” – Ahmad Jamal
- “Southernplayalisticadillacmuzik” by OutKast
- “Lightwork Freestyle” by Bandokay & Double Lz
Any advice for future applicants: Absorb as much as you can. You get to see so much behind the scenes and learn from sick people too, so just take advantage of the learning experience!
Favourite song lyric: “The universe is listenin’, be careful what you say in it” – Jay Electronica
Name an artist you’d love to swap wardrobes with: A$AP ROCKY. No doubt about it.
If 2021 was a food, what would it be? No lie, it would probably be a Kinder Surprise because at this point, I have no clue what’s going to happen or what will happen at any given moment LOL.
MEET MEGAN
Role at UMUSIC: As the marketing intern, my role consists of brainstorming new marketing material for different artist projects, monitoring new music releases and their performance, certifying albums and songs, and more!
What’s the best/most rewarding: Getting the inside scoop on exciting musical projects. It has been so cool witnessing the ‘behind the scenes’ and watching all the additional work we do come together to make albums and single hits.
What’s the most unexpected thing: TikTok! I never thought this app would blow up the way it has. Now, it’s integral for UMC to utilize this platform to promote new music and stay up to date with trends and dance challenges.
What’s on your current WFH playlist: It changes literally all the time but here’s today’s vibe:
- “Magazines” by Emanuel
- “Anyone” by Justin Bieber
- “X-Ting” by Ebhoni
- “Imported” by Jessie Reyez & 6lack
- “Hawài” by Maluma & The Weeknd
Any advice for future applicants: Be authentic and passionate. When you’re true to yourself and you continuously work hard, you’ll be successful anywhere. Being an intern is intimidating, but never be afraid to ask questions, get involved, or be yourself. I know everyone says that, but having a good heart goes a long way.
If you could trade one day with any artist, who would it be? Definitely Drake. I feel like he knows everyone, so I’d meet cool people all day long. But also, I just want to experience living in a mansion in Toronto…and owning a private jet. You know, just the little things.
What is one fun fact about you? I’ve never played an instrument before (unless the recorder from the 4th grade counts), but I’m currently learning how to play the ukulele!
We hope you enjoyed getting to know the UMUSIC interns of Winter ’21! If this sounds like you, be sure to apply for the upcoming semester. In the meantime, check out our Instagram for more fun content.