7 answers
Heidi
Student
Flint, Michigan
1
Question
Asked
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How do I get a good job after college?
What is the best way to get a job in the right career field after college? I’m a music major and I’m scared on how to get a well paying job once I graduate. Any tips?
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7 answers
Vimit Gupta
18
Answers
Updated
Vimit’s Answer
To land a good job after college, follow these steps:
Network: Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field. Use social media like LinkedIn to build relationships.
Get Experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that relate to your field. This adds valuable experience to your resume.
Polish Your Resume: Make a clear, concise resume that highlights your skills, experience, and education. Tailor it for each job application.
Practice Interviewing: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions. This helps boost your confidence.
Keep Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and consider taking extra courses or certifications that can enhance your skills.
Apply Smartly: Apply for jobs that match your skills and interests, but don’t be afraid to stretch a bit beyond your comfort zone.
Stay Positive: Job searching can take time, so keep a good attitude and be persistent!
Following these steps can help you find a good job after graduation!
Network: Connect with classmates, professors, and professionals in your field. Use social media like LinkedIn to build relationships.
Get Experience: Look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that relate to your field. This adds valuable experience to your resume.
Polish Your Resume: Make a clear, concise resume that highlights your skills, experience, and education. Tailor it for each job application.
Practice Interviewing: Prepare for interviews by practicing common questions. This helps boost your confidence.
Keep Learning: Stay updated on industry trends and consider taking extra courses or certifications that can enhance your skills.
Apply Smartly: Apply for jobs that match your skills and interests, but don’t be afraid to stretch a bit beyond your comfort zone.
Stay Positive: Job searching can take time, so keep a good attitude and be persistent!
Following these steps can help you find a good job after graduation!
Matt Quirk
Director, Global Partner Ecosystem
4
Answers
London, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Matt’s Answer
The best way to land a job in the right career field after college—especially as a music major—is to combine your passion with practical skills and networking. Here are a few key tips:
Identify Transferable Skills: Music majors often excel in creativity, discipline, collaboration, and communication—skills valuable in many fields like marketing, media, education, tech, and more.
Explore Related Career Paths: Look into music production, sound design, teaching, arts administration, content creation, or even roles in tech that value creative thinkers.
Gain Experience Early: Intern, volunteer, or freelance while still in school to build a portfolio and connections.
Network: Connect with alumni, join professional groups, and attend industry events—many jobs come through personal connections.
Learn Complementary Skills: Consider adding skills like digital marketing, audio software, coding, or business basics to broaden your job options.
A music degree doesn't limit you—it can open doors if you market your strengths strategically.
Identify Transferable Skills: Music majors often excel in creativity, discipline, collaboration, and communication—skills valuable in many fields like marketing, media, education, tech, and more.
Explore Related Career Paths: Look into music production, sound design, teaching, arts administration, content creation, or even roles in tech that value creative thinkers.
Matt recommends the following next steps:
Catherine H
Digital Nomad
20
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
It’s normal to feel scared, but here’s the truth: start building connections now. Talk to professors, attend events, and look for internships or part-time work related to music (teaching, production, arts admin, etc.). Also, learn basic business or tech skills—they boost your options. Keep growing your network, be patient and stay open-minded. You’ll build your path step by step.
Michelle M.
Actress
2450
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Heidi !
Good news - you don't have to think about or worry about this now. I'll explain.
After your first year as a Music Major, you are going to have learned so much about the professional music business that you will know your options and know exactly how you want to take your career. Let your academic experience unfold naturally, step by step and enjoy every minute of it. Don't worry prematurely.
Once you are in a Music Department, you're going to make friends as well as have opportunities to perform on campus and off campus. These experiences are part of the education and you will be hearing a lot of people talking about the industry. Your professors will be a valuable source, giving you information you can follow up on. It is up to you to make very strong connections with everyone as this field relies heavily on networking and college is the best place to do that.
Many students in performance majors start to make their direct plans in their Senior year if they hadn't already. Who's moving to New Yok City, who's moving to Los Angeles, who's going to teach, who's going on to get their Masters Degree, etc. It's perfectly fine that you don't know this yet - most people don't as your college experience is a journey that you must take, meeting awesome people and opportunities along the way. It's all good !
My advice is to not worry about four years from now and enjoy the present day. Appreciate each project that comes your way while in college and work on every aspect of the niche in music that you want to work in. If you have more questions about the actual career you want, definitely return here to ask.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Good news - you don't have to think about or worry about this now. I'll explain.
After your first year as a Music Major, you are going to have learned so much about the professional music business that you will know your options and know exactly how you want to take your career. Let your academic experience unfold naturally, step by step and enjoy every minute of it. Don't worry prematurely.
Once you are in a Music Department, you're going to make friends as well as have opportunities to perform on campus and off campus. These experiences are part of the education and you will be hearing a lot of people talking about the industry. Your professors will be a valuable source, giving you information you can follow up on. It is up to you to make very strong connections with everyone as this field relies heavily on networking and college is the best place to do that.
Many students in performance majors start to make their direct plans in their Senior year if they hadn't already. Who's moving to New Yok City, who's moving to Los Angeles, who's going to teach, who's going on to get their Masters Degree, etc. It's perfectly fine that you don't know this yet - most people don't as your college experience is a journey that you must take, meeting awesome people and opportunities along the way. It's all good !
My advice is to not worry about four years from now and enjoy the present day. Appreciate each project that comes your way while in college and work on every aspect of the niche in music that you want to work in. If you have more questions about the actual career you want, definitely return here to ask.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
John Graham
Music Producer
63
Answers
Bremerton, Washington
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Heidi!
Here's an idea, and you don't even need to finish college for it. Have you ever thought of one of the military service bands?
To get into an armed forces band, you'll typically need to pass an audition, meet the general enlistment requirements for the service branch, and complete basic training. Auditions generally assess your musical skills, including performance on your instrument, sight-reading, and music theory knowledge. Here's more info:
1. Find a Branch and Band:
Air Force: Look at Air Force bands (.mil) for band opportunities, including active duty and Air National Guard bands.
Army: The Army has numerous bands, including the "Pershing's Own".
Navy: The United States Navy Band (.mil) is another option.
Marines: The Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," is an elite group.
2. Audition Requirements:
General Requirements:
Pass an audition.
Meet enlistment standards (physical exam, ASVAB, citizenship, etc.).
Age requirements vary (e.g., Army may have a 34-year-old maximum for enlisted positions).
Musical Requirements:
Demonstrate mastery of your instrument.
Showcase experience in various performance ensembles.
Be able to sight-read.
Demonstrate music theory and aural skills.
3. Audition Process:
Live Audition: Typically involves performing prepared pieces and sight-reading.
Music Theory/Aural Skills: Tests may include interval and chord recognition, melodic dictation, and error detection.
Conducting (for conductors): May involve conducting band works and working with vocal groups.
Interviews: May be part of the audition process.
4. Training:
Basic Training:
All branches require basic training, which can range from a few weeks to several months.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT):
Some bands may require additional specialized training, like the Army's 10-week course at the Army School of Music.
5. Additional Tips:
Practice Thoroughly: Prepare well for the audition.
Seek Higher Education: Many military bands prefer musicians with college degrees, particularly in music performance or conducting.
Consider Air Force Bands: The Air Force may be a good option for those seeking a more structured military career with a focus on music.
Part-Time Options: The Air Force also has Air National Guard (ANG) bands, allowing for a part-time commitment.
Don't Give Up: If you don't get accepted the first time, keep trying.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
Here's an idea, and you don't even need to finish college for it. Have you ever thought of one of the military service bands?
To get into an armed forces band, you'll typically need to pass an audition, meet the general enlistment requirements for the service branch, and complete basic training. Auditions generally assess your musical skills, including performance on your instrument, sight-reading, and music theory knowledge. Here's more info:
1. Find a Branch and Band:
Air Force: Look at Air Force bands (.mil) for band opportunities, including active duty and Air National Guard bands.
Army: The Army has numerous bands, including the "Pershing's Own".
Navy: The United States Navy Band (.mil) is another option.
Marines: The Marine Band, also known as "The President's Own," is an elite group.
2. Audition Requirements:
General Requirements:
Pass an audition.
Meet enlistment standards (physical exam, ASVAB, citizenship, etc.).
Age requirements vary (e.g., Army may have a 34-year-old maximum for enlisted positions).
Musical Requirements:
Demonstrate mastery of your instrument.
Showcase experience in various performance ensembles.
Be able to sight-read.
Demonstrate music theory and aural skills.
3. Audition Process:
Live Audition: Typically involves performing prepared pieces and sight-reading.
Music Theory/Aural Skills: Tests may include interval and chord recognition, melodic dictation, and error detection.
Conducting (for conductors): May involve conducting band works and working with vocal groups.
Interviews: May be part of the audition process.
4. Training:
Basic Training:
All branches require basic training, which can range from a few weeks to several months.
Advanced Individual Training (AIT):
Some bands may require additional specialized training, like the Army's 10-week course at the Army School of Music.
5. Additional Tips:
Practice Thoroughly: Prepare well for the audition.
Seek Higher Education: Many military bands prefer musicians with college degrees, particularly in music performance or conducting.
Consider Air Force Bands: The Air Force may be a good option for those seeking a more structured military career with a focus on music.
Part-Time Options: The Air Force also has Air National Guard (ANG) bands, allowing for a part-time commitment.
Don't Give Up: If you don't get accepted the first time, keep trying.
Whatever you decide to do, good luck on your journey - you're going to do great!
A G
20
Answers
Pleasanton, California
Updated
A’s Answer
To land a good job after college as a music major, start building experience early through internships, gigs, teaching, or audio production work, and consider creating a YouTube channel to share your music learning journey. This not only showcases your skills and builds a portfolio, but also helps you network, develop an audience, and open doors to teaching, collaborations, or freelance opportunities. Complement your music expertise with skills like marketing, audio tech, or business to expand your options, and explore both traditional roles and creative paths like sound design or arts management. Consistency, quality, and authentic engagement—online and offline—can set you apart and lead to a fulfilling, well-paying career.
Ann C
Learning & Development, Software, Administrative, Tech, Systems
41
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Ann’s Answer
All of the answers here are excellent. I would just like to add that you likely will not get a fantastic salary immediately after college. Don’t set your expectations for money too high. It’s more about enjoying the experience and the journey. The money will follow.