How do I get an internship at a major music record label?

I worked for Univeral Music Group and Island Def Jam for seven years. My suggestion would be to call general information and ask who is responsible for internships, and what is available. There is a number of area's you can participate in. Such as focus groups, secretarial work for manager and executives. I'm sure that is not what you have in mind. The representing of the artist is a high-level position and there are usually many people involved for each artist. Some of those areas are Promotion, Marketing (The USA and International distribution), legal, logistic (tours), Engineering (Sound-Recording Studio and Live), Digital Right Managment. I personally worked with the VP of Creative. I was part of a team of people who produced the CD cover, retouching and printing of material for the jewel cases. So you see there are a lot of people responsible for any given artist. The reality is the "label" is simply not going to put you in charge or even responsible for the artist by yourself. You would most likely work in a lower-end executive position and build a relationship with top tier management from there. There is way, way too much money at stake and you would have to demonstrate a keen sense of ability to handle such a position. Now this response is in reference to Major Record Labels and I speak from experience because I was on the inside. I was the retoucher who did many UMG and Def Jams Cd covers, however, I work very closely with a top level executive. So I have a good understand how the system works. My suggestion is to focus on branding and promoting groups in the beginning of their careers and if you really think you have someone outstanding then try and pitch the "act" to a major label. Maybe you can be brought on in some way as direct management for the group when they go on tour.
The music industry really is a shark infested body of water and those in power want things to stay that way. The Big Label Business Model is as old as dirt and they only look for ways to reduce cost " especially people" or by any means necessary and tighten their grip on the artist to control everything to the point of drying up the well. Many musicians cling to the idea that the labels are the only way to make in the music industry. Unfortunately, most do not realize they are selling their souls and making a pact with the devil. In short, "the artist(s)" will always owe "the label" money. If you don't believe me look at the long and bloody history. Example: CCR, (Creedence Clearwater Revival-"Tom" Fogerty), Bruce Springsteen, and others. I mention this because you have to ask yourself, do you really want to be in that kind of industry or are you in love with the idea and your perception of the music industry.
Good luck to you.
Fay Sharpsteen

Hi Katie,
I got an internship at TVT Records in the summer of 1995 in Manhattan
simply by cold-calling every receptionist at every record label that I
could find the number for.

in 2016, the music industry is a different landscape. There are far less record labels
around, but there are similar opportunities at other music-related companies
like in the music publishing world. (Google "music publishers" and plenty will pop up)

I'd suggest that you have a solid grasp on social media platforms and that you are a huge fan
of music and follow / grasp the current trends of music and also the history of music.

Google record labels, get their numbers, and call them out of the blue. Tell them you're
looking for an internship and that you love their company. Do some leg work, get to know
the roster of each label you call, it will help you talk the talk and get your foot in the door.

Show them your passion.

Don't just email, pick up the phone and make it happen!

Good luck :)