Public relations senior Isabella Karageanes took her devotion to the music industry to Washington D.C. this summer as an Industry Relations and Brand Marketing intern with SoundExchange.
SoundExchange is a leading organization in the music industry that ensures fair compensation for artists through digital performance royalties. The internship allowed Karageanes to blend her creativity and organizational skills to ensure that artists and the company were well-represented and connected in the industry. She worked closely with artists and their teams, organized and executed industry events and even designed merchandise.
“The cross-departmental exposure not only deepened my knowledge of the music industry but also enhanced my ability to see the bigger picture and understand the integral roles each department plays in supporting artists and advancing the organization’s mission,” Karageanes said.
A memory she won’t forget was getting to see advocacy for artists seeking fair compensation on Capitol Hill.
“A highlight of my experience was attending the American Music Fairness Act congressional hearing,” Karageanes said.” I witnessed the incredible country music legend Randy Travis in action fighting for the rights of musicians everywhere.”
The biggest obstacle Karageanes faced had nothing to do with her job, but with adjusting to a new environment.
“This experience reinforced that pursuing what I love often requires stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing change," Karageanes said. “Immersing myself in a vibrant new city and diving into the dynamic world of music advocacy and brand marketing taught me the value of resilience and adaptability."
In the future, Karageanes hopes to follow a similar career path within the industry where she can continue to advocate for the rights of artists, support their development and create a more equitable industry.
“This direction aligns with my desire to make a meaningful impact in the music world and to continue being actively involved in shaping a positive and supportive environment for artists,” Karageanes said.
Karageanes implores students who want to pursue an internship in the music industry to know that networking, maintaining a positive attitude and staying proactive are keys to success.
“It opens doors to new opportunities and valuable insights,” Karageanes said. “Balancing these elements will not only enhance your internship experience but also set a strong foundation for your future career in the music industry.”
By Olivia Austin