At the Australian Institute of Music, students in the Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management course aren’t just studying the theory behind the industry, they’re gaining direct access to the real world experience through internships that often lead to full-time roles after graduation. With AIM’s strong industry connections, Entertainment Management students land placements with some of the top companies in the music and entertainment world, giving them a unique edge when it comes to stepping into their careers.
Jack McCormack, a Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management student, is interning with Untitled Group, Australia’s largest independently-owned music and events company. Jack’s role with their Artist Management team allowed him to work across multiple areas of the business. “I assisted with various aspects of the artists’ businesses, such as touring releases, budgeting, brand partnerships and more” Jack explained. Rolling up his sleeves, he’s walking away after each shift with golden nuggets of wisdom. “These internships were highly practical, giving me great hands-on experience and valuable insights into the industry’s inner workings”.
Another Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management student, Erin Hughes, gained her internship at Happy Mag, a renowned Sydney-based music, arts, and culture publication. “This trimester I have been interning at Happy Mag. They have interviews and provided publicity for some of Australia’s best bands and musicians over the past decade, including Amyl and the Sniffers” Erin shared. “During my shifts, I’m tasked with writing and publishing news updates, and minor journalism pieces” she said, giving her the chance to sharpen her communication skills in a professional environment.
For Samantha Gianoudis, her internship at Mushroom Music, one of Australia’s leading music companies, has provided a well-rounded introduction to the label’s digital and marketing functions. “Throughout my internship, I was able to learn the multi facets of the label side in a recording company. I focused in on streaming, marketing, and all digital aspects in creating successful artist campaigns”, Sam explained. Her role as “Digital Assistant” has allowed her to explore data, monitor trends, and gain insights into marketing strategies for both Australian and international artists.
One of the key strengths of AIM’s Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management course is our dedication to connecting students with real-world opportunities. Jack emphasised how AIM helped secure his internship. “AIM played a pivotal role in facilitating these internships, providing guidance and support. The opportunity arose through mutual industry contacts which I had created whilst at AIM”, Jack explained, reinforcing the value of our industry network.
Erin also credited AIM’s role in securing her internship with Happy Mag. “AIM connected me directly to Happy Mag, they introduced me to the founder of the publication, and the internship was organised from there”, Erin said. This connection gave her clarity and confidence in navigating her career path in music, arts, and entertainment journalism. “I’m gaining experience in working in office environments, and building confidence in my abilities. This internship along with my degree, will give me the skills necessary to pursue a career in music, arts, and entertainment journalism”.
Sam’s time at Mushroom was not just about building technical skills but also about forming meaningful industry relationships. “I’ve begun to make great connections and friendships with both people within the company and externally” he said, “This will be of high importance once I graduate from AIM while putting my learnings from my degree into practice.” This focus on industry relationships, something central to the Entertainment Management program, is invaluable as students prepare to transition into the workforce.
Students in AIM’s Arts and Entertainment Management degree, gain far more than just classroom knowledge. Jack reflected on how his internship at Untitle Group has equipped him for his future career, “These developments will undoubtedly help me in my professional career”. The hands-on experience that students like Jack, Erin, and Sam are gaining through these internships is a testament to the effectiveness of the degree in preparing students for the competitive entertainment industry.
From writing articles to managing digital marketing strategies, AIM’s Bachelor of Arts and Entertainment Management students are putting their skills into action, while still earning their degrees. The internships at Happy Mag, Untitled Group, and Mushroom have given Jack, Erin, and Sam the real-world experience they need to move seamlessly into full-time positions after they graduate. These opportunities show how AIM is not only preparing students for future careers but helping them launch those careers while still studying.
