So, today has been a pretty exciting day, because I had my first paid flute job! I was asked to play for a local church during their Sunday morning service this week, which is why this post is a little late. Today, I am going to talk about getting a music job and how it went.
In order to get a music job, or a job in your industry, you need to know the right people. Especially if you work in a special industry or one with a ton of competition. Here is the process that I went through to secure the job.
1. Have a Good Network of Professors.
I found out about the job through my flute professor, and so without my professor, I never would have had this opportunity. This works for any industry, and while I don’t have many connections in the online industry for blogging purposes, I have connections of some sort.
Whether you have a professor or mentor or another industry contact, that could mean the difference between getting a job offer versus having to apply like everyone else.
Related: How to Find a Job for After College
2. Be On Their Good Side.
In case it isn’t obvious, a professor is not going to think of you for a job or leadership role if you aren’t well connected with them. You don’t have to be teacher’s pet, but you do have to be as good a student you can. Showing up to all of your classes and meetings with the professor, taking initiative when applicable and working hard are great ways to stand out.
3. Ask About Job Opportunities.
I, personally, was asked by my professor about this job, but you can always ask your mentor/professor. If you do, that kind of goes along with the previous point of taking initiative. Your professor will see that you are looking for work, and they might tell you about a job instead of someone else. If they don’t know of any openings, they might keep you in mind later.
4. Contact the Place You will bE Working for.
Once I found out about the job, I called the music director at the church I would be playing for to get more information about the schedule and what I would be playing as well as how I would get the music. Now, of course, some of the details would be different for different majors, but you get the idea, right? 🙂
5. Show Up On Time, Early Even.
Lastly, when you go to the job, or the first day, make sure you get there on time. No one likes to work with someone who is late. Figure out where the place is and how long it will take to get there. Google Maps is perfect for this. Then leave at a time when you can get there with a few minutes to spare. It’s all about professionalism.
After it all.
I had a good experience working as a musician this morning. It was a different atmosphere than I am used to, but I don’t regret doing it. While I have no plans of a performance career for the near future, I will look back on this day as a great chance to play music and get a look at what it might be like.
Have you gotten a job through a professor or other connection? How did it go? Comment below!
Be sure to follow me on Twitter (@HannahHaefele) so you don’t miss future posts and make sure to catch up by reading my previous Blogmas post!
Thanks for reading!