Rita Panico interned with Mint Talent Group and gained experience in music talent management.
Why did you choose your internship?
I chose to intern with Mint Talent Group because I have always been super connected to music. I always knew that I wanted to be a performer, and I was intrigued with the business side of performing. I wanted to take this opportunity, which I secured by using my networking skills, to explore those options and to see which I felt most comfortable with.
The most satisfying part of my internship was being able to work with the artists of the company and tackle projects for them. This was meaningful to me because hopefully, one day, I will be a full-time performer signed somewhere, and I will think back on when I was preparing shows and events for other artists and appreciate the ones who will be doing that for me.
The most challenging part of my internship was putting offers into our system called Gigwell. The offer sheets we receive from the promoter for artists are very difficult to read. It really stressed me out. I learned to take things slow and to ask for as much help as I needed to work through this problem.
What advice do you have for other students as they begin their internship?
Advice that I would give to other students as they begin their internship is to not put so much stress on themselves. Your boss expects you not to know anything coming in, and they are very understandable. Make sure to always ask questions if you are having trouble and to reflect on tasks. Coming in, I was very excited about these new opportunities, but there were many times in my experience when I was stuck and struggled - which is totally normal and okay. Take this experience as a life lesson that will only help you grow as a learner.