What It's Like Applying for Music Jobs Post-Grad

It is completely okay if you do not know exactly what you want to do when you first start out in the music industry. I just graduated this year, and it really was not until the end of my junior year going into senior year that I realized this was the path I wanted to take. I had to spend a lot of time navigating what that looked like for me, and I am still figuring it out as I go. The field is so broad, and most people do not have it all mapped out right away. What I have learned is that being open and curious makes all the difference. Along the way I have met so many amazing people who want to see me succeed, and those connections have helped guide me toward opportunities I could not have pictured a few years ago

Jumping into this world right after graduating is both exciting and overwhelming. On one hand, there's an energy that comes with being at the center of something that's constantly evolving. The thrill of feeling like you could be part of discovering the next big artist or helping to shape the way live music is experienced. On the other hand, applying for jobs in the music industry requires you to get rejected a whole fucking lot. Roles at labels, agencies, and live-event companies are incredibly competitive, with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of applicants for entry-level positions. Not to mention the aspect AI has played in replacing what has been done by people at minimum wage for years.

The process often involves more than just sending in a resume. Networking becomes essential: reaching out to alums, taking coffee chats, staying in touch with recruiters, and finding creative ways to get your name in the mix. Many companies also expect candidates to show they're plugged into culture. You need to be able to understand trends, artists, and platforms while also demonstrating hustle, whether through internships, side projects, or independent work in the music industry.

There's also a patience factor. Unlike more traditional industries, where new grads are slotted into structured analyst or associate programs, music jobs often open sporadically and fill quickly. Sometimes it means waiting, applying repeatedly, or starting with freelance or contract roles to build experience and connections. Though I am still on the hunt, I am not discouraged because I am building an extensive network that will sustain this career no matter where it takes me. It is completely okay if you do not know exactly what you want to do when you first start out in the music industry. The field is so broad, and most people do not have it all figured out right away. I have learned that the most important thing is to be open, curious, and willing to try new things. Along the way, you will meet people who want to see you succeed, and those connections can help guide you toward where you are meant to be.

So Here Are My Takeaways

1. It's okay to feel stuck because that's how you pivot and find a new avenue, connection, or mindset.

2. Your network is vital to the industry -> that doesn't necessarily mean you need one off the bat, but you need to continue to build one and continue follow-up. Closing the loop is major when networking.

3. You are basically cold calling. You gotta be able to pitch yourself because even if there isnt a job posted it doesn't mean there cant be one created.

4. Hustle. You need to have grit, and the grind truly never stops. Even when I get a job, the premise of this industry is the constant hustle it takes to stay afloat and keep going. Never stop networking and build community through your networks.