This is a series dedicated to highlighting the insights our students gained during their internships. 

Name: Kylie Howard, School of Music (2014-2018) 

Internship: Salty Cricket Composers Collective (UT), Intermezzo Music Inc (UT), Drum Corps International (IN). Though I learned so many things from all three internships I will focus on my time as an intern at Salty Cricket Composers Collective.

What responsibilities did you have as an intern?

I managed the box office for concerts, assisted in reporting on the success of the El-Sistema Student Program, and developed relationships with local businesses for in-kind donations for the major gala event.

What new skills/knowledge did you gain from your internship?

I gained some great organizational skills to help report on the success of the El-Sistema program which involved data management and analysis. I also became really comfortable cold-calling businesses and explaining the organization's work before asking for a donation. However, the biggest takeaway from my internship was the executive director allowed me to accompany her to many of her presentations to boards and businesses as she developed relationships for the success of Salty Cricket Composers Collective. By doing so I was able to observe in real-time the necessity of good community relationships.

What connections did you make and how do you think those connections may help you in your career?

By accompanying her to several meetings I was introduced to and able to begin developing relationships with arts leaders, business leaders, and community leaders in Salt Lake City. This was imperative for me on my path to my current career as my current job came directly from a relationship that I was able to build as a result.

What advice would you give other students who are interested in a similar internship?

I would suggest that you don't limit yourself to what kind of internship you apply for. If you want to run a theatre company, don't just look for theatre internships. Check out the music, dance, and art internships. DON'T LIMIT YOURSELF! The arts community in most cities is very small so don't pass up building relationships just because you don't think you will need them. Chances are you will come to cherish the relationships you create throughout the entire arts community.

How did your internship complement your art education?

My internship really complimented my art education by stretching my skills beyond what I thought I could do with them. Students in an art major by necessity are creative and driven. These skills are amazing for creating art but can be reapplied in so many situations. For example, my internship allowed me to realize that cold-calling an organization was similar to performing a duet. I had to rehearse what I was going to say and then perform and communicate just like I would do on the stage. So many of our talents as creatives are imperative to being successful and we already have an innate understanding of how to tap into that energy. By taking an internship in ANY discipline you can learn how to tap in and utilize that energy in new and productive ways.

Are there other thing you would like to tell us?

Apply apply apply! Talk to anyone who will give you a second to sit down for coffee and tell you about their experience. Be inquisitive, be bold, be confident, but be humble and teachable.