ccchhris

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer my question. I really appreciate what you're doing as it gives me an insight into what it is like actually working in the industry and is helping in making a decision. It also gives me hope that there are opportunities out there for me!

I apologize for the long-ish post to follow as well! I did not expect anyone who could give me some useful advice relating to my future to do an IAMA and am just trying to make the most of it!

As for making a personal choice, I'm not sure how well I'd fit into a corporate environment, I mean there certainly are some independent labels in my town that I would be interested but I'm not sure if the opportunity is there.

Marketing has always seemed interesting to me, though I don't think I'm the type of guy to be working on band's social media pages and promotions, or at least not for the long term. I've always been able to wrap my head around business since the early years of high school, so I feel like I could work well in an environment focusing on logistics, I'm just not sure if it could hold my interest for long or that it would satisfy my need to feel fulfilled.

Ultimately, I guess I'm just having a hard time deciding because I haven't really had any experience in either fields and I'm not sure what's right for me. After reading this I'll be on the lookout for opportunities and insights into both management and booking so I can make a well informed decision.

And with that I suppose I have one more question, how valued are degrees relating to entertainment business fields within the industry?

I know that a lot of people do start out managing their friends bands or just booking shows and suddenly have just broke out and thrived, but some of my lecturers (who still work in the industry in one way or another) have been convincing me that organisations are beginning to value credentials more and more lately and I'm just not sure how true that is.

Again, than you for taking the time to answer mine (and others) questions!

Hey Mike, I'm currently a student at a creative industries based university in Australia studying Entertainment Business Management. I came here after a year of a straight-up business course that did not appeal to me whatsoever but upon finding this course it appealed to me immediately as music plays such a large role in my life.

My question is, what tips or advice do you have for someone striving to work within the industry?

I haven't fully decided which direction I want to head, but I'm definitely interested in the management, label and booking side of things. Ultimately, money isn't a huge motivation for me either (it is the arts field after all) as I am really doing this so that I can enjoy my work and feel like I am doing something important in life, at least in my own opinion.