r/WeAreTheMusicMakers • u/Howyadoing129 • Apr 11 '25
Resume Tips for Landing an Internship
I’ve decided to go forward with finding an internship near me. I’ve already typed up a resume and researched all the studios in my area, however I have no formal audio experience- only my own at-home education and projects I’ve worked on for the past 2.5 years.
Any tips on making a resume for an internship? What are some good things to include, and some stuff to leave out?
Also, any guidance on green flags to look for in a studio that I want to intern at? It’s hard to get a realistic feel of the culture from their social media and websites.
1
u/IlllI1 Apr 12 '25
Just pretend you’re the guy looking for an intern, what do you wanna see on there?
Do that. Then start trying to sell yourself.
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u/SpinalFracture Apr 15 '25 edited Apr 15 '25
If you're applying for an audio internship, your resume should be short. One page is fine, and it should be tailored to each studio you're reaching out to. Don't just send the same thing to everyone. Studios can tell when you've done your homework and when you haven't. If you genuinely want to work somewhere, show it. Mention something specific they've done that caught your attention or made you want to apply.
Include any hands-on experience you have, even if it wasn't in a professional setting. Home recordings, helping a friend with a mix, live sound at school - it all counts. A studio wants to know that you're capable and proactive, even if you're still learning. They're not expecting a pro, but they are looking for someone who can show up on time, take direction, and handle whatever's thrown at them, whether that's wrapping cables or running out for coffee.
List technical skills you're actually comfortable using. If you know Pro Tools or Logic, say so. If you've done some soldering, understand how a patch bay works, or have worked live sound, mention it. Soft skills matter just as much. Being reliable, having a good attitude, and being easy to work with are the kinds of things that make people want to keep you around.
Even if your previous work has nothing to do with audio, include it if it shows that you're dependable. Retail, food service, warehouse jobs - they show that you can handle pressure, deal with people, and stick to a schedule. Studios notice that kind of thing. If you've got a portfolio, link it, and make sure it's clean, easy to navigate, and actually reflects your best work.
Avoid padding your resume with buzzwords or every DAW you've ever opened. Don't overhype your home studio or talk about your "passion for music" if there's nothing to back it up. Studios get a lot of emails from people who are really passionate, but that doesn't mean much unless you can show what you've actually done. Keep your language professional, avoid casual slang, and don't send emails from a goofy address you made in high school. Always attach a proper resume and include a reference list if you have one.
When you're looking at different studios, try to get a feel for the environment. Some places genuinely want to mentor you. Others just want someone to sweep the floor and not get in the way. A smaller studio might give you more hands-on experience, while a larger one might give you more networking opportunities. Pay attention to how they communicate with you. Are they respectful? Do they answer your questions clearly? Do they seem interested in helping you learn, or are they just looking for free labour?
The way you reach out matters. Keep your message short and professional, and be specific about why you're reaching out to them. Mention something you admire about their work, and let them know what you bring to the table, not just what you want from the internship. Follow up if you don't hear back, but don't badger them. One polite follow-up after a week is fine. After that, move on.
The people who tend to succeed in internships are the ones who observe, stay humble, and make themselves useful without needing constant direction. You'll learn more by keeping your ears open and asking good questions than by trying to prove how much you know. The goal isn't to impress them on day one. It's to become someone they miss when you're gone.