Lessons Learned: Key career advice from our Horizon Future Leaders

22 editions into our Horizon Future Leaders Q&A series - and with plenty more to come - we want to say a big thank you to everyone who’s shared their honest, practical advice on navigating a career in the music industry.

In an industry that can feel over-glamorised and tough to crack, we hope these conversations have made the entry points a little clearer and given you the confidence to take that first step or move up to the next level.

In all the conversations we’ve had, a few recurring themes have stood out…

Don’t rely on just your studies, get real world experience wherever you can!

Robert Kilpatrick: “When I started studying music business, I knew that gaining practical, hands-on experience was essential to complement what I was learning in college and uni. From gaining a better understanding of what industry roles involved in practice, to building my network and developing skills”.
Tia Johnson: “During my second year of uni - my degree was in the music business - I was really struggling to find jobs advertised for entry level positions, so I took it upon myself to reach out to people directly in different industries and try to create opportunities myself. This is something I really struggled with at first as I wasn’t the most extroverted person, but it was definitely one of the best things I ever did”.
Cally Hamilton: “For me, I knew a degree in music business wasn’t enough by itself and it was essential that I went and got real life experience. Whether this was interning at a record label or starting up my own club night with friends, I really pushed myself to learn and grow outside of my degree”.
Maria Torres: “I ensured I maximised my time getting experience at university so I could get a full time job in music as soon as I graduated”.
Breyner Baptista: “I’ve also been someone who’s eager to continue learning and upskilling myself across editing videos, photos, sound design etc in my own spare time, which lent me to doing this for friends who are artists”.
Saskhia Menendez: “If an ideal opportunity isn’t available, take the initiative to create your own projects to stay relevant and continuously develop your skillset”.
Hadie Abido: “I'd say if you want to work in grassroots music the best thing you can start doing is promoting your own shows. Get a crew together, have fun with it and make something happen that you would want to go to! If you are serious about wanting to start your own project, then all it takes is commitment and a good group of people around you”.

Building and nurturing a network is invaluable.

Trina Smith: “Networking was crucial; I attended every event, listened to the experts, and wasn’t afraid to ask questions. These experiences, combined with a relentless need to connect people and create opportunities, helped build the foundation for where I am now”.
Ollie Rankine: “Don’t be afraid to reach out to industry leaders you admire and introduce yourself. I’ve certainly done my fair share of pestering label executives and journalists for a few spare minutes of their time”.
Simon Metcalfe: “It’s hard to tell where opportunities might come from in the future so put yourself out there and introduce yourself as you never know where it might take you”.
Oscar Tremain: “Attending as many conferences and events as possible is invaluable - not just for the knowledge you’ll gain from talks, but for the connections you’ll make. In my experience, industry events tend to attract some of the most approachable and passionate people, making them a great place to build relationships”.

...just don’t be a dick about it.

Ben Magee: “Build a network for the right reasons. If the first thought in your head is ‘What can this person do for me?’, then you’re in this for all the wrong reasons. Be a human first and a business second”.
Emma Wiggin: “Be you and be nice. As someone with a disability, I wasn’t able to thrive until I accepted that I am who I am and by working my way and not sticking to the industry mould I am building a career that works for me”.
Zine Abdi: “When people think of networking, I feel like they tend to look at it in such a black and white mundane manner which it doesn’t have to be. Nurturing positive working relationships and friendships with people who are in the same circles as you will always come in handy, however it’s about the work you put in, in your own time, that counts at the end of the day.”

And take care of yourself and your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and, when the opportunity arises, pay it forward. Try not to get psyched out.

Martha Cleary: “Don’t be afraid of getting it wrong. I think I expected to be fully formed at age 22 and I just… wasn’t. You have to be open to learning to be able to properly grow. Saying that, it’s entirely possible people did tell me this and I just didn’t listen to them!”
Maria Torres: “Don't spread yourself too thin - it's better to focus on quality, not quantity. This will help with developing a long term career in this industry”.
Sofia Jönsson: “Trust your gut!”
Kit Muir-Rogers: “It’s about backing yourself, giving back and always making sure you have laughter everyday. Work is such a fundamental part of life, but it has to be enjoyed”.
Abby Meysenburg: “I wish someone had told me that taking care of myself was important and that nothing productive would come if I was not in a good place within myself. I now find that pausing and taking time away from music often makes me more creative and present when I return to my work”.

Lessons Learned: Key career advice from our Horizon Future Leaders

Don’t rely on just your studies, get real world experience wherever you can!

Building and nurturing a network is invaluable.

...just don’t be a dick about it.

And take care of yourself and your community. Don’t be afraid to ask for help and, when the opportunity arises, pay it forward. Try not to get psyched out.

Here are the resources that have been recommended by our Horizon Future Leaders so far:

🌅 Horizon Future Leaders - Sope Soetan

🌅 Horizon Future Leaders - Claire Hamilton

🌅 Horizon Future Leaders - Abby Meysenburg Q&A