With a zest for gaining new knowledge, and a desire to learn as much as possible during her summer break, junior Music Technology major Zoe Veasey returned home this summer with a singular goal: obtain industry experience through an internship. Her internship endeavor at Adler Theatre would give her that experience and much more, as she relates. “I worked with the venue’s Production Manager, who oversaw pretty much everything in the theater. I got to see the process of putting on a show from the very beginning, meaning the very first rider that was sent to the theater. I then saw the process of making equipment rentals, setting up the stage, load ins, soundchecks, security briefings, and finally, the actual show.”
Growing up in Rock Island, Illinois and attending Rock Island High School, the choice of attending Columbia College Chicago came quite naturally, as she explains. “I was always told I should pursue engineering because I was good at math, but as I got older, the idea of being an engineer didn’t really excite me. I did more research and discovered audio engineering, which is how I found Columbia and the Music Technology major. I booked a visit to Columbia, and once I got here, I immediately knew that it was the place for me.”
The curriculum in her major affords her the opportunity to get “hands-on” right away. Reading between the lines, it’s easy to see why Columbia has been a fantastic choice. “I’ve taken a variety of classes that have dealt with programming, hardware design, interactive audio, digital audio workstations, and the science of sound. In my classes, I’ve created games with interactive sounds, soundscapes, and podcast episodes. I’ve rearranged stems in songs to create new compositions. I’ve recreated sound for picture, and I’ve even built a xylophone!”
In speaking with Zoe, that excitement for her craft is an aspect that has always been there. That enthusiasm, along with her classes, further inspires her. "At this point, I’m really loving learning new things. I feel like there’s still so much that I haven’t done and getting the opportunity to try new things and add to my skill set is exciting. I am also very interested in collaboration, and I’m super eager to work with my peers at Columbia any chance I get.”
One of the significant parts of the internship for Zoe was the workplace culture at Adler Theater. This paid internship allowed her to see first-hand all the work that goes into making a successful event. Her role afforded her the opportunity to be a jack of all trades, and work with many employees at the company. “There was a very engaging and rewarding work culture. It felt like everyone at the theater was working towards the same goal and was ready to collaborate or help out wherever they were needed to make sure that everything went well. Everyone welcomed me with open arms this summer and made the experience really lovely.”
Now, with a semester of interning on her resume, Zoe is able to look back at the process of securing the internship opportunity. For that, she had this advice. “My biggest piece of advice would be to work with your career advisor, and don’t be afraid to reach out! I ended up getting this internship with the help of my advisor. The internship did not exist before this summer, but it meant that I kind of got to build it along the way! It was a great experience, and a really good way to get my foot in the door.”
With fall courses underway, Zoe has started to map out her next year of goals. “This year, I’m hoping to gain more hands-on experiences in classes and really figure out more specifically what I want to pursue for my career. I’d like to get another internship during the summer of 2023, and I would really like for it to be in Chicago.”
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