Black Collegian Career Center

"For me, entertainment is a field that offers so many opportunities that I really would like a career in the industry," said the Charlotte, North Carolina native, who recently graduated from Howard University and plans to attend Yale Law School. Her area will be entertainment law.

"I just hope somebody puts me down", she added. 

Patterson is not alone. 

Sixteen-year-old Dean Charles wants "in" as well. 

"My music is so important to me. I'm planning to major in music in college and would like to attend Berkley College of Music, where Quincy Jones attended," said Charles, a junior at Windsor High School in Windsor, Connecticut. 

And, Fred Carr of Norfolk, Virginia, hopes one day to be the next Jerry Maguire. 

"Just show me the money," said Carr, who describes David Falk as one of his heroes. "I think that what Mr. Falk has done in representing Michael Jordan is incredible." 

Each year thousands of students storm the sports and entertainment industry hoping to become the next Kenneth "Babyface" Edmonds, Michael Jackson, Sean "Puffy" Combs and, of course, the next Jerry Maguire. 

Most find the steps to becoming a "player" in the entertainment business are very steep. 

However, there are three steps that students should consider in breaking into the "business": (1) research the industry and know the background; (2) attend any entertainment related conferences and/or seminars; and (3) participate in paid or non-paid internships that will enhance your resume and ultimate marketability. 

A STUDENT MUST RESEARCH THE ENTERTAINMENT INDUSTRY 

The entertainment industry is broad with many different opportunities. 

Thus, you should know everything about the business and not focus solely on working in front of the camera, on the stage, or on the big screen. You should consider behind-the-scenes opportunities as well. 

Such consideration will require a vast knowledge of the business. 

To learn all of the roles, whether at a movie studio, record company or sport agency, you should read as much as possible, including the following: 

• Billboard Magazine - considered the Bible of the music industry. 
• Variety Magazine - another trade magazine that's a must. 
• The Hollywood Reporter - keeps your finger on the pulse of Hollywood. 
• Amusement Business - provides an excellent overview of the business.

These are just some of the major trades, but a consistent review of any trade magazine that enhances and broadens your entertainment knowledge is helpful, including such trade magazines as Vibe, Rolling Stone, The Source, Entertainment Weekly, and People. 

Students serious about breaking into the entertainment business should also read such books as: 

• All You Need to Know About the Music Business by Donald S. Passman. 
• This Business of Music by William Krasilovsky and Sidney Shemel. 
• My Life by Magic Johnson.

After researching the entertainment business, you are then ready to head to conferences and seminars with a little bit of "small talk" to offer when networking. 

A STUDENT SHOULD ATTEND CONFERENCES AND SEMINARS

Each year hundreds of entertainment and sports related conferences and seminars are held around the country. 

Although cost is a factor, many students should consider saving that spring break money for an investment in their career. Some of the conferences and seminars that students should attend include: 

• The Vibe Conference - sponsored yearly by the popular and hip magazine is a great introductory tool for the newcomer to the industry. 
• The Black Entertainment and Sports Lawyers Association Conference (BESLA) held yearly and a good forum to plan a future legal career. 
• Impact - a music industry round-up with great workshops. 
• Jack The Rapper - a Hip Hop Fest' that offers great insight on the hip hop industry. 
• The Sports Summit - for the business student, an excellent opportunity to meet with sporting retailers, manufacturers and distributors. 
• The Hip Hop Conference- a fall showcase at Howard University that is geared towards students. 
• The Black Mass Communications Project (BMCP) - sponsored yearly by the students of the University of Massachusetts, this event is organized to teach students about the entertainment business.

There are dozens of other conferences and the more you attend, the more you hear about. But, a student must make it a priority to attend a seminar, instead of "Freaknic" in Atlanta or Bayou Classic weekend in New Orleans. 

Upon researching the industry and attending the conferences and seminars, you will become knowledgeable of what type of career you want and what path leads you there. 

Likewise, an internship is usually the first step on that path. 

A STUDENT MUST PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Sony, Motown, Arista, Elektra and sports agency Advantage International receive thousands of resumes from students seeking summer job or internship opportunities. 

For most students an internship is the first way to show your stuff. 

"An internship is a tough way to go because you don't get paid but, we recently hired a fellow who interned here for six months." said Advantage International agent Jeff Austin, whose company represents the likes of David Robinson and dozens of other sports stars. "So there are opportunities you just have to bring something to the table." 

Washington, D.C. based entertainment lawyer Amy Goldson agrees. 

"Hardwork works," said Goldson, who has traveled the country speaking at various conferences and seminars. 

Most of the big record companies offer internships. 

"Sean 'Puffy' Combs started as a student intern with Uptown Records, now he heads a multi-million dollar operation called Bad Boy Entertainment," reminded Darren Hall, a manager for several artists, including musical sensation Terry & Monica. 

"It just goes to show that an internship has unlimited opportunity," Hall added. 

Media conglomerates such as Worldvision Enterprises Inc. also offer internships. 

Worldvision, the distribution arm of Spelling Entertainment Group, is one of the world's leading distributors of television programming such as Beverly Hills, 90210 and Melrose Place. 

Like most of the big media companies, Worldvision, located in New York, has internships available in various departments, including creative services, marketing, promotions and advertising sales. 

Disney, Warner Brothers, and Paramount also offer student internships, some that allow class credit instead of pay. 

Unfortunately, none of these companies will come knocking at your door one Sunday morning. 

Instead, you must take the lead in contacting their Los Angeles or New York offices to "research" and learn more about getting put "down." 

"It takes focus and perseverance," said Jonelle Procope of All Access Entertainment. "If you keep trying you can get it done." 

Procope, a former employee with media giant and MTV parent Viacom, tells students to "Use your resources and look at your alumni they can be helpful."