By Paige Cole
College Life Editor/ Lycourier
Students at Lycoming College tend to hail from small towns, scattered across the East Coast.However, when classes are out, some students journey to other regions of the country to expand their horizons in rewarding ways. For Lyco senior Stephanie Robinson, an internship in Chicago was such an experience.
Robinson, an International Business and Marketing major, spent her summer working at Bass/Schuler Entertainment, a talent agency located in the hustle and bustle of the Windy City.
The agency scouts up and coming acts in a variety of genres that exist among the entertainment industry, a profession in which Robinson said she is interested.
“I looked at internships with a variety of talent agencies,” Robinson said. “My interest came from my involvement with CAB.”
The Campus Activities Board is responsible for bringing various forms of entertainment to campus. Robinson has served as entertainment chair, secretary, and concert chairman.
“Last Spring, I brought Ke$ha to campus,” Robinson said. “The concert exceeded prior school records in the form of attendance and other aspects.”
Robinson received two follow up interviews with the company. She was selected as one of two interns.
Robinson worked for minimal payment sending out promotion material, answering phones and reviewing talent submissions.
“My favorite part of the job was viewing submissions from new artists,” Robinson said. “One night we even got to see one of the comics perform at a local comedy club.”
People such as comedians, speakers, and musicians often submit tapes to the agency. From there, the agency either rejects or expresses interest in signing an act.
According to Robinson, CAB is looking at booking some of the acts this year.
Overall, the internship gave Robinson some valuable insight for the future.
“I got to see what a talent agent does,” Robinson said. “It makes me rethink what path I want to take after graduation. I think I might be more so interested in event planning, rather than casting.”
In addition to knowledge, Robinson made contacts with a variety of people. Before coming to Chicago, Robinson did not know anybody. But she was soon able to bond with her coworkers and roommates.
“UIC (The University of Illinois), provided intern housing,” Robinson said. “There, I had three roommates. One was from San Francisco, another was from Michigan, and the last was from Greece.”
She and her roommates, Robinson experienced the sights and sounds of Chicago.
Tourist stops included the Art Institute, Brookfield Zoo, the Aquarium, and even the annual Taste of Chicago Festival, where Robinson tasted the infamous Chicago –style hot dog and deep- dish pizza.She also saw the 26- foot Marilynn Monroe statue.
Overall, Robinson’s experience was positive.
“Chicago is clean and the people are really nice,” Robinson said. “It differs greatly from the small town I am from. There is always something to do.”
Robinson, originally from McConnellsburg, doesn’t discourage small town living though.
“They are two totally different experiences, Robinson said. “You make life what you want. There may be a lot to do in the city, but it’s also expensive. There are some benefits to a small town as well. I definitely encourage you to try both.”
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