#WMDigitalDC (DCSI-NM) 4: Internship Phase 1

Hello, and welcome back to Washington, D.C. It’s been a busy three weeks since my last installment of #WMDigitalDC, and I appreciate you bearing with me as I try to write a coherent blog post between going to the office, working concerts, and trying to figure out the metro.

My lack of updates can be explained by my internship, which began May 30. I’m interning in the marketing department of the 9:30 Club and I.M.P., an independent music promotion and production company. So far, it’s a fun mix of office work and feet-on-the-street activity. Interns are responsible for completing a daily agenda of tasks when we’re in the marketing office and tabling shows at the different I.M.P. venues. Some days are spent compiling addresses for email blasts; other days, journeying through DC neighborhoods delivering promotional materials; and still others at Merriweather Post Pavilion running ticket giveaways during concerts. While it can be a tiring job, at the end of the day, it’s both challenging and very fun.

Additionally, the number of interns in the program — 13! — means there is the opportunity to make the experience entirely our own. For example, I took an immediate liking to the 9:30 Club blog, Half-Past. Half-Past features music reviews, artist profiles, and playlists written by current and former interns. After enthusiastically writing six pieces for the blog (and partially due to needing more hours for the DCSI internship requirement), I was taken on as the assistant editor of Half-Past. Though I’ve only been in the position for a week, it’s quickly become my favorite work I do at I.M.P. Not only do I get to write about music, I get to read and edit pieces by my fellow interns about music completely new to me. It’s rewarding and a great way to keep up with the latest news in the music industry.

Outside of work, living in D.C. has been an adventure. Coming from a small town and then Williamsburg, I’m still excited by the most mundane aspects of city living. From talking to me, you might end up thinking the metro was invented yesterday. Since class ended, it’s been my goal to make the most of the city while I’m here. That’s included museum visits, concerts with friends, record shopping in Adams Morgan, going to Pride, and evening walks through the city. It’s a month into my time here, and my biggest realization is that I have so much more to explore.

That’s all from me for the moment. Now that I’ve settled into my internship, I’m hoping to have more time to write for this blog series. I’ll definitely have some stories to tell after this weekend; it’s DCSI Family Weekend, and my Phillies-loving family is coming to town for the Nats vs. Phillies game on Saturday. As always, I’ll keep you updated.