My name is Amanda and I am 28 years old. I was recently laid off from a wonderful company where I worked in Audio Programming and I am now on a new path in my professional life. I don't have a college degree, which makes it fairly difficult to find a new job with efficient compensation. This is why I have decided to go back to school.
I graduated high school in 1998 and in 2003 I graduated with a vocational certificate in Audio Engineering from Citrus College. I had a great, creative desire for a career in the music and audio industry, ranging from record production to post production. I've worked in recording studios and worked second jobs in retail and massage therapy. My teachers at Citrus weren't kidding when they told us we had to be "humble servants" at minimum wage or less for a couple of years to pay our dues and prove ourselves before earning any real work. Unfortunately, while paying my dues, I also had to pay my rent. I didn't have the time to devote to what I could have learned and earned at Royaltone Studios where I worked in 2003, earning minimum wage as a runner while I worked a second job at Nordstrom to make ends meet. In addition to the inefficient "corporate ladder" I experienced, opportunities in the record industry were beginning to decline as recording studios went out of business due to the rise of efficient home recording technology, and the decline of music sales as a result of illegal downloading.
In 2005 I got an entry-level receptionist position with DMI Music, a music branding and advertising company. By the end of 2006 I had learned a lot and worked my way into a position as Audio Programming Coordinator for the Private Label Radio division. Working for this company, I gained valuable experience in Music Branding that I am sure will be beneficial to my next professional endeavor. In May 2008, the company made some alterations to the organization to meet it's immediate needs and my position was eliminated. They are a great company and I wish them the best with their endeavors.
Seeing the decline in the job market in the music business, and sort of getting tired of starting over and paying my dues all over again, I decided to pursue my other creative passion– Art. I decided to go to the Art Institute of California in Los Angeles and earn a bachelors degree in Graphic Design. I decided to start in the Associates Degree program first so that I can get a job in the industry while pursuing my bachelors degree. I am confident that my experience working in music branding will add to the benefits of my education in visual branding.