Get Prepared

When an exciting career opportunity presents itself, you want to be able to take advantage of it. One of the best ways to ensure your success is to prepare your professional materials ahead of time. Whether you have the perfect job in mind or you’re just looking to expand your options, the Career Center is here to help you put your best foot forward, no matter the opportunity.

To receive feedback on your professional materials, schedule an appointment with a Career Center Advisor or visit our virtual walk-in hours, every Monday through Friday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m.

Résumés/CVs (login required)

Your résumé serves as your first impression to hiring managers, providing them with your contact information, education, relevant work experience, and credentials. Start creating your résumé by exploring our Guide to Résumés, where you'll learn about the style, format, and content of business and performance résumés. You may also need a curriculum vitae (CV), especially if you’re applying to academic programs or positions. Learn more about CVs in our Guide to CVs. For more detailed information, learn more about résumés and CVs.

Cover Letters (login required)

A cover letter is a one-page document that connects your experience to the specific position you are looking to fill. Rather than restating your résumé, your cover letter should give employers a sense of who you are and what you will bring to the table. Cover letters are not one-size-fits-all, and should be tailored to each specific employer. Find more tips and examples of cover letters in our Guide to Cover Letters or learn more about cover letters.

Artist One-Sheet (login required)

The artist one-sheet gives a unique snapshot of who you are as an artist. It is an easily accessible way for agents, managers, publishers, talent buyers, and more to get a sense of your career highlights as well as your upcoming endeavors. Find more tips and examples of cover letters in our Guide to Artist One-Sheets or learn more about one-sheets.

Websites (login required)

As our world has become more digital, personal websites have become an important tool for showcasing businesses, services, talents, and products in a professional manner. You do not need coding skills to create a professional-looking website—a variety of website building tools are available to help you push your brand into cyberspace. Berklee has also partnered with Wix, a website building platform, to provide exclusive templates, discounts, training, and support so you can create a professional website. Learn more about building your website.

LinkedIn (login required)

LinkedIn’s worldwide platform for career professionals allows you to grow your network, share your skills, research career paths, connect with organizations, and apply for jobs. Check out our Guide to LinkedIn for tips on creating a polished profile, finding industry groups, connecting with potential employers, and more. Learn more about maximizing your LinkedIn profile.

Networking (login required)

Networking is something you do every day, whether you’re collaborating with a classmate, talking with faculty or staff, or meeting someone new at a gig or event. As a Berklee student or alumnus, you are a member of one of the most powerful and close-knit networks in the music and creative arts industries. Learn how to use and grow your network in our Guide to Networking or learn more about networking skills.

Interviewing (login required)

A job interview is your chance to meet your potential employer and demonstrate your qualifications for the job. It’s natural to be nervous before a job interview, but proper preparation and practice will help you approach your interview with confidence and excitement. Look through our Guide to Interviewing for tips on preparing for a job interview, interviewing, and following up afterwards with employers. You can also practice on your own with sample interview questions, learn how to negotiate a job offer with an employer, and set up a mock interview with a Berklee Career Center advisor. Learn more about interviewing skills.

Career Planning Timeline

With all the resources available to you, it can be hard to know where to start your career preparations. Use the Career Planning Timeline to help prioritize and organize your career-related tasks.

Year One: Discovering Resources

Log in to the Berklee Career Manager, and set up your profile.
View Career Center events, request appointments, and locate resources.
Search the Career Center website to familiarize yourself with our resources. Come by for a walk-in to explore what you have learned.
Meet with your academic advisor to discuss majors and your four-year plan.
Identify your personal and professional networks by getting to know classmates, your student academic mentor, resident assistants, resident directors, and Berklee faculty and staff.
Explore student clubs and organizations.
Keep a list of your activities to guide the creation of your résumé and future scholarship applications.
Attend the Majors and Minors Fair, Internship Expo, and Career Jam to continue to discover and explore your opportunities.
Familiarize yourself with industry resources such as professional organizations, festivals, and conferences, and read about industry trades in the Career Center section of the Stan Getz library.

Year Two: Career Exploration

Participate in student clubs, volunteer work, workshops, industry events, and networking opportunities.
Consider working on campus through student employment to build your administrative and professional skills.
Network with professionals and alumni by attending events and conferences.
Search and apply for internships or part-time industry jobs throughout the year to gain valuable experience.
Update your résumé with your latest experiences.
Connect with a Career Center advisor to discover additional career paths.

Year Three: Career Planning and Goal Setting

Apply for a leadership role on campus, such as resident assistant, orientation leader, or student academic mentor.
Research graduate school and advanced degree options, and prepare to take entrance exams.
Participate in Berklee-sponsored industry trips to Nashville, Silicon Valley, Atlanta, New York, Los Angeles, and more.
Schedule a regular meeting with a Career Center advisor to define your career goals for the remainder of your time at Berklee and after graduation.
Request informational interviews with alumni to explore careers and life after Berklee.
Make sure your résumé is up to date.
Apply for internships by finding listings on the Berklee Career Manager, utilizing Career Center website resources, and checking with your department for recommendations.
Cultivate your professional network, including former supervisors, past professors, and classmates.

Year Four: Transition and Action

Research and apply to graduate school.
Meet with a career advisor to refine your résumé and cover letter to ensure that your professional materials are ready for applications.
Write an elevator pitch about yourself and your goals as an artist, and practice pitching it to a Career Center advisor.
Join professional organizations and associations in your field.
Project your financial needs, and plan a realistic budget for post-graduation living.
Fine-tune your networking, interviewing, and other professional skills.
Seek informational interviews with your personal, professional, and alumni networks to get advice on your career plans and post-graduation life.
Polish your online presence, including your website and LinkedIn profile.
Connect with Alumni Affairs, and attend the Career Center's Network Before You Move series to gain insight into relocating to a new city.
Begin your job search.

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