Sample Budgets for New York, Los Angeles & Nashville
Summer 2008
Los Angeles
Eleven-Week Internship, Project MuszEd
Transportation to and from Austin: $860
Total Ground Transportation: $400
Accommodations: $1950
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $650
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $700
Entertainment & Leisure: $750
Other: $700
Total Approximate Expenses related to internship: $6010
Twelve-Week Internship, Metal Blade Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $650
Total Ground Transportation: $700
Accommodations: $1550
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $300
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $550
Entertainment & Leisure: $750
Other (Tuition): $1487
Total Approximate Expenses related to internship: $5987
Eleven-Week Internship, Viva La Rock
Transportation to and from Austin: $700
Total Ground Transportation: $770
Accommodations: $2741
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $220
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1100
Entertainment & Leisure: $1000
Other (UTLA program fee & tuition): $5500
Total Approximate Expenses related to internship: $12081
Ten-Week Internship, Rogers & Cowan
Transportation to and from Austin: $745
Total Ground Transportation: $547
Accommodations: $1338
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $64
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $569
Entertainment & Leisure: $1065
Other: $0
Total Approximate Expenses related to internship: $4328
New York
Ten-Week Internship, Beggars Group/Matador Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $650
Total Ground Transportation: $175
Accommodations: $2518
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $32
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1120
Entertainment & Leisure: $730
Other: $167
Total Approximate Expenses related to internship: $5392
Advice from the Interns
Lauren Broussard, PR, Public Relations Intern, Project MuszEd, Los Angeles
I would recommend taking a car; it's not entirely necessary, but it makes navigating the city much easier. The music industry is a very exciting and rewarding experience. Make sure you've done plenty of research on where you'd like to intern before you apply. This way you can make sure it will be the best fit possible. Also, once you've secured an internship and you're looking for housing, choose housing according to proximity, not necessarily the specific city you'd prefer to live in. Traffic in Los Angeles varies day to day; living as close as possible to where you intern will make the summer much easier for you. This could save you a decent amount of time and money commuting every morning. Overall, Los Angeles is a great city. It is definitely much different than Texas and takes some adjusting, but Los Angeles offers so much in the way of entertainment and scenery (beaches, tourist sites, etc.). I had a wonderful experience!
Carlos Guerrero, Advertising, Marketing Intern, Metal Blade Records, Los Angeles
Use craigslist to find housing and bring canned food from Austin! It's incredibly expensive in LA. Also, don't be afraid to cold call the companies when searching for the internship. If you want to work in the music industry just go out and do it! The only way you'll ever get there is if you just gather your things and do it. Don't be concerned so much with how qualified you are or who you know, just do it!!!!
Monika Kowalczyk, RTF, Intern, Viva La Rock, Los Angeles
Living in Los Angeles seems unsurvivable without a car. I spent many hours in mine sitting in traffic, so allocate enough time for traveling to/from your internship. Do your research before you come to LA by reading relevant trade journals. Become acquainted with prominent agencies, record labels, executives, etc. and start your internship already having this arsenal of knowledge. If you can handle taking a semester of classes in addition to interning, enroll in the UTLA program. Meet as many people as you possibly can. I learned so much about the music business from the simple conversations held over coffee or at special events. Los Angeles is saturated with industry “movers & shakers” who would love to share their experiences. Prove to your supervisor that you are genuinely interested in your career field. Your passion and drive to learn will reward you with more opportunities (thus building your reputation of being a reliable and dedicated hard-worker). Get a dependable GPS system, and avoid the 405 as much as possible. Be sure to frequent music venues—The Viper Room, Largo, and Spaceland can end up as great chances to network. Take the time to explore the city—this is how I found my favorite sushi restaurants, vintage shops, farmers markets, and coffeehouses. Finally, do not park on La Brea and Melrose after 4 pm or YOU WILL GET TOWED.
John Meller, CMS, Marketing Intern, Beggars Group/Matador Records, New York
Searching for an internship, I only got two responses for dozens of resumes I sent out…so, be extra persistent, and start early. I recommend booking housing at NYU as soon as it's available in February - if you have to cancel, you can get all but $50 back as long as you're within a certain time range. When you're in New York, just do your best to explore as much as you can, see as many shows as possible, and just get in the full experience. This grant is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so take advantage of your summer!
Chase Williams, PR, Music Entertainment Intern, Rogers & Cowan, Los Angeles
Find a place that is in the center of the places you'd like to check out (i.e. Westwood, Santa Monica). Talk to as many people as you can and keep your ears open; there are important people everywhere and everyone likes to talk about what they do. Explore the city, enjoy the weather, and don't take for granted what many of the locals do.
Summer 2007
Los Angeles
Twelve-Week Internship, Atlantic Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $465
Total Ground Transportation: $272
Accommodations: $2674
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $150
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1180
Entertainment & Leisure: $565
Other: $155
Total Expenses related to internship: $5461
Eleven-Week Internship, Epic Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $622
Total Ground Transportation: $376
Accommodations: $2220
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $115
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $790
Entertainment & Leisure: $378
Other: $656
Total Expenses related to internship: $5157
Eleven-Week Internship, The Weinstein Company
Transportation to and from Austin: $300
Total Ground Transportation: $500
Accommodations: $2000
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $700
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1000
Entertainment & Leisure: $700
Other: $100
Total Expenses related to internship: $5300
Nashville
Nine-Week Internship, Artist & Repertoire LLC
Transportation to and from Austin: $500
Total Ground Transportation: $300
Accommodations: $2000
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $500
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1000
Entertainment & Leisure: $700
Other: $0
Total Expenses related to internship: $5000
Advice from the Interns
Caroline Brownlie, Journalism – Creative Services Intern, Artist & Repertoire LLC, Nashville
Try to find roommates to live with because it makes rent and utilities a lot cheaper. It is really hard to find an apartment to rent for just two months so you will most likely have to sublet and pay a little bit extra for the part of the summer that you aren’t actually living there.
Chelsey Northern, PR – Publicity Intern, Atlantic Records, Los Angeles
I strongly recommend going to LA for a semester to learn more about your desired profession in the music industry. Working at Atlantic Records was an amazing experience. My only regret is participating in the UTLA program. I believe that if I had looked for living accommodations on my own through Craigslist or a similar forum, I could have saved a lot of money and lived in a much nicer, bigger apartment. By participating in the UTLA program, I had to pay extra program fees and tuition. My costs would have been much less if I would not have participated in the UTLA program. I paid a program fee of $2700 in addition to UT tuition, which cost $2877.
Pace Rommel, RTF – A&R and Digital Media Intern, Epic Records, Los Angeles
Living at a place very close to your internship will save you a lot of money with gas and food (for lunches). Try to work every day, because if you do, you will really be able to dig into the work atmosphere of the company. Always be doing something during the internship. Never allow yourself to be idle. It’s a competitive industry, because even if there is no competition in the office itself, the other interns will generate competition amongst themselves. Be mentally prepared to have extreme work ethic; this will make you stand out.
Kevin Shivers, RTF – Motion Picture Music Intern, The Weinstein Company, Los Angeles
LA is a great place. You have to intern in LA or NYC to get a feel for the business. I have lived in both. LA has many things to do. Yes, LA is not cheap but you can take your lunch to work and eat breakfast at home. This can be a very lonely place so come out with a friend. You can both apply for the grant. Just apply. Some people give up before the race has even started. I am not the smartest guy in the room but I do the easy things like apply, work hard, show up on time, and always stay busy.
Summer 2006
New York CityThirteen-Week Internship, Columbia Records Fourteen-Week Internship, MTV Networks Los AngelesEleven-Week Internship, Sony BMG Music Entertainment |
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Advice from the Interns
Madelyn Cascio, CMS - A&R Intern, Columbia Records, New York
New York is in the Top 10 most expensive places to live in the world. Expect to spend a lot more than you're used to. As for transportation, only get the 30-day Metro Card pass if you will use it more than twice a day. If you're a girl, try not to ride the train (subway) alone at night - take a cab instead. For housing, I was unable to get NYU housing because I registered too late, but most of my friends lived there. It is mostly in or near Union Square and close to everything.
For your internship, get things done before anyone has to ask you. Stay ahead and work fast! Set up appointments to talk to your boss or someone else in your department about how they got into the field, what they did to get where they are, and what they do on a day-to-day basis. Be professional, but remember that it is the music industry, so have some fun! You should have built a relationship with someone that has a permanent position in the company that you can feel comfortable calling, by the time you have completed your internship. As for entertainment, find out what the locals do. Since you're working in the music industry, go see the amazing live music that the city has to offer. And if your job requires you to go check out live shows, then don't forget to call the band ahead of time to get on the VIP list. Have fun!
Jerod Couch, RTF - Sales Intern, Sony BMG Music Entertainment, Los Angeles
You need a car. Be ready to sit in traffic. Cost of living is a lot more than Texas
Stephanie Snodgrass, PR - Grassroots Promotions Intern, MTV Networks, New York
Live in the NYU dorms. They are right there in the heart of all the excitement. Sign up early because they fill up before Spring Break. That was really the only thing that I wish I had done differently.
Summer 2005
New York City
Eleven-Week Internship, MTV2
Transportation to and from Austin: $405
Total ground transportation: $210
Accommodations*: $2220
* NYU Dorms
Utilities, Phone, etc.: included with housing
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $1450
Entertainment & Leisure: $300
Other: $300
Total: $4885
Ten-Week Internship, BMI
Transportation to and from Austin: $350
Total ground transportation: $35
Accommodations*: $1350
* NYU Dorms
Utilities, Phone, etc.: included with housing
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $2500
Entertainment & Leisure: $500
Other: $0
Total: $5050
Los Angeles
Ten-Week Internship, A Common Thread
Transportation to and from Austin: $222
Total ground transportation: $200
Accommodations*: $2125
* Shared apartment with a friend
Utilities, Phone, etc.: included with housing
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $621
Entertainment & Leisure: $379
Other: $909
Total: $4456
Nine-Week Internship, MTV Networks
Transportation to and from Austin: $600
Total ground transportation: $360
Accommodations*: $3600
* Shared apartment with a friend
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $194
Living Expenses: Groceries, Food, etc.: $300
Entertainment & Leisure: $200
Other: $100
Total: $5354
Advice from the Interns
Mona Hosseiny, RTF - Intern, A Common Thread, Los Angeles
The best thing to do is find someone who can sublet their apartment for about 3 to 4 months. They will give you a reduced price on rent. Also, find a place that is already furnished for you. This will save you time and money. And when you drive out there, make sure to take someone with you, because it's along drive! And don't ever take the 405 to anywhere. Try and avoid it at all times. You can take Sepulveda down to anywhere. It's parallel to the 405 and it even goes all the way down to the airport.
Nathan Lynch, RTF - On-Air Promotions Intern, MTV2, New York
NYU is definitely the place to stay if you're interning in Manhattan. Very convenient and relatively cheap. Find the cheap places to eat - they're out there.
Kendal Milot, Advertising - Advertising Sales Intern, MTV Networks, Los Angeles
Make sure that you do and see everything you're even remotely interested in. You won't regret it! And do not be afraid to sight-see alone. Sometimes my roommate would be busy and if I had always waited around for her then I would not have done half the things that I loved. But first and foremost, know that you are there to work, learn and gain experience. I know a lot of interns I worked with took all of this for granted. In the end, you want to leave with memories and a potential job so always work hard and meet as many people as you can. If your department is having a slow business day and they do not have anything for you to work on, ask the other departments around your area. Your boss probably doesn't mind and the other departments would love your help. That way you're networking with even more
people. Good luck!
Christopher Walker, RTF - Corporate Relations Intern, BMI, New York
NYU Dorms are great, but there's no shame is springing for a room with AC.
Summer 2004
New York City
8-Week Internship, TVT Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $537
Total weekly ground transportation: $300
Accommodations*: $1650
* Shared apartment with a friend
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $750
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $500
Entertainment & Leisure: $1200
Other: $1000
Total: $5937
11-Week Internship, Unfiltered Records and Stratosphere Sound
Transportation to and from Austin: $350
Total weekly ground transportation: $182
Accommodations*: $2400
* Columbia University Dorms
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $176
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $642
Entertainment & Leisure: $617
Other: $433
Total: $4800
9-Week Internship, Universal Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $408
Total weekly ground transportation: $190
Accommodations*: $2485
* Columbia University Dorms
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $0
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $1023
Entertainment & Leisure: $750
Other: $137
Total: $4993
Los Angeles
11-Week Internship, Villains
Transportation to and from Austin: $200
Total weekly ground transportation: $390
Accommodations*: $2090
* Sublet apartment
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $45
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $650
Entertainment & Leisure: $120
Other: $305
Total: $3800
Advice from the Interns
Joshua Jaedicke, RTF - Intern for Executive in Charge of Music Videos, Villains, Los Angeles
Interning in Los Angeles is an incredible opportunity for networking and career development. Learn all you can, work all you can - don't waste your time with tourist-type stuff. Set up informal meetings with contacts in the area - don't limit yourself to networking at your job. Most importantly, never lose a phone number or e-mail address and keep in touch with your networking contacts. Apartment/sublet searching is a pain, but keep at it. I recommend starting with West Hollywood, Westwood, and Santa Monica, in that order. Good luck!
Kiran Jain, RTF - A&R Intern, Universal Records, New York
Columbia dorms is a great place to live because the whole dormitory is full of other interns. It is easy to meet people and make new friends. You might want to try NYU dorms also, but just because it might be a little closer to where you might be working.
Eric Milliken, RTF - Marketing & Operations Intern, Unfiltered Records and Stratosphere Sound, New York
Staying in a Columbia dorm is a great way to meet people in a large city. An unlimited ride Metro Card pays for itself if you take a subway or bus daily. If at all possible, stay in Manhattan as that is probably where you'll spend most of your time anyway. Make a list of things you'd like to see and do before you go; the summer goes by quicker than you think it will. Take something to read or do when you travel to and from work because it's just awkward to stare at everyone else in the subway care you're in (it's even more awkward when someone in the car is staring at you though.) If you are taking and using your cell phone from home, watch out for the time zone difference; you can be using daytime minutes without realizing it. Work hard, but don't just work; go out and have some fun. Use common sense and everything should work out.
David Whitney, Jr., RTF - A&R Department Intern, TVT Records
My best advice is to stay with friends in the city. By staying with a friend I was able to learn a lot about the city. Second, hangout with the people you work with, not just your boss. I spent many nights (and lots of money) buying dinner or going to shows with some of my co-workers at TVT. Don't be afraid to mix it up with people in other departments. The goal of the internship is to learn as much as you can about the music industry.
Summer 2003
New York City
11-Week Internship, Epic Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $400
Total weekly ground transportation: $432
Accommodations*: $1250
* Private Accommodations (lived with family)
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $375
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $1800
Entertainment & Leisure: $840
Other: $200
Total: $5297
11-Week Internship, Island/Def Jam Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $400
Total weekly ground transportation: $40
Accommodations*: Rent: $1800
* Sublet Apartment in upper Manhattan/Harlem with two roommates
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $350
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $500
Entertainment & Leisure: $300
Other: $1400
Total: $4790
Los Angeles
11-Week Internship, ASCAP
Transportation to and from Austin: $600
Total weekly ground transportation: $550
Accommodations*: Rent: $1800
* Oakwood Apartments, Toluca Hillls
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $250
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $500
Entertainment & Leisure: $800
Other: $300
Total: $4800
12-Week Internship, Syn Entertainment
Transportation to and from Austin: $218
Total weekly ground transportation: $2505
Accommodations*: $1983
* Sublet Apartment in Palms (near Culver City) with one roommate
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $100
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $282
Entertainment & Leisure: $62
Other: $211
Total: $5361
Nashville
9-Week Internship, Dualtone Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $585
Total weekly ground transportation: $660
Accommodations*: Rent: $2653
* Candlewood Suites, 5129 Virginia Way, Brentwood TN 37027, 615-309-0600
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $0 (included above): $110
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $750
Entertainment & Leisure: $200
Other: $627
Total: $5585
Advice from the Interns
Ashleigh Ford, Advertising - Publicity Intern, Epic Records, New York
Have fun! Be sure to make a list of things you want to do so that the end of the summer doesn't finally hit you and you realize you haven't seen and done everything. Enjoy yourself and be sure to explore. I'd recommend living in the city as opposed to a surrounding borough.
Laura Rosel Herrera, Journalism & Public Relations - Publicity Intern, Island/Def Jam Records, New York
Get a part-time job while you are in NYC or save up before you go! If I had not gotten a part-time job I would not have survived because New York is so expensive. Also, having a job helped me adapt very quickly to the city and give me the freedom to do more things that cost money (concerts, museums, etc.) Budget for subway cards in advance. Also, it is almost impossible to find pepper spray in the city!
Jeff Jernigan, RTF - Film & Television Music Intern, ASCAP, Los Angeles
Look into the possibility of staying with someone from the company, because rent in LA is very expensive. Plus, it will save you money if you can carpool to work. Get ready to shell out some major money on gas. The prices are unreal and everyone drives everywhere in LA. Actually, get ready to shell out major money on everything. From movies tickets to meals, everything is more expensive in LA. That said, the perfect weather and "no worries" attitude will surely make you not want to leave. Make sure you do everything you can to make an impact while you are out there. Everyone is out there to succeed, and it is imperative that you stand out.
Jonathan Logue, RTF - Artist Development Intern, Dualtone Records, Nashville
The most difficult part of the internship was actually being away from my family and friends. I had never lived more than 30 minutes away from them, so this was a big step for me. I was forced to step out of my shell and meet new people. I met a lot of students who were interning at other entertainment companies in town, so I got some insight into how those companies worked as well as meeting new friends and future contacts in the business. Also, be prepared to pay more for gasoline and groceries. Everything seems to be priced higher than in Texas.
Beniamino "Monk" Turner, RTF, Advertising/Music Composition/Music Licensing Intern, Syn Entertainment, Los Angeles
LA versus Austin? More traffic, better weather, cheaper food, obnoxious gas prices, comparable rent prices, crazy drivers, dumpy buses, clean subways that don't get you where you need to go, tons of things going on, and a lot of driving. The film industry bleeds into everything in LA, so know your movie trivia. Explore this great city of extremes. Don't be scared; embrace it. Be careful where you park (I got two parking tickets!).
Summer 2002
New York City
12-Week Internship, MTV
Transportation to and from Austin: $279
Total weekly ground transportation: $156
Accommodations*: $2624
* School of Visual Arts Housing, 23 Lexington Ave #1141, NY, NY 10010
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $150
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc): $180
Entertainment & Leisure: $1500
Other: $1000
Total: $5889
10-Week Internship, Easy Star Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $500
Total weekly ground transportation: $500
Accommodations*: Rent: $1800
* Private Sublet from Columbia University Student
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $200
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $1000
Entertainment & Leisure: $300
Other: $1400
Total: $5700
10-Week Internship, Island/Def Jam Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $488
Total weekly ground transportation: $155
Accommodations*: Rent: $2000
* NYU Dorms, 212.998.4621 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $135
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $1150
Entertainment & Leisure: $750
Other: $0
Total: $4682
6-Week Internship, MTV
Transportation to and from Austin: $744
Total weekly ground transportation: $325
Accommodations*: Rent: $1475
* NYU Dorms, 212.998.4621 - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $115
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $1470
Entertainment & Leisure: $488
Other: $440
Total: $5057
Nashville
12-Week Internship, Essential Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $75
Total weekly ground transportation: $250
Accommodations*: Rent: $4425
* Apartment, Summer Lease
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $0 (included above): $0
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $350
Entertainment & Leisure: $1000
Other: $0
Total: $6100
Advice from the Interns
Pastor Alvarado, RTF - On-Air Promotions Intern, MTV Networks, New York
The best way to go about living in NYC is through NYU Student Housing for the following reasons: (1) Locations are great; (2) Many interns from around the US stay there; (3) There are no brokers fees; and (4) You can include a meal plan. When you're on a tight budget in NYC, the price of food is what will always kill you.
Charles Auletta, Advertising (MA) - Promotions Intern, Easy Star Records, New York
Begin your search for housing early. The upper west side (near Columbia University) is considerably cheaper than midtown Manhattan. Still, do not expect a fancy apartment (or (or even air conditioning) without a premium cost. The area around Columbia University is very trendy and relatively safe and it is populated by a lot of students. Private sublets are made available and listed through Columbia University's summer housing web page.
Jonathan Eshak, RTF - New Media Intern, Island/Def Jam Records, New York
Try to get NYU Student Housing. In order to be considered, you must register very early in the spring semester!
Natalie Mayrath, Broadcast Journalism - Music News Intern, MTV Networks, New York
Plan Ahead! Especially with NYU Student Housing. Learn the subway system - it will save you a lot of money. Make other contacts while you are there (time permitting, of course). Don't limit yourself in such a limitless city - look into other jobs, other companies, and other people to talk to within and outside our internship. The bottom line - Make Connections!
Kellyn Rixford, RTF - Promotions Intern, Essential Records, Nashville
Nashville is spread out - I would recommend searching for housing closer to the downtown area, namely Hillsboro Village. Franklin and Brentwood are in the "nicer" parts of town, but you have to pay for the convenience. Nashville has an enormous music scene, especially during the summer. Be sure to check out free events around town (Dancin' in the District, Nashville Sunday Night, etc.). Also, check out 2nd Avenue.
Summer 2001
New York City
10-Week Internship, Revolver Magazine
Transportation to and from Austin: $279
Total weekly ground transportation $170
Accommodations*: $2200
* Tillary Lofts, 200 Tillary St., Brooklyn NY 11201
Utilities, Phone, etc: $0
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $450
Entertainment & Leisure: $400
Other: $1000
Total: $4499
10-Week Internship, Billboard Magazine
Transportation to and from Austin: $278
Total weekly ground transportation: $154
Accommodations *: $1800
* Sussex House, 260 W. 41st St., New York, NY 10036
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $0
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $500
Entertainment & Leisure: $3400
Other $0
Total: $6132
10-Week Internship, MTV Networks
Transportation to and from Austin: $278
Total weekly ground transportation: $150
Accommodations*: $2100
* Sussex House, 260 W. 41st St., New York, NY 10036
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $0
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $400
Entertainment & Leisure: $1500
Other $0
Total: $4428
Los Angeles
10-Week Internship, Warner Bros. Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $400
Total weekly ground transportation: $400
Accommodations*: $500
* Private Residence
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $400
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.) $400
Entertainment & Leisure: $1000
Other $1100
Total: $4200
Nashville
6-Week Internship, Mercury Records
Transportation to and from Austin: $250
Total weekly ground transportation: $1300 (car rental)
Accommodations*: $1500
* Candle Wood Suites Brentwood, 5129 Virginia Way, Brentwood TN 37027
Utilities, Phone, etc.: $25
Living Expenses (Groceries, Food, etc.): $400
Entertainment & Leisure: $250
Other: $0
Total: $3725
Advice from the Interns
Sarah Cole, Broadcast Journalism - National Promotions Intern, Mercury Records, Nashville
If you are going to stay in a hotel, I highly recommend you choose an extended stay hotel, so you can save money on eating out. I also recommend staying in a suburb, like Brentwood, because rates are cheaper, and that's where most of the industry lives, so it makes it interesting.
Emily Foster, RTF - Special Events Intern, Billboard Magazine, New York
New York is an incredibly, yet VERY expensive city. It’s virtually impossible to have fun without spending any money, so I would advise future interns to save, save, save. For cheaper alternative, they could live on $2.00 hotdogs or $2.00 slice pizzas and go to Ray's Bar on 44th and 8th and only spend $2.75 for a domestic, but then they really wouldn't be able to experience the essence of the Big Apple.
Lindsey Nutter, RTF - A&R Intern, Warner Brothers Records, Los Angeles
I was lucky that I was able to stay with my boss' assistant. She charged me extremely low rent. Future interns should also try to stay with a friend of a friend, or someone they know. Otherwise, most of the money would be spent on rent and there wouldn't be much left to explore other opportunities in the city. Also future interns should budget for unexpected expenses.
Andrew Stinson, Photojournalism - Art Direction Intern/Photo Department, Revolver Magazine
N/A
Erica Tracy, Advertising - Commercials & Promotions Intern, MTV Networks, New York
Live in Manhattan! I lived in Brooklyn and spent too much time commuting and missed out on going out with my friends. I suggest NYU or Sussex House.
Summer 2000
Advice from the Interns
Adam Brewer, RTF - News & Documentary Intern, MTV Networks, New York
Get a weekend job to survive! If you don't, you won't have other funds. NYC is very expensive.
Meg Greengold, Public Relations - Talent Research Intern, Late Night with David Letterman, New York
Learn the subways! Go and explore as many different parts of the city as you can. The Staten Island Ferry is fun and free. The Hamptons in the summer are beautiful; spending the weekend is quite an experience. Brooklyn is nice, but most of your time will be spent in Manhattan, so plan accordingly.
Beth Nottingham, Journalism - Publicity Intern, Matador Records, New York
Don't be scared. You will have more fun than you imagined. The people of New York are really cool and nice!
Jami Stigliano, Communication Studies - Marketing Intern, Jive Records, New York
Try to live in Manhattan; it makes life much easier. Don't be afraid of the city; just embrace the challenge. Watch your spending - especially on food/dining.
Matt Wood, RTF - Film & Television Music Licensing Intern, Virgin Records, Los Angeles
Find a sublet for the summer. They are plentiful around UCLA when students aren't around. UCLA has a great web site for sublets and apartments all over the city.
