Name: Kimberly Ann Dyleuth
Hometown: Peekskill, New York
Major/Minor: Public Relations (Major) Asian Studies (Minor)
Involvement on Campus: Phi Sigma Sigma & PRSSA
Tell us about your summer internship!
“Meeting celebrities” doesn’t even begin to justify my experience at Sony Music Entertainment. This summer I had the rewarding opportunity to intern at Columbia Records in their International Marketing Department. When I first heard that I was going to shadow the marketing managers of artists such as Beyonce, Adele and Glee, I was overwhelmed with excitement and knew something great was in store.
What were your experiences there?
The Sony offices located in Midtown Manhattan is the main international headquarters of Columbia Records. One of my “favorite” tasks was updating the weekly one-sheets on Friday afternoons. Think of it as a big newsletter that included every artist and the latest news on their sales and tours around the world. Every major market would individually send us updates and before you can officially declare it “the weekend,” they were asked to submit a summary of notes to be handed in for redistribution.
This taught me a lot. As an individual I learned to become more aware of my global surroundings (that includes time zones!) even picking up on a few basic greetings in German and Italian. Spanish and Japanese, thanks to Quinnipiac, I already knew. Professionally I strengthened my overall writing and presentation skills and accumulated new knowledge of various data bases. What truly stands out about Sony Music Entertainment is the unique office culture that you quickly become immersed in. Imagine getting to decorate your cubicle with posters of Chris Brown and sing along to Leah Michelle on the Glee Soundtrack. The thing I love about the entertainment industry is that you’re not restricted to business suits and briefcases. And I’ll admit, by the end of the summer I had quite the shoe collection!
Who’d you meet?
Working in New York City you’re constantly surrounded by an eclectic group of people. I always remind myself and others to constantly put your best foot forward. From celebrities to CEOs, peers and publicists; sometimes you’ll never know who you might meet.
On the hottest day of the year, in the middle of Central Park, surrounded by other Sony interns I met someone who thankfully I didn’t mistake for another college student. High profile weddings, nonprofit events, even production parties such a Sony’s Grammy Party, are all listed on her resume. A 20 minute conversation led me to where I am today -an assistant event planner (at least for the semester).
Do you have any interesting, memorable stories you’d like to share with HCQU?
There are so many memories from interning at Sony Music that I don’t even know where to begin. One event that certainly stands out was within my first week. Kelly, my supervisor, gave me two tickets to see Glee. Believe it or not, being such a huge music fanatic I’ve never been to a “real” concert and Glee certainly did not disappoint.
Sony supervisors are great about including interns in brainstorming sessions and allowing us to take part in creative projects. J Cole recently released his new album, Cole World, and I saw firsthand how his market and fan base quickly expanded. He even dropped by the office one day to say hi and hear some of the ideas that were being implemented.
What’s your dream job?
I believe Milton Glaser said it best “Never have a job, because if you have a job someday someone will take it away from you.” Quite frankly I don’t dream of one particular job. As a young person who says they want to see the world, I plan to stick by that.
But to give you an idea of what to expect, I’ve always loved the entertainment industry. From a young age I worked as a model, actress and singer. You’ll notice my current Facebook profile picture sports me in a black and white fedora standing next to Beto; the creator of Zumba. We recently filmed a music video for Wyclef’s single Historia. It was probably one of the best experiences of my life. I guess you can say I’m still chasing that dream.
Although I never became a child star with a household name, my current plans involve managing the next one. I’m really considering a career in artist management but I know I have a long road of knowledge and networking ahead of me. Word of advice? Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there. In the world of public relations you have to have thick skin and never be a quitter.