Combining Interests
By: Danielle Rebel, Marketing & Communications Intern
As she packed her bags and drove to Chicago, Theresa Boyle was far from certain she had made the right decision.
The senior graphic design and music industry major had an internship at Bass/Schuler Entertainment in Chicago this past summer, which turned out to be an experience of a lifetime. The company is a college-booking agency, which means they work with schools to plan entertainment events, such as comedians, bands and more.
Boyle first thought about applying to the internship when owner Scott Bass told her about the opportunity at his Chicago-based company. Boyle had been working with Bass last year to plan mentalist Chris Carter and hypnotist Frederick Winters as the Public Relations Coordinator, then later the Showcase Coordinator for the Dragon Entertainment Group.
An advisor once told Boyle, “Always take the risk. Even if you lose, you win.” Boyle took that advice to heart and applied at Bass/Schuler.
Her leap of faith landed her a prestigious internship.
Boyle worked as the operations intern, where she helped colleges book entertainment–this time on the other side of the operation. She was also able to put her graphic design skills to use by creating many pieces that Bass/Schuler “absolutely loved.” Her favorite was a promotional catalogue that folds out into a yearlong calendar. The company was so impressed they printed thousands of copies to send to colleges across the country.
“When you design things for the real world, it’s empowering,” Boyle said. “It has meaning. It’s more than just a grade.”
The internship at Bass/Schuler was a perfect fit for Boyle, who is studying both the promotional and industrial sides of the entertainment industry.
“Even though they’re two completely different departments, for me, they fuse together really well,” she said.
Boyle said one of the best things about her time in Chicago was making connections. She has now been in contact with people from Chicago to Los Angeles who have seen her work and are impressed by her portfolio.
“My freelance portfolio is growing, and I’m able to make some money,” Boyle said.
Boyle’s boss pushed her to be forward and express what she wanted during her time at Bass/Schuler.
“It helped me judge the lines of where you need to fit in and where you need to stand out,” Boyle said.
The summer internship left Boyle with the realization that taking a chance pays off.
“No one else can make your dreams happen for you,” Boyle said.