[Post authored by FMC Communications Intern Olivia Brown]

Though the freezing temperatures might have you feeling otherwise, summer will be here before you know it.  Are you looking for a summer internship in Washington, DC? Do you have an interest in music, technology, policy, advocacy, or better yet, all of the above?  Then FMC has some open internship positions that might be just what you’re looking for!

After two semesters as a Communications intern here, I can assure you that if you’re looking to broaden your knowledge of issues at the intersection of music, technology and policy while advocating for musicians’ interests, you can’t go wrong with an internship at FMC.  Would I still be here after two semesters otherwise?  Take a look at the listings below to see how you could get involved this summer or fall:

Communications Intern works closely with FMC Communications team (including Kevin Erickson and Casey Rae) to assist in the marketing, promotion and logistics of FMC’s campaigns and events; which often includes copyediting, assisting with the maintenance of social media, light html coding, researching new press avenues and drafting blog posts. Strong writing skills a must. A background or interest in policy or law, particularly as relates to the creative sector, is preferred.

Events Intern works closely with FMC Events team (including Chhaya Kapadia) assisting with the logistics of FMC’s campaigns and events; which often includes editing video and audio for archives/YouTube/special projects, marketing and promotion, assisting with event-related logistics and data management, and researching panelists/sponsors/services.

Policy Intern works closely with FMC Policy shop (including Casey Rae and Michael Bracy) to assist in the open source and legal research involved in thoroughly understanding all sides of current policy issues. The Policy Intern often has the opportunity to discuss these issues in depth with the Policy shop while creating briefs, attending hearings and drafting the occasional blog post.

Intern to the Executive Director works closely with FMC ED Lissa Rosenthal as she oversees many aspects of our work. Ideal candidates will be well organized, personable and very interested not only in the issues that FMC tackles, but also in gaining experience in the field of not for profit management, cause related marketing and fundraising.In addition, everyone is expected to participate with the basic work that keeps our office going. FMC is a fast-paced but friendly work environment. Since some of our employees work from different cities, we rely heavily on email, conference calls and meetings to get our work done. Answering your email promptly, following through on assigned tasks to completion and sticking to deadlines will be essential.

Google Policy Fellowship program offers undergraduate, graduate, and law students interested in Internet and technology policy the opportunity to spend the summer contributing to the public dialogue on these issues, and exploring future academic and professional interests. FMC is one of several organizations participating in this program. The public policy fellow will work with FMC staff to identify issues of particular interest to the fellow, then develop and implement a strategy focusing on:

• Researching the issue, with a particular focus on the impact of specific policy decisions on the music community
• Educating the community about this issue through blog posts, fact sheets and coalition briefings
• Advocacy around the issue, especially if policy choices have a clear cut impact on the music community.

A fellow at FMC will have access to the General Counsel and many attorneys in the field who work with the FMC, but s/he will be supervised by FMC staff, who are not attorneys.

You can find more information, as well as the application form, here.

What you can expect
These positions will work with a member of FMC’s core staff in the FMC headquarters in downtown Washington, DC (Near the Farragut North/Farragut West Metro stations). The hours are flexible, but we would like you to be in the office at least 15-20 hours per week sometime during 10 am - 6 pm on weekdays.

What we look for
From music industry majors to working musicians - our most successful interns have been outgoing, vibrant and confident people with some relationship to, and passion for, the music industry. In addition, we look for the usual stuff: excellent reading/writing skills, good email communication skills, attention to detail and working knowledge of MS Word, Excel and internet skills are required. Experience with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, podcasting or webcasting experience, and audio or video editing skills are preferred but not required. Knowledge of current events and/or policy issues that relate to the music industry are helpful, as is any other experience working in a not-for-profit office environment.

What you get
Internships at FMC are unpaid, but opportunities to attend occasional concerts, mixers, meetings, and hearings can occur. College credit is optional and encouraged.  Google Policy Fellows also recieve a stipend.

How you apply
Please send the following to internships [at] futureofmusic [dot] org:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• List of software proficiencies
• Writing sample

Please make a note of which internship(s) you are interested in. Writing samples should be similar to the type of writing found on our website such as the FutureBlog posts or the research papers we have published, and not longer than three pages. Due to the volume of applicants, incomplete applications will not be considered. The deadline for summer internship applications is Friday, March 1, and if you want to get a head start, the deadline for fall semester internship applications is August 2.