Senior Emily Teubner has leveraged every opportunity she's found at SC&I and Rutgers to reach her goal of working in music journalism, a career she discovered while taking courses at SC&I.

“Journalism and Media Studies is a broad major that can lead students to virtually any industry,”  Teubner said. “Through exploration and experimentation, I discovered that music journalism was my niche. In class, I focused my projects on several industries within the arts, which helped me eventually determine that music was the right path for me.

“Early on, I also explored music journalism outside of the classroom, diving headfirst into interviews and live show coverage as a music department contributor for WRSU-FM. I was incredibly inexperienced. My first ‘concert photography’ was taken with my iPhone and my first artist interview was very awkward. However, I pushed myself to keep trying and became more comfortable over time.”

Read our Q&A with Teubner and learn how she combined SC&I courses in Journalism and Media Studies and the Digital Communication, Information, & Media (DCIM) minor to prepare for her dream career.  

SC&I: How has your work experience helped you apply what you’ve learned as a Journalism & Media Studies (JMS) major? Or vice versa, how has the JMS curriculum equipped you to make meaningful contributions at work?

ET: One of my favorite aspects of the Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) major is how each course provides an introduction to a specific specialization or skill that students can develop for future careers. Since I have always wanted to work in the music industry, the JMS program was an ideal fit for me. It allowed me to explore various skills and determine my areas of expertise.

In particular, I found the more project-based, artistic courses within the major, such as Musical Cultures and Industries, Digital Media Production, Broadcasting Writing & Reporting, and Television Reporting, to be highly informative. These courses helped me understand that my interests and skills align with social media, production, design, public relations, and radio.

Currently, I work as the social media and marketing assistant at Terrorbird Media, a music marketing, licensing, and publishing agency . . . In the long-term future, I would love the chance to work with artists more directly, whether on the label side or continuing the ‘agency’ route. At this point in my life, it’s exciting enough to be able to say I’m a music industry professional.

I also gained valuable knowledge from the courses in the Digital Communication, Information, & Media (DCIM) minor, especially Strategic Presentations of Digital Media and the Capstone course I am currently taking. I appreciate how the DCIM courses integrate with each other, providing students with diverse projects to add to their portfolios and shaping them into media professionals.

The skills I acquired as a JMS student have helped me succeed in various opportunities both on campus and in the real world. For example, I served as last year's Music Director for WRSU-FM Rutgers Radio, interned at two music marketing agencies, and worked at New York Fashion Week. During the first week of my senior year, I was offered an internship with Navia Vision, a boutique production company, to assist in producing a photoshoot and launch party for the Boy Smells 'Grace' candle during New York Fashion Week. The JMS program prepared me well for real-life teamwork, as I felt comfortable sharing my input despite being new to the team.

Currently, I work as the social media and marketing assistant at Terrorbird Media, a music marketing, licensing, and publishing agency. Here, I have been able to leverage my education in writing, production, and media to support various departments and create a branded voice across the company's social media platforms. It's been incredible to work behind the scenes, supporting campaigns for both legendary and up-and-coming artists. At Terrorbird, every department has given me creative freedom to express my personal flair in my work, helping me to develop my own style and voice.

SC&I: What courses or instructors have helped you hone and develop skills in Music Journalism?

ET: The obvious course that has most helped me to hone my music journalism skills has been Musical Cultures and Industries, which I took with Frank Bridges during my sophomore year. Alongside Bridges, I've been fortunate to have the support and mentorship of Michael Pavlichko and Steven Miller, two professors who I've worked with at WRSU-FM Rutgers Radio. Both Pavlichko and Miller have encouraged me in my music industry aspirations, whether it's been at the radio station while planning our Rutgers Day live concert, or through weekly emails with Miller about how much I enjoyed my internship experiences.

The skills I acquired as a JMS student have helped me succeed in various opportunities both on campus and in the real world. For example, I served as last year's Music Director for WRSU-FM Rutgers Radio, interned at two music marketing agencies, and worked at New York Fashion Week

SC&I: What are your career goals, either current or aspirational?

ET: I’m pretty much living my current career goals as a student, which is something I never would have imagined at the beginning of my college career. I've been working at Terrorbird Media for over a year, starting as an intern and now working part-time. Every day, I get to put my creative flair into campaigns for my favorite artists.

After a year in the music department at WRSU-FM, I trained and became board certified to host my own music show, "Tune In With Tubes." Over the past three years, I have learned how to produce a well-thought-out music show, highlighting R&B, electronic, and funk music, all while discussing my experiences at school, extracurriculars, and work.

Not only have I developed my passion for DJ-ing at the station, but I have also discovered a passion for concert photography. WRSU provided me with easy access to press opportunities at shows and festivals, such as Firefly Music Festival and Pitchfork Festival.

Not only have I developed my passion for DJ-ing at the station, but I have also discovered a passion for concert photography. WRSU provided me with easy access to press opportunities at shows and festivals, such as Firefly Music Festival and Pitchfork Festival. Jumping into the photo pit with little experience, I learned through trial and error. I have been able to photograph some of my favorite artists, including Lizzo, Arlo Parks, and Remi Wolf. Check out my photos here.

In the long-term future, I would love the chance to work with artists more directly, whether on the label side or continuing the ‘agency’ route. At this point in my life, it’s exciting enough to be able to say I’m a music industry professional.

Learn more about the Journalism and Media Studies major and the Digital Communication, Information, & Media (DCIM) minorat the Rutgers School of Communication and Information on the website. 

Photo: Courtesy of Emily Teubner