SAEM Student Lands Summer Position Working at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Tuesday, July 25, 2017
Meet Alyssa King
Job title: Visitor Services Representative
Organization: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Major: Sports, Arts and Entertainment Management
Minor: Photojournalism
Expected graduation: Spring 2019
College activities: Pay it Forward Club, Music Association and SAEM Club
Scholarships: Point Park Trustee Scholarship and Point Park University Grant
Hometown: Strongsville, Ohio
High school: Strongsville High School
Currently living in: Medina, Ohio
Hobbies/interests: Concerts, photography, traveling and volunteering
How did you land your summer position with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?
Ever since I became involved in the music scene, I have dreamed about working at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. So, naturally, I would look for openings online every summer. Thankfully, this summer I found a few and decided to apply to them. A few weeks after applying, I was called in for an interview for the visitor services representative position. Thanks to wonderful recommendations from Professors Ed Traversari and Paige Beal, and a former supervisor named Jackie, I secured the position for the summer.
Tell us about the work you do as a visitor services representative.
My main goal at the Rock Hall is to ensure our visitors have an enjoyable experience while visiting the museum. I engage with visitors throughout the day and I answer questions ranging from "Where can I find Michael Jackson's glove?" to "Where is the best place to eat in Cleveland?"
In addition to answering questions, I take tickets, give wristbands to visitors, run the coat check and guide visitors tour to Johnny Cash's tour bus. Recently, I have also been involved with helping to run the shows each day at our new Power of Rock Experience.
How have your SAEM classes helped you in this position?
My SAEM classes have helped me understand the entertainment industry and have prepared me for my future in the business. My professors have helped me gain the confidence I need to succeed. During my freshman year, I took the Career Prep course with Professor David Rowell. Throughout my time in that class, I learned valuable information about interviewing, resumes and cover letters.
In my interview at the Rock Hall, I used many of the tips I was taught and felt extremely confident in the process. Last semester, I took Concert Promotion and Touring with Professor Ed Traversari. I've learned so much about the entertainment industry from him in that class. He shared his wisdom about working with the public and running venues responsibly.
What factors made you choose Point Park University?
It was very important for me to find a school that had the major I was looking for and was close to home. I'm from Cleveland so the two-and-a-half-hour drive from home is perfect. Sports, arts and entertainment management is such a unique major that cannot be found at just any university. Once I visited the school and spoke with the faculty, I knew in my heart that Point Park was the perfect fit for me.
What plans do you have for your upcoming junior year at Point Park?
During my junior year, I'm going to continue working at the SAIL Office. My coworkers are wonderful, and I love working with the students and staff each day. In addition to working at SAIL, I hope to assist with more concerts and festivals. Last school year, I worked for the Chainsmokers as a VIP assistant, was a box office assistant for the Thrival Festival and worked VIP for Troye Sivan at Stage AE.
With each opportunity I am given, I gain more knowledge and experience. I love to dream big, so my number one goal for junior year is to get an internship at The Tonight Show during the spring semester.
What are your career goals?
I hope to one day work for awards shows like the Grammys, Emmys, Tonys, etc. I've always been intrigued by that line of work. I know that with the tools I've been given at Point Park, anything is possible. The beautiful thing about having an SAEM degree is that there are so many paths you can take. I could work for a record label, be a VIP coordinator for a tour or even be a tour photographer. I can't wait to see where this ride takes me.
More About: sports, arts and entertainment management, scholarships, Rowland School of Business