SAEM Alumna Lin Sun is a Music Operations Specialist at TikTok

Meet Lin Sun '13

Job Title & Employer: Music Operations Specialist, TikTok
Major/Program: Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management
Hometown: Munhall, Pa.
High School: Steel Valley High School
Now Living In: New York City
Hobbies & Interests: Music, films and traveling

"The SAEM faculty teach you the importance of hands-on experience, and I cannot stress enough how true that is! It's a very competitive industry so you have to do whatever it takes for your resume to stand out."

Lin Sun '13

What does your role at TikTok entail?

I'm part of a team that monitors all the music content that gets delivered to us from labels and distributors, and we ensure there are no issues with them on TikTok. We also work with engineers to build the best possible tools to help with workflows and back-end processes.

What do you like about it?

It requires a lot of problem solving, and I really enjoy that. I like learning the back-end systems of these platforms that most people don't even think about when they go on it. A lot of work goes into getting the music to the fans, and I'm very interested in that process, especially since I've experienced both the label and tech side of the industry.

How did the Sports, Arts & Entertainment Management program prepare you professionally?

The SAEM faculty teach you the importance of hands-on experience, and I cannot stress enough how true that is! It's a very competitive industry so you have to do whatever it takes for your resume to stand out.

How would you describe Point Park's faculty and coursework?

The professors were great and engaging. Ed Traversari had the best stories! Having classes at Stage AE was always my favorite. You can only learn so much from books about the music industry, so any trips to venues where you see more of the back-end scenes were always helpful.

Why would you recommend Point Park to a prospective student?

The location is great if you're a student without a car. You're in downtown and can easily get to all the venues and hot music spots. The connection Point Park has with all the local venues is a great way to get your foot in the door.

Is there anything else you would like to add?

When you're just starting out in your career, especially in a big city like New York City or Los Angeles, please be more open with working at lesser-known companies. You never know where the job will take you, and experiences are always transferable. Don't just apply to competitive big name companies – you'll get there eventually.

SAEM Alumna Lin Sun is a Music Operations Specialist at TikTok Alumni Profile