After graduating with a BBA in Marketing, Alicia has held various roles in entertainment for more than a decade. Using real-life lessons she learned at LIM, she’s gone on tour with some of the world’s most famous musical artists, including Lady Gaga, Shawn Mendes, and Alicia Keys.
What led you to enroll at LIM College?
I transferred to LIM from Marymount Manhattan College. I wanted to find a school that was more focused on business with real-world applications, and I found that LIM was a better fit for me.
What internships did you do while you were a student at LIM?
In my junior year, I interned in the PR department of a Manhattan fashion house. This was a helpful experience because it showed me this particular professional area was not for me. I then did my Senior Co-op internship at VH1 in their Music & Talent Department. This was perfect. I felt like I found the right place for me and enjoyed working in entertainment.
Please tell us about your career path after college.
Shortly after graduation, I started looking for music industry jobs online. Ultimately, I found a position as a personal assistant to a musician—that musician being Alicia Keys. I worked with her for two years, traveling the world on tour with her. I knew then I’d found the right fit.
In 2010, I moved to Los Angeles and worked for Jennifer Lopez’s management team before taking a position at Live Nation Entertainment, where I worked for the CEO of Global Touring and learned a more niche area of the industry: concert touring and promotion. In 2014, I became a freelance touring professional, wearing many hats such as tour manager, road manager, production coordinator, accountant, ticketing coordinator, everything you can imagine.
I’ve toured with Lady Gaga, Madonna, Rihanna, Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, 5 Seconds of Summer, Shawn Mendes, and more.
How did your LIM College experience help prepare you for your career?
LIM prepared me tremendously because the classes were so applicable to real-life situations. I loved classes like marketing, business management, economics, and finance. All these classes, and more, really helped me gain knowledge that I apply in my everyday life.
What accomplishment are you most proud of?
It’s awesome to be able to say that because I worked hard, I’ve been able to see most of the world. I’ve met amazing people and had more than a few “pinch me” moments. But I think I’m most proud of the woman I’ve become because I’ve had these high-pressure roles.
What advice would you give someone considering a career in your industry?
Don’t expect this industry to be all glamorous! There will be glamorous moments, but this involves hard work, long hours, and time away from home. It isn’t for everyone, but if you love live music and events, it can be very rewarding.