The end of my undergraduate years was similar to what I imagine to be common among liberal arts grads. I had a career field in mind, even an internship and several video projects under my belt. With an elegantly crafted résumé and the best of intentions, I began my job hunt. As fate would have it, my big break would not come from an advertised position, but from a cold cover letter and résumé I sent to the German guitar manufacturer Warwick GmbH. I received a prompt response from the president of the company telling me they have been looking for an ideal candidate to bring on board to produce videos. Because most of their endorsees speak English and a majority of their customer base speaks English, they were looking for a native English speaker. They were also looking for someone familiar with German culture, as he or she would be required to relocate to Markneukirchen where the company is headquartered.
I have played guitar and owned a Warwick guitar much longer than I have been learning German, and I never really thought the two would come together this perfectly. Now I am in talks with the company to begin a month long trial period that will lead to a full-time position for at least 3 years. Naturally, planning to relocate across the world comes with its stresses, but the stress is outpaced by the excitement of this opportunity. Getting to meet and interview famous musicians like funk legend Bootsy Collins and bassists from the bands 311 to U2? I cannot think of a better fit for a Music major, German Studies minor, and aspiring video maker like myself.
As a Music major and German minor, a question I received a lot was, “What are you going to do with that?” As if a college degree was supposed to lead you right into a convenient job! The truth is: German Studies and a liberal arts education is what one makes of it. The goal is to develop rational thought and intellectual capability, so that those skills can be applied throughout one’s life.
With everything I have learned, I want to be part of what inspires artistry. By sharing the talents of others, I hope to influence others to create and develop their own voice. Just like the German composer Robert Schumann, who didn’t decide to pursue music as a career until after he saw a performance by Paganini, and generations of musicians who decided their fate when they saw the Beatles perform on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Photo credit: Jacob Chinn