For some students, the path toward a career begins long before graduation. For Monmouth University student Rio Jones, that path took her across the Atlantic, where she had the opportunity to combine her studies with hands-on experience at an independent record label in London.
A Music Industry major with a minor in Marketing, Jones had always hoped to study abroad in London. When she learned through Monmouth's Global Education Office that she could complete an internship while attending the University of Westminster, she saw an opportunity to make the most of her time overseas.
Through the university's partnership with CEA CAPA, Jones was connected with an internship placement coordinator who helped match her with an opportunity at MultiNation Records, an independent London-based label. After interviewing, she was offered a position as a Marketing Intern. What followed was an experience that allowed her to explore the international music business, apply what she had learned at Monmouth and gain a new perspective on the work that goes into developing and promoting artists.
At MultiNation Records, Jones worked with an independent label specializing in artists and producers within the Afrobeats, Afropop and Afrofusion scenes. Her role centered on digital marketing, social media management and content creation. She designed promotional graphics using Canva Pro, helped schedule content across Instagram, TikTok and YouTube, and developed SEO-focused captions and descriptions to improve online visibility. She also worked with social media and analytics platform Metricool to organize content and track social media performance.
In addition to creating promotional materials, Jones researched industry trends, brainstormed advertising concepts and explored ways to reach different audiences through digital platforms.
One of the biggest takeaways from the internship was gaining a better understanding of everything that happens before music reaches listeners. "One of the most valuable things I learned was how much work happens behind the scenes before music ever reaches an audience," Jones said.
While listeners often only get to see the finished product, she gained firsthand insight into the planning, coordination and marketing strategies that help make a release successful. She also recognized how important it is for artists to establish an identity, maintain an online presence and build relationships with their audiences.
Working at an independent label gave her the opportunity to see how different responsibilities overlap and how creativity and business strategy work together. Beyond the professional skills she developed, Jones' time in London expanded her understanding of the music industry on an international level.
Before studying abroad, most of her academic and professional experiences had been based in the United States. Working with an international team introduced her to different approaches to communication, marketing and audience engagement. Her exposure to Afrobeats, Afropop and Afrofusion also highlighted the way music crosses cultural and geographical boundaries.
"Working in London allowed me to see how music marketing and business operations can connect people across different countries, cultures, and audiences," she explained.
The experience challenged her to become more independent and comfortable contributing ideas in an unfamiliar professional environment. Balancing university coursework, an internship and everyday life in a new city required organization and adaptability, but those challenges ended up becoming an important part of her growth.
Jones credits the experience with helping her become more confident both personally and professionally. Since returning to Monmouth, Jones has continued pursuing opportunities that connect her interests in music, marketing and international business.
She was recently selected as a Student Ambassador for World Student Music Charts (WSMC), representing Monmouth University. The international platform connects university students through music discovery, artist promotion and participation in the music industry. In her new role, Rio will help introduce the platform to Monmouth students, encourage participation in chart voting and promote emerging artists. She will also support promotional initiatives and work to build engagement within the university community.
Her experience at MultiNation Records has provided a foundation for this next opportunity, particularly through the marketing, communication and audience engagement skills she developed in London. She hopes to use her position to encourage other students to explore music beyond their surroundings and become involved in the wider international music community.
"I want to encourage more students to explore different areas of the industry, discover new artists, and take advantage of opportunities that allow them to build professional connections," she said.
For Jones, the experience in London has influenced more than just her professional skill set. It has also helped shape her plans after graduation.
Following her time at the University of Westminster, she decided that she wanted to return to London. She has since received an offer to pursue a Master's degree in International Business and Management at the university beginning in September 2027. Her goal is to build a career that combines her passion for music with marketing and international business, making her internship an important step toward that future.
When offering advice to other Monmouth students interested in pursuing similar opportunities, Rio emphasizes the importance of being willing to step outside of their own environments. "Don't be afraid to put yourself out there," she said. She encourages students to take advantage of university resources, get involved on campus and remain open to career possibilities they may not have originally considered.
"You never know how one experience or connection could influence your future."
From gaining practical marketing experience at an independent record label to preparing for graduate studies abroad, Rio's journey demonstrates how opportunities beyond the classroom can help students discover new directions for their careers. Her time in London may have started with a desire to study abroad, but it ultimately gave her a much broader view of where a career in the music industry could take her.