Empowering Careers in Music:
A Look Back at GMI’s Online Career Summit 2025
By Jay Anand, Lead Institutional Growth & Partnerships at GMI
The Global Music Institute (GMI) successfully hosted the second edition of its Online Career Summit (OCS) on March 19, 2025. Designed to connect students and alumni with leading industry professionals, this year’s summit saw remarkable growth and impact, offering exciting opportunities for emerging musicians.
A Growing Platform for Career Advancement
The second edition of OCS welcomed over 60+ participants, including 23 leading companies from various sectors such as licensing, distribution, media, publishing, education, management, and technology. Compared to last year’s inaugural edition, which featured eleven companies, this expansion highlights the increasing industry recognition and trust in GMI’s Career Development Division (CDD).
Among the key participating organizations were industry leaders such as Represent, Believe, Tunecore, IPRS, Compass Box Studio, Groover, Madverse, and Fairplay, with representatives offering valuable insights into career pathways and mentorship in music.
Opportunities Created: Jobs, Internships, and Mentorships
One of the most impactful outcomes of the summit was the sheer number of career opportunities created. This year, more than 40+ roles were offered across various industry verticals, including internships, full-time jobs, and mentorship programs. Additionally, 15+ professionals from different domains, including licensing, production, media, and business development, provided mentorship to students and alumni.
Beyond Performance & Production: Why Business Roles Matter
A significant takeaway from the summit was how students specializing in Performance and Music Production benefited from engaging in the business side of the industry. Many of the offered roles—spanning marketing, A&R, publishing, licensing, and artist management—allowed students to understand how music careers are built and sustained beyond just artistry.
By working in industry-focused roles, students gained:
- A holistic view of the music ecosystem – Understanding how labels, distribution, and licensing work helps artists navigate their own careers effectively.
- Stronger career longevity – Artists who grasp marketing, publishing, and management principles can sustain independent careers while also creating diverse revenue streams.
- Networking advantages – Engaging with industry professionals in business settings opens doors to collaborations, sync deals, and performance opportunities.
- Enhanced creative control – Knowing how music is promoted and monetized empowers artists to make informed decisions about their own work.
Preparing Students for the Industry
Leading up to the event, GMI ensured that students were well-equipped to present themselves professionally. Jay Anand, Lead Institutional Growth & Partnerships at GMI, conducted two preparatory sessions:
- How to Prepare a Resume as a Musician
- Crafting an Effective EPK (Electronic Press Kit)
These workshops helped students refine their presentation skills, ensuring they could make a lasting impression on potential employers and mentors during the summit. Beyond OCS, GMI’s Career Development Division (CDD) hosts industry-related workshops and masterclasses throughout the year, fostering meaningful conversations, networking opportunities, and industry insights. These initiatives ensure that students remain well-prepared and engaged with the evolving music industry landscape, strengthening their readiness for professional success.
Industry Insights and Student Experiences
Throughout the event, industry leaders shared key insights into the evolving music landscape, offering guidance on career growth, industry trends, and best practices for navigating the professional world.
“It was a lot of fun sharing my experiences with the students. Even during the workshop at my Studio Synergy Audio Productions , the students were so enthusiastic. It was makes it a lot more fun to interact.”
— Rohan Solomon, Synergy Audio Productions
“It was a great experience to connect with all the students and industry folks at GMI’s Career Summit session.
We got an opportunity to have one on one session with students which gave us a great insights to what the aspiring talent in the music space is wanting and looking for, they were all very excited to receive our professional opinion.
I look forward to more session like this.”
— Hina Shaikh, Horus Music
Growth at a Glance: OCS 2024 vs 2025
- 2024: 11 participating companies, 94% placement rate, 17 career opportunities
- 2025: 23 participating companies, 42 career opportunities, expanded mentorship programs
The surge in participation and opportunities underscores GMI’s commitment to creating a structured bridge between education and professional success.
The Vision Behind the Career Development Division (CDD)
The Career Development Division (CDD) at GMI is dedicated to empowering the next generation of musicians by providing structured career support, mentorship, and networking opportunities. As a key vertical within GMI—alongside Admissions and Marketing—CDD ensures that students are not only exceptional artists but also industry-ready professionals who can confidently navigate the evolving music landscape.
Looking Ahead
The success of OCS 2025 sets the stage for an even bigger and more impactful summit in the future. As we continue to build strong partnerships and expand career opportunities for our students, GMI remains committed to shaping the future of music education and professional development.
Stay tuned for more updates, student success stories, and insights from our industry partners!