Mia Gorus is a new graduate from UNT with a Bachelor’s in Interdisciplinary Arts and Design Studies; Arts Management. Through her internship at UNT, she’s been able to gain experience that has landed her jobs within her field of study. In her free time, she’s sculpts, sews, and works on developing new creative skills.
Describe the company/organization you interned with, and what your role was during your time there.
Interned with the Society for Performing and Visual Arts as a Strategic Arts Networking and Leadership intern. My role was focused on learning skills like contract writing and network building as myself and my cohort learned from a variety of the SPVA’s professional contacts from a variety of fields.
Share your internship search process: what worked, what didn’t, and any small or big steps that led to you landing this opportunity.
Admittedly, I sort of stumbled upon this one. I kept an eye out on information posted around CVAD and sent out by the Career Center/coaches and one of their emails included information about this internship, which coincided neatly with our upcoming winter break. I applied, was accepted, and that was that!
Did the Career Center or your Career Coach provide you with resources for obtaining this internship?
Yes! I wouldn’t have found it at all without the information the Career Center sent out.
What is the most important thing you’ve realized/learned during this internship?
The value of building relationships! It’s a bit cliche, but building my network has become my greatest blessing as I start my career, as it feels like the people I meet are always leading me to some new opportunity or experience that has helped me develop.
Did your passions or goals change since you completed your internship, and if so, how?
I’ve realized exactly how passionate I am about arts administration, as well as gained some insight into new avenues that I wouldn’t have otherwise considered! It helped me refine my goals by showing me where I can go and how I could do it.
Please share any advice you’d give to others searching for an internship.
Use your resources! CVAD and UNT have so many people and resources at your disposal to help you find what you’re looking for and increase your chances of acceptance. Don’t take them for granted!
What are you up to these days?
Now I’m working for the Partners for the Arts Abroad, a study abroad company for musicians – which is a position I got through my internship! It’s lead me to be able to travel, meet wonderful people, and gain some good experience. Additionally, I’ve just received a position as an Artistic Admin Assistant for the Dallas Black Dance Theater, which I earned in part through the experience I gained from my internship and subsequent position with PFTAA.
Can students get in touch with you if they have any further questions? If so, please provide contact info.
Yes! My email address is Mia.gorus@gmail.com
