AIM student Mark Ashton is finding his niche within the music industry. As part of the Bachelor of Entertainment Management degree offered at AIM, students undertake an internship with a company of their choice and the unique opportunity to gain 'hands-on' experience and direct job opportunities post study is proving invaluable. Having been interested in doing his internship with a ‘not-for-profit’ organisation and with the assistance of AIM Placement Coordinator Margaret Spillane, Mark found a willing host in Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy Australia Ltd, where he has been interning since May this year.



Nordoff-Robbins aim to promote and develop the understanding, training and practice of creative music therapy. The organisation takes its name from composer Paul Nordoff and special educator Clive Robbins who first developed the creative music therapy approach. Nordoff-Robbins is an international organisation that delivers its music therapy services around the world.
 
"It's been such an amazing experience to be involved with Nordoff-Robbins. The work they do is simply inspiring,” says Mark. "The experience I am gaining from interning and working there has been enormous. It really is great to put into practice all the theory and knowledge that the Bachelor of Entertainment Management course has taught me!"
 
Jill Ritherdon CEO of Nordoff-Robbins has been full of gratitude in her comments regarding Mark’s capabilities. As a result of such a positive experience for both Mark and Nordoff-Robbins, Mark is now doing an extra day which he is being paid for, in addition to his internship day each week. Margaret Spillane says "obviously this says a lot about Mark as an exceptional intern, but also the value of the internship program in gaining skills and a foot in the door of the industry students are interested in".
 
Jill recently visited AIM to meet with Thomas Heymann, Head of Entertainment Management and to visit the facilities and campus where Mark was studying. "I was very impressed with AIM’s facilities and feel of the place,” said Jill. “AIM seems very friendly and I am very thankful for the opportunity to view the campus.”

To find out more about the degree that Mark has been studying, visit http://www.aim.edu.au/courses/entertainment-management