I went to reputable recording school. Still I can honestly say, when I came out I had a basic understanding but no real experience.So I was at a stand still, what the hell do i do, I asked myself. Should I intern somewhere? The idea went over and over in my mind. Then I decided. Work my ass off, start with what I could afford, and learn basic recording skills by recording. At first I bought a few good mics and a 4 track. I tried anything and everything I could do with it. I asked if a few local punk kids if they wanted me to record them for fun at no cost...And I did. Slowly other punk kids heard by word of mouth that I could record a few songs for them for free. I kept doing so until every recording sounded better than the last. Next, when people still asked me to work with them, I said I cant do it for free anymore. I explained that I wanted better gear, and in the long run it would be good for them because when they come back to me their record would sound better. This went on and on and on. After about the 10 year point, I own my own studio and I am moving into a larger space this summer. I still keep my rates reasonable and I support myself. I pay my rent, eat well, make car payments, have no credit card debt, have no more student loans, and keep upgrading my gear. Oh did I mention recording is my only job?I am at a very happy place, and so are all my clients. I have never had one person not return to me for their next project. Returning clients are key!I am not saying this is the way to go for anyone. It was just right for me. It has afforded me to create my own style and sound by learning by trial and error and working my ass off.I dont care If I am ever a famous person. I let my work speak for itself. I do this for my love of music, and I can cut deals with bands who cant afford much.Recording every type and style of music, experimenting, taking that extra few minutes to listen back to everything is what makes me who I am.Most of my money is generated by word of mouth, and keeping a positive attitude. Networking with bands, helping them get some gigs is all great things you can do to get into the DIY community.Interning is great for some, but for me, I had no choice. I paid off my debt, while allowing myself to learn. Did I make mistakes, hell yes. But I looked at them as a positive lesson of what not to do.Please dont take any of this the wrong way. This was the path I took. It may not be right for you.Interning is not a bad thing, but realize you must eventually get paid. You can list how many studios you have been in, but eventually you need to make your own way, your own name, and your own money.Once again, I am not saying this is what you should do. Its just how I did it and found my happiness doing what I love. I just wanted to share my own story.thanks, and good luck

All I did on my internship was answer the phone for R. Kelly and see Foxy Browns titties.

I went to SAE NYC, another for-profit school trying to bank on the popularity of production. Was drawn to it because unlike Full Sail (where graduates would be teaching classes two years later) many of the instructors were former big-time industry guys. I had audio knowledge going in the program (only 9 months long) and picked their brains, stayed until close, used great gear; and all and all had a great time. I got a lot more out of it than a lot of my classmates through nothing but my own actions. I knew it wouldn't be a degree; but was looking to enjoy myself and basically use the school as a good reference in the workplace.Worth the money? Hard to say. Any internships I landed that lead to good gigs I got because of my attitude rather than a diploma; but I don't regret it. Met good people, met good bands I'd record/mix for projects (some of which are returning clients at this point.)You don't need to go to school. Or intern. But there really is no wrong path.