On April 7, Blue Hawk Records (BHR) hosted their fourth annual Industry Alumni Networking event in Woods Theatre featuring five former Monmouth University (MU) students with current jobs in the entertainment field. Hosted by chair of the Music & Theatre Arts Department and specialist professor, Joe Rapolla and BHR President Antonia Bongiorno, the event embodied the end of the semester full of possibilities and love for what makes us tick, in this case music.
Future president of BHR, Alexis Finkelstein spoke a few words before the night officially kicked off with the panel discussion. She said, “Blue Hawk Records has always been about collaboration, opportunity, and growth,” signifying this event which is meant to give students the chance to grow their network with former and current hawks.
The network of industry experts at this panel consisted of Olivia Melfi, Studio Manager and Artist Representative at Lake House Recording Studio and Shore Point Records; Cassidy Crosby, Media Sponsorships Lead at Vevo; Kelli Torres, People Operations Assocaite at Vydia Inc.; Ricky Govel, Football Marketing at Klutch Sports Group; And last but not least, Natalie Zeller, Integrated Producer at Grey Advertising Inc. As the group introduced themselves and the years they graduated (all varying from 2019-2025) it was clear the love they have for MU as well as trying to uplift the students present.
Bongiorno kicked the conversation off by asking the panel how they currently got into their industry, what did it take to get there, and what connections did they make to get themselves where they are. Almost all of the panel got their starts from their appreciation for the entertainment field whether it be music, sports, or even performance based. This led them to internships and jobs where they could form connections with professionals.
“I wanted to be as close to entertainment, and you know something creative as possible,” Zeller said and then explained how she met the right people who saw her potential for her current position. Govel was also able to grow his connections simply by finding a local job and excelling in the restaurant industry at The Butcher’s Block in Long Branch. He said, “I ended up deciding to stay there and got into a management position, which opened up plenty of opportunities to start to meet a bunch of athletes, entertainers, musicians, and politicians, everybody across the board.” Clearly, where you make your start depends on the person but all comes back to being personable, hardworking, and optimistic.
After the introductions the conversation shifted to what skills or qualities are important to cultivate when it comes to your career path. Melfi explained that putting “detail orientated” on her resume was something she didn’t realize was that important, however those leadership positions are counting on someone to read into the smaller details. She also said that being a “fangirl” and a true lover of music can take you farther than you think. “I thought it was a conflict of interest to be an artist because it felt funny in that regard. But I’ve been told that it’s actually something that makes me stand out because I can directly relate to the artist that I’m working with,” Melfi said. She quipped to never be embarrassed by your “fangirl” or “fanboy” behavior because at the end of the day it shows your commitment.
Torres also joined the conversation and explained how while being organized and paying attention to detail are what we hone into during our college courses, communication is key for any job. “I think being able to speak to others is really, really important. That’s like a skill that I’ve, you know, really developed over time as my communication went from being overly communicative to now like direct,” Torres said. In any industry there’s going to be a time where you need to have grit and determination as well as warmth and understanding. Govel added as well that it’s important to have that relationship building aspect at work because that’s how you grow in a company.
Relationship building and connections were a very big aspect of this event and in the panel discussion. Crosby explained that the music industry and entertainment world is extremely small from marketing to production. “You want to make sure that you’re leaving the best impression that you possibly can on anyone you meet because you don’t know who has a connection to someone else. Who knows this person, who’s worked with this person in a previous job, everyone knows everyone, and be kind to everyone,” Crosby said.
Melfi also echoed Crosby’s advice and added that networking isn’t as scary or intimidating as it’s made out to be. She said, “It doesn’t have to be so transactional and I think especially in the music industry like we’re all here because we all love music and are so passionate about it.” It’s as simple as bonding about music, favorite artists, current songs, and anything that will help start a personable conversation.
Just like in previous industry panel’s the topic of company wide technical platforms like Google, Microsoft, and even Artifical Intelligence were discussed. While these are important to any job and learning their platform, Govel noted that having a human touch to your work is essential. “I still think that we need to have a human touch when we’re writing emails and stuff like that because you can still feel a difference,” he said.
The conversation wrapped up with a short Q&A from the student audience which included advice on marketing yourself, setting up your LinkedIn, and really starting to share your experiences.
In true BHR and department fashion, the end concluded with two special performances from Women In Music collegiate chapter President, Joleen Amer and BHR member Elijah Elias. Amer performed Michael Jackson’s “Human Nature” from his 1982 “Thriller” album alongside Jeffrey Mendez on the piano. This song was perfect for Amer’s voice and her love for music truly radiated off her while performing.
Elias performed an original composition on the guitar of classic 50s songs including, “Maybellene” by Chuck Berry, “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley, and “Twenty Flight Rock” by Eddie Cochran. Not only is Elias a great guitar player but his artistry shined through and was definitely appreciated by the audience who couldn’t help their smiles.
As this time of year can be stressful for many upcoming graduates and those searching for their next way to stick their foot in the door, this event gave clarity and solace. BHR and the Music & Theatre Arts Department provided students the opportunity to network and have conversations regardless of their area of study. It’s also important to remember that while jobs are important, living life as human beings transcend any full-time position.
Zeller said it best, “At the end of the day, we all want to be in a creative field, and it should be fun.” That is exactly what this event was at its core, a fun moment between creative individuals sharing their knowledge and perspective with Monmouth’s soon-to-be industry playmakers.
