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Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com: Advize Career Interview
A career in music journalism, as detailed by EDM.com's Managing Editor, began in music publicity with major artists.
The path involved developing diverse writing skills and transitioned into managing a large team, assigning content, and personally contributing daily to the world's largest dance music website.
This high-stakes role demands meticulous attention to detail, collaborative skills, and a proactive approach to finding timely news.
The work is fast-paced but rewarding, involving diverse writing styles, access to industry events, and interaction with renowned artists.
Success in this field hinges on curiosity, innovation, and a willingness to push creative boundaries, despite the demanding "grunt work." Entry-level opportunities include reporting and freelancing, and kindness is highlighted as a key to success in navigating the industry's challenges.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Jason Heffler
Managing Editor
EDM.com
University of Arizona
N/A
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Creative Writing, Journalism
Arts, Entertainment & Media
Communication and Marketing
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Career Path of a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason's career path began in music publicity, working with major names like Steve Aoki, Deadmau5, and the Rolling Stones at dimac and another PR firm, where Jason learned to "write tons of different material." This experience, coupled with simultaneous freelance writing for various publications, led to Jason's current role as Managing Editor at EDM.com.
Main Responsibilities of a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, oversees operations for the "largest dance music website in the world," managing a team of 20 writers, assigning content, and personally writing several articles daily. This includes a meticulous fact-checking process, ensuring accuracy and avoiding legal issues, reflecting the high-stakes nature of Jason's role in managing a high-traffic website.
A Day in the Life of a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, describes a fast-paced workday involving "about 10 hours" of managing a high volume of pitches, editing articles ("facts checking, revisions"), and proactively seeking timely news stories for the website. The work culminates in assigning content for the following day, all while maintaining an "empty inbox" at day's end.
Most Important Skills for a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, emphasizes meticulous attention to detail as paramount, stating that "every syllable has to be spot on and accurate" given the platform's size and scrutiny. Effective collaboration and maintaining positive relationships with colleagues, including publicists and managers, are also crucial for success in this role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason's favorite aspect of being Managing Editor at EDM.com is the immersion in "all the different styles of writing" submitted by the team, finding fresh and diverse voices to fill content gaps within the ever-evolving music landscape; this allows for daily exposure to "something just crazy and wild and new."
Biggest Challenges Faced by a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, finds the biggest challenge is "challenging staff to investigate a little bit more and innovate a little bit more," pushing them beyond comfort zones and habitual story topics to explore areas like cultural movements, even if it is "scary." This highlights the difficulty in fostering a creative and adaptable mindset within a team, particularly in a potentially formulaic field like music journalism.
Favorite Parts of Working in the Music Industry as a Managing Editor
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, most enjoys the "perks" of the music media industry, including free access to festivals and shows and the chance to "speak with" and learn from favorite artists and entrepreneurs. This access allows Jason to leverage their position to connect with and interview industry heroes.
What Type Of Person Thrives In Music Journalism, According To A Managing Editor At EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, challenges the common "fast-paced" industry description, asserting that genuine curiosity and a proactive mindset are key to success. The ability to constantly seek "new exciting avenues to explore" and remain attuned to emerging trends are what truly define those who thrive, according to Jason.
What a Managing Editor at EDM.com Wishes They Had Known before Entering the Music Industry
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, reveals the music industry is far from glamorous, emphasizing the "years and years of really really brutal grunt work" required. The rewards are significant for those who persevere, making it a career path for "survivors" who are ultimately "happy" with the outcome of their dedication.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Reporters
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, highlights two entry-level paths for undergraduate students interested in the field: working as a reporter for "news stations and digital Outlets," or pursuing "freelancing" by pitching story ideas to various outlets. This advice reflects the diverse opportunities available in the industry for those starting their careers.
Significant Career Lesson From a Managing Editor at EDM.com
Jason, Managing Editor at EDM.com, emphasizes the significant impact of kindness in the workplace, stating "you need to treat everyone...with kindness," a lesson learned from experiencing "brutal...mean unprofessional managers." This approach fosters a positive work environment and, in Jason's experience, results in better work from their staff.
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