Nora Resk (’25)

Marketing Assistant at Verve Label Group

New York, NY
WFU Class of 2025
Major: B.S. in Business and Enterprise Management – concentration in Music Business
Music minor

Career

Tell us about your journey from graduation to current job:

I interned at an independent record label while in college, working there over the summers and part time during the year. I did marketing and helped them prepare campaigns. I knew I wanted to get into music business after graduation, but didn’t know how. I applied for an internship at Universal Music Group. At the internship, I networked with a lot of people. They created a full time role for me at Verve Label out of the internship. The internship ended in August, and I started full time at the end of September. 

How did you find/apply to your current job. Do you have tips for undergrads applying to post grad jobs?

I applied through the website for the Universal internship. I had no connections. My full time position came out of an internal process through Universal.

My biggest challenge in the transition from Wake Forest to my current role was taking what I learned in business and applying it to media. The industry works really differently from the classroom. Tailoring my resume to be more creative definitely made a difference. Also, Universal really values when people include a personal statement on their resume. 

What is your favorite part about where you work?

I get to listen to music every day!!!!! I get to talk to artists and help bring their music to the world!

What and where is next for you?

NYC is the place for me. As long as I can afford it, I’ll be here. Verve is a dream because they specialize in jazz, classical music, and Broadway. I would love to move towards project management.  

Home 

What is your favorite part of living and working in New York City? 

I get to go to a lot of shows as part of my job. I get to see a lot of live music (which there’s never a shortage of)! I joined a community choir! I volunteer at the Museum of Art. I’ve been able to build a life for myself outside of my job

What is the most interesting thing going on in the art scene there at the moment, in your opinion?

Coming back to the city after being at Wake for four years, I’m realizing the sheer amount of art being produced in the city at any given moment. You have to look for the cool things. There are so many new venues that I continually find out about. People are really seeking the arts here!

Wake/Advice

How much did your studies and general experience at Wake inform or drive your career path?

The community at Wake was really important. Chamber Choir was especially inspirational because there were only a few music majors and everyone had a lot of other things going on. That inspired me to do what I want to do and follow my passions. Wake gave me the tools to forge my own path, from my custom concentration, advice from career advisors and more.

What advice would you give to a student reading your profile?

Use your resources; ask alumni your questions; don’t be afraid to try new things. This industry takes some grit, so you need to make opportunities for yourself. 

At the end of the day, you get jobs from being in the right place at the right time. Be patient. I didn’t think the internship would turn into a job when I accepted it. It works out.