Sydney Munson is a Sophomore Arts Management major, expected to graduate in 2026. She was attracted to the immersive course offerings and opportunities in the arts and cultural scene in Chicago.

1) Where are you from and what made you come to Columbia College Chicago?

My name is Sydney Munson, and I’m a sophomore Arts Management student with a minor in Talent Management here at Columbia. My pronouns are she/her, and I’m originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan. My senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to do something related to the arts given I’d grown up surrounded by them through music and theater, but after stage managing throughout high school I realized I wanted to explore the business and managerial side of the arts and entertainment industry. I knew I had the best shot at a career in arts management in a city, and since Chicago is one of the closest major cities to where I grew up, along with being a hub famous for its arts and cultural scene, I began my college search here and found Columbia College Chicago. I was immediately intrigued by how immersive the different course offerings are with everything from Producing and Touring Live Entertainment to Practicum classes on Events Management as well as Artist Management. This along with the various extra-curricular clubs and organizations offered on campus as well as the fact that many of Columbia’s faculty are adjunct and simultaneously working in their fields ultimately convinced me to commit, excited for the various opportunities I’d be able to engage in when I finally arrived in the Fall of 2021.

2) What is your major and what are you hoping to do with it in the future?

As an Arts Management major minoring in Talent Management, my love for the arts is widespread. My ultimate goal is to work for a live entertainment company, whether that entails touring or producing live shows within a specific venue. I’d also love to do work as a talent agent or work for a talent agency somewhere along my career path, as I’m interested in artist management as well. However, throughout my life, I’d also be happy to do work for an arts-based nonprofit or for museums whether in curation or general operations.

3) How do you feel the Business and Entrepreneurship department has been beneficial in your time here at Columbia College Chicago?

I feel that the immersive and diverse course offerings that Columbia provides as well as the fact that many of our faculty are actively working in their fields gives us as students a very detailed and comprehensive understanding of our industries and specific interest areas. We’re exposed to real world elements by our instructors and through our coursework, ultimately preparing us for work in our industries as soon as we graduate. The department’s leaders and faculty do very well in offering workshops and networking opportunities to further advance our skill sets and become more well-rounded throughout our college experience.