For Adia Halmick, a 2026 entertainment management graduate and current MBA student at Missouri State University, this summer was about saying yes to new opportunities and discovering where they could lead.

She worked with Savannah Bananas, Drum Corps International (DCI) and Thunder Ridge Nature Arena. Each opportunity introduced her to a different side of the entertainment industry, from merchandising and ticketing to guest services.

“I’m interested in making connections and being a team member behind the scenes,” Halmick said.

Learning through live events

Halmick’s interest in entertainment management began with her experiences in marching bands and concert bands throughout middle and high school. She enjoyed performing, but also wanted to understand what happens behind the scenes to keep events running smoothly. This summer gave her a closer look.

With DCI, Halmick traveled as part of the ticketing team, working six shows over two weeks. Before each event, she helped prepare ticketing equipment, check stadium seating and train volunteers. Once the gates opened, her focus shifted to problem-solving and customer service.

“We’re giving the best customer service we can,” Halmick said.

At her final DCI show, she stepped into the role of box office manager for an event with about 1,800 tickets sold. The responsibility gave her hands-on experience with ticketing systems, point-of-sale devices and resolving guest issues.

Finding a clearer career direction

Trying different roles helped Halmick better understand what she wants from her future career.

Working at the Savannah Bananas introduced her to merchandising, while Thunder Ridge offered experience in guest services.

“I learned that I still like doing a little bit of everything,” Halmick said.

That realization is leading her toward venue and operations management. She likes the variety of working at a venue, where the same space might host a basketball game one day and a concert the next.

“I like how fluid those types of jobs can be,” she said.

Building experience through connections

Halmick did not build her resume in one summer. She began gaining experience early through the Entertainment Management Association on campus. She got to travel and volunteer at major events, including the Super Bowl in 2023 and the NCAA Men’s Final Four earlier this year.

She also interned with the Springfield Symphony in 2025. This experience paved the way for her work with DCI.

Many of Halmick’s opportunities came through classmates who shared them with her. Now, she is paying that support forward by helping other students discover similar opportunities – showing how one student’s connection can open a door for another.

Her advice to students looking for their first experience is simple: Start early.

“This means being open and exploring those opportunities when they come up, instead of saying, ‘I’ll get the experience later,’” Halmick said.

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