In FSBlog’s Just Launched feature, we talk to brand new Full Sail grads, right out the door from graduation, about what’s next for them as they head out into the workforce. This month’s Just Launched graduate is Bianca Pernice.

Name: Bianca Pernice

Degree Program: Recording Arts

Graduation Date: April 4, 2015

Before Full Sail: I’ve always been obsessed with music and sounds in general. My mom said that when I was a baby I’d make really ridiculous gurgling noises and play with my voice a lot. She thought I was going to be a singer. When I was 12 or 13, I was introduced to a video game called Club World, which gave you preset samples of music that you could arrange. I loved it and that’s when I knew what I wanted to do.

Growing up in Chicago, I listened to Missy Elliott, Timbaland, TLC; the list goes on and on. It’s serendipitous that so many Full Sail alumni have worked with those artists, and helped create the music I grew up listening to. Full Sail graduates have been a part of my life and I didn’t even realize it.

Future Goals: I don’t have a job yet, but I did score an interview for a general assistant position with Hit Factory Criteria in Miami. Back in October, Fabian Marasciullo visited campus and spoke to my Intro to Mixing class, and then I got to sit in on a special event in the Audio Temple. We hit it off and exchanged contact info. Months later, I sent out my resume and cover letter to Trevor Fletcher, the Vice President and General Manager of the Hit Factory.

While I was waiting to hear back from him I was trying to think of what else I could do to get my application noticed. So I emailed Fabian and asked if he could put in a good word for me. He emailed me back right away and said it was done, no problem. Even if I don’t get this job, the plan is to move to Miami to be closer to the industry. My goal for the next three years is to get a position as an assistant and work as hard as possible.

Down the Road: Ultimately, I’d love to be a freelance mixing engineer like Leslie Brathwaite or Carlton Lynn. I’m also really interested in doing voiceover work or voice acting. I have a lot of different accents and voices that I do. If music works out, I’d love to transition into doing sound for movies at some point.

Working It: People have told me that I’ve got a good personality and that I’m good at networking, and that’s really nice to hear. Prior to this, I worked in hospitality for over 10 years, so I think that’s where my area of expertise lies, in reading people.

As far as networking goes, I think the key is to be really open and friendly to everyone. I’m not afraid to ask for things, because the worst that someone could say is no. It’s important to be prepared. I’ve always found it helpful to know a little bit about a person before I talk to them. I also carry business cards and water bottles with my contact information printed on the labels wherever I go. Always having my information available has helped me so much, and it gives you a one up over everyone else. Success is about investment. You have to invest a little time, a little effort, and a little money to get results.