Meet The Team: Camilla Whitfield | Sony Mentorship

Originally from Cumbria, I always coveted a career in the music industry and began crafting a career in music journalism when I was seventeen. Fast forward seven years, I’m working as a Marketing Coordinator for Generator, a Glastonbury Emerging Talent Judge, and a writer for several publications, including 1883 Magazine, The Hippie Shake, Come Play With Me, and more. Recently, I joined the 6-month mentorship scheme with Sony for creatives aged between 18-24, through an open call with Creative Mentor Network.    

A range of departments are represented in the Positive Influence scheme, including Music, Interactive, Publishing, Electronics, and Pictures. Out of all the applications, there was a shortlist of around 40 people which was then whittled down to around 24 successful applicants following the interview stage. Each person was able to express their two preferences, with mine being Music and Publishing.  

I never expected to be chosen and was delighted when I received the email confirming my place. At the end of April, I attended part 1 of the induction on Zoom for their sixth cohort, which was my first chance to get an in-depth overview of the programme and meet with my cohort for the first time.     

On the 1st of May, I travelled to London for part 2 of the induction held at their HQ. It was the first ‘pinch me’ moment of many and I really enjoyed getting to know the other mentees in person. After listening to a presentation, a Q&A with a successful mentee from last year’s cohort, and setting our goals for the programme – I discovered that I was paired up with a Senior Marketing Manager for Columbia Records and was overjoyed with my match. I met with them, and we spent time getting to know each other, which was lovely. My evening ended with a celebratory dinner at a Korean restaurant in Notting Hill.   

The following day, after having breakfast at Farm Girl, I was given the opportunity through Generator to shadow my CEO, Mick Ross at Warner Music UK. Sitting in on a meeting with the Chairman/CEO at Warner Music UK, Tony Harlow, was certainly surreal. I was also able to shadow our Music Industry Intern, Lucy, through her meetings during her week at Atlantic Records. Listening to her conversations with Senior Audience Manager, Luna Cohen-Solal and General Manager, Liz Goodwin, was truly inspiring. Throughout my two days in London, what really shone through was the passion these creatives have for the music scene, and their enthusiasm to share their knowledge with the next generation.     

Through my bi-weekly meetings with my mentor so far, I’ve received invaluable advice, podcast and newsletter recommendations, as well as meetings with their network, and offers to exciting events which I wouldn’t get the chance to have otherwise.    

The next social event I’m looking forward to is the mid-point mixer in July, where I’ll have meetings at Sony Music with my mentor and their network, before heading to Sony Pictures in the evening to meet with my cohort and their mentors.    

The final showcase in September will be really exciting, and I feel honoured to have been chosen for this opportunity. What I’ve learned so far sounds so cliche, but to trust the process, keep going, don’t undervalue networking, and keep making things happen for yourself. I’m looking forward to continue building on my skills and using them in my work at Generator, so that I can continue helping others to break into the industry.