Pulling an all-nighter, making it to kegs and eggs on football Saturdays, and actually graduating in four years are all goals that many Ohio State students hope to accomplish during their college years.

But for Eric Holmes, his years at OSU consist of much more than the average college student.

Holmes, a senior in interactive communications, has spent the past quarter interning at two very prominent companies in New York City. One of his internships is with K-Rock, 92.3 FM, which is one of the top radio stations in the country.

During his time at the station he has not only met popular artists such as Bubba Sparxxx and Blink 182, but has also gotten to reap the benefits of K-Rock being home to Howard Stern’s popular radio show.

“Howard Stern being on the station helps add excitement as well,” Holmes said. “Knowing Pamela Anderson and Gina Gershon are coming in makes the morning fun.”

Holmes’ second internship is at Interscope, one of the No.1 record labels in the country. Although some of his internship responsibilities – getting coffee, organizing huge CD closets – are not spectacular, Holmes is fully aware that these tasks come with the territory and are part of his learning experience in the music industry.

But many of the perks at his Interscope internship are glamorous. A few weeks ago, while eating lunch, Holmes met 50 Cent, one of the rap industry’s most successful new artists. 

“What a nice guy he was,” Holmes said. “He let me take a picture with him and since he looked away too soon, he decided we take another one.”

Working with popular music artists in an action-packed place such as New York City is somewhat of a drastic change from his life prior to the past three months.

“When I first moved here everything was a little overwhelming. I mean, working on the 21st floor in the middle of Manhattan is a lot different than walking 15 minutes to class in Schoenbaum,” Holmes said. “Taking a bus, walking to the train, then walking more to work is a whole new experience.”

Before moving to New York City, Holmes had been interning at CD101, a popular radio station in Columbus. His connections and experience at CD101 helped him to move forward to his current internships. His co-workers agree that his outgoing personality and drive to succeed are also reasons why he will continue to be successful in the future.

“I think the world of Eric. In my view he is excited, motivated and passionate about moving forward in the music business in some way or shape,” said Andy Davis, programming director at CD101. “I like that he is persistent and not afraid to ask and then keep asking for what he wants.”

Although Holmes’s friends and family miss him, they await his return to Columbus, knowing that he has gained much life and career-related experience during his stay in New York City. Holmes, as well, is looking forward to slowing down a bit upon arrival.

“I think that here in Columbus he was more of your typical college student, and in New York City he has gained responsibilities of a working adult,” said Mary-Jo Martin, senior in transportation and logistics, and Holmes’s girlfriend. “I think that this has affected him to become more motivated because he now realizes that he can get so much accomplished in one day.”

In addition to work experience gained while in New York City, Holmes has also developed a sense of what he wants in the near future, upon graduation, and what attributes he may need to personify in order to attain his goals.

Some of his co-workers in Columbus have noticed a positive change.

“I think he is more patient,” Davis said. “I know that’s a short answer, but that’s the thing that stands out in my mind.”

All of the friends and co-workers Holmes has met along the way in both cities have recognized his career potential as well as his capability to be successful at whatever course he chooses.

“Wherever his path leads him I’m sure music will be involved and Eric will be there lending a helping hand in setting the trend,” said Steve Covino, promotions coordinator and DJ at K-Rock. “His eager and positive attitude makes him a pleasure to work with. He’s an all around good guy.”

The most evident reason why Holmes has been so successful during his experiences, in both Columbus and New York City is clearly his love of music. It is a part of his everyday life, both at home and work, and he does not see that changing anytime soon.

“My future goals include graduating in March, then hopefully I will be working in the music business in some way, Holmes said. “I don’t really care if I work at a label or a station, but I know that I would like music to be a part of my life in some way.”