  andy action has proven to be my hero. this is what he wrote today- my career bible. amazing man.
it is long: a warning. "K first off, let it be said that I am honored by your email. you show me great respect, perhaps more than I deserve- but I thank you for your confidence in me as an artist and as someone who works towards what I believe in. secondly, I want to take a moment to point out that industry needs people like you. it sorely lacks people of your conviction and beliefs. sadly, many start with them, but few remain. that's one thing that I've learned: if you stick with what you know you love and what you do well, things will happen eventually.
as far as advice, it's funny that you joked about "getting out while you can," that's my advice. this business is not full of good people- this business eats good people alive. I'll tell you what I always tell kids who ask me if they should get a job or stay in their band- get a job! UNLESS.... you absolutely need to do music. the business doesn't need you- but do you need it?
if you do, then do it- do it 100%, and never look back. but if there's something else that you can do that will fulfill you, or if you want to do something that's less cutthroat or treacherous, than do that! by all means, get out while you still can! it ain't a pretty thing. I'm quite sure that the industry side of things is just as bad, or worse, than it is for bands.
in my experience, people get chewed up and spit out of that meat grinder quicker than bands form and break up...! now that I've scared you out, let's assume you're going to stay in. it sounds to me like you already have the communication skills, the wording, the etiquette necessary to make it in the biz. that's a skill that can't be taught- plus you've got the degree (soon) to back it up. that being said, choose a focus.
it sounds like you lean towards management or PR. make relationships. not fake ones, real ones. find people who you like and who you can relate to, and stick with them. how do you find them? go to where they are: shows, conventions, parties. talk to bands, club owners, promoters, dj's, other people in the biz and ask around to see who works with cool artists that you like and seek to meet them- invite them out for coffee or a meal and ask their advice.
do that all the time and with all of your heart and self. and- most importantly, be the kind of person that they would want to befriend. that, I can't give you advice on except to think about what it is about people you like and nurture that in yourself and your relationships. this is a social business. go into entrepreneurial-self mode. promote yourself in all ways everywhere all day everyday- online, in person, meeting people in and around the industry- and don't just meet them, get to know them.
the trouble is, I suppose, that you live in Iowa. it goes without saying that all this stuff happens in the major cities- and moving there is a plus, but think of what that means: basically (unless you're independently wealthy- which explains how most of the young people in the industry got there), it means that you'll be starving, sleeping on couches, struggling to pay bills and unable to invite anyone out for coffee, let alone dinner!
herein lies the snag: you must FUND, (read: personally pay for) the first several years of your career in the business. how? with cash. there are several ways: 1)get a job that pays (waiting tables, cleaning, anything that's not full time - avoid retail) and pretend that you don't have a job and work/socialize/do the music thing in the off hours (read: never sleep). 2)live at home - no rent, meals sometimes paid for, fewer bills - and pretend that you don't while you work/socialize/do the music thing (read: catch hell from the folks and lose self-respect).
3) invent a scam - i.e. live at a friend's house in exchange for work, live at an office, squat, find a low-cost housing situation (usually involves having relationships in real-estate)- be creative! good luck (read: this is where things usually start getting immoral in the music business- be careful)! 4)get an investor. this is a serious one. just like any small business, you need capital to start up. find a relative, friend, mentor, neighbor, anyone who has money- to invest it in you. make up a business plan and propose it to them... then stick to it (read: "but, I thought I was getting into the music business..."). sound like a lot of work? it is. it fucking sucks. but you know what, any business is like that- if you really want it to work out for you. one thing that is built into success is sacrifice. self-sacrifice. if you skip that aspect, you will fail.
another key here is relationships. make them and get comfortable in them- by email, by phone, in person. all the time. did I mention that? organization is a virtue as well. create and instate a regime for yourself and apply it to this, and all aspects of your life. I've found that the people in this (and any business) who find success have all their ducks in a row, so to speak... let me make sure I've addressed your questions directly.
Q: does it seem I am on the right track? -=A: hell yes. now it's time to get to work... Q: where do you suggest I locate organizations that accept resumes? -=A: find the support teams behind the artists that you like and seek them directly. all these people have email addresses and phone numbers- many of them public. access them and let them know your intentions and seek their advice, approval and perhaps, a job.
be prepared to shoulder a huge financial burden yourself as an incentive for them to let you in the door. Q: It is hard as hell to find anything where they will happily accept entry level resumes without having some kind of previous connection? -=A: incredibly. your main assets: your willingness to work for cheap/free and your ability to make everyone around you happy and inspired. that combination cannot fail to get you in the door... Q: Do you have any suggestions? -=A Did I mention get a job?
lol... Q: Words of wisdom? -=A: honestly, no well, a good strong cup of coffee and an afternoon off and there you go! I hope some of this helps- please keep me up to date on what happens and good luck! -=A http://www.cardiamusic.com/ ps. if you haven't checked out Cardia yet, take a moment to download the free mp3's. it's the best musical work I've ever done! pps. ActionRocksYou@aol.com and CardiaMusic@aol.com are my main email/IM screennames if you want to reach me more quickly...." 
