Graduation from college is special. Students spend four or more years pursuing a degree that will catapult them forward into their professional lives. But what makes alumni legends in the workforce are those additional endeavors they undertake.

A recent CSU music graduate is on his way to that status. Anthony Lederhos (B.M. Music, ’15), wasted no time starting his professional career off right. Just a few months ago, one of his musical mentors, CSU percussion Professor Shilo Stroman, told him about an internship available at Yamaha.

Yamaha is a well-known manufacturing company with products used by musicians across the globe. Focusing on “Sharing Passion and Performance,” it does everything from creating instruments in every classification (brass, woodwinds, strings and percussion) to helping educators reach their full potential in the classroom.

The opportunity to be a part of a globally recognized company was something Lederhos jumped on immediately. Between his CSU music education and his extracurricular involvement in numerous music organizations, he was chosen for the job. “It was incredibly humbling to have been selected,” Lederhos explained. “I heard that there were 76 applicants, and to be the only one chosen is truly an honor and something I do not take for granted.”

“Yamaha is an amazing company, and it’s hard to get a job there,” said Stroman. “With an internship, you at least have your foot in the door, and it’s huge for gaining industry experience.”

As an intern, Lederhos hit the ground running. After relocating to Buena Park, California, he quickly went to work communicating with sales leads on Yamaha business matters. In the next few weeks, he will be working on market analyzation, competitor analysis and numerous marketing projects to help represent the Yamaha brand. When his internship concludes in October, he will present a research project in which he proposes a solution to a real-world business concern.

Despite having just started his internship, Lederhos is already enjoying his time at Yamaha. “The biggest takeaway I’ve had [is] the experience of working in a corporate environment,” he said. “I am immersed in the day-to-day operations of Yamaha Corporation of America for 40 hours a week.”

The Department of Music, Theatre and Dance will be following his path closely.