So sincerest apologies about the lack of posting. With my roommate leaving this past week, I didn't realize we had a utilities bill due, oh, June 15th. So last week, without any warning (since I'm an idiot and don't check my mail), they shut off my internet. I'm a little scared to attempt blogging at work. I don't want to seem like I'm "bored".
So now I sit at my friends apartment using his internet to reflect upon my past week.
I feel like I'm a VERY eager intern. I love to do the "menial" tasks that come with an internship. I really do. I'm assigned a mentor, or boss, that is supposed to give me both, if not all, of my tasks. Well ... I think because I'm the only intern in my area I feel that I'm not only assigned to my mentor but also the other 15 people within my bosses domain. It gets so very demanding with a thousand job requests coming my way. It is severely stressful but I came to realize that it TRULY is making me a much "stronger" intern.
I think for we interns, it's very important to respect every task we receive. I'll be the first to admit that fetching Starbucks for your boss without a little extra cash for yourself is not fun. Neither is a hand full of papercuts because you've trimmed over 300 invites for a BIG party... which you're definitely not invited to. Nor is realizing you've been working on a project that just got cut from the magazine. But you know what? All of those things make us a better and more well-rounded intern, which means a greater chance of getting hired later on. Even if you spend 30 hours "wasted" on a project that never makes it to press, if you do it with a smile it will get you so much farther. It will also make your tasks overall much easier to take.
This may seem like a fairly obvious piece of information but when you're in that situation, you can easily forget how far a frown goes. So this week, vow to do everything (no matter how small or insignificant) with a big smile. Just wait and see how much easier your week gets!
Have a good one!!
Monday, June 30, 2008
A Jersey intern's worst nightmare: the commute to NYC
Anybody who’s ever had to commute into Manhattan during rush hour can tell you—it sucks. But when you’re commuting as an unpaid intern and the money for the bus tickets and Metrocards are coming out of your own pocket, that makes the commute that much more unbearable.
Ok, maybe I’m blowing this whole thing out of proportion. One the one hand, I’m lucky that I have the luxury of living in my parents’ home—there’s nothing like eating a great home-cooked meal and curling up into your own bed after a tiring day on the job. And of course, I don’t have to worry about where I’ll get the money for my next rent check or my next meal.
But a commute like the one I do 3 times a week can really tire a girl out. First, I need to take the bus from my hometown in Jersey into Port Authority. Granted, I pop in my iPod headphones and take a cat nap in the Lincoln Tunnel, but the almost-one-hour ride is anything but relaxing. Next, I hop on the blue subway line, which is, to my luck, always filled to capacity with sweaty old men, whining toddlers, and uptight business women. I then get out at a stop that’s a few blocks away from my office and walk 5 blocks and an avenue to my building. Total time of morning commute=almost 2 hours.
Don’t get me wrong. I feel for all you interns who are dorming in the city and struggling to make ends meet. I’m sure eating Ramen noodles for dinner and skimping out on Starbucks(or, um, after-work cocktails) a few times a week to save an extra penny is no fun feat. But I’d literally kill for the extra hour of sleep you get and that extra ten bucks you save for not having to pay for bus tickets. Really, I'm so jealous.
But, fellow edsters, I really can’t complain. I’m lucky enough to be interning at a large NYC publishing house, at a magazine that I love. And I’m actually really thankful that I live in the New York area, so my dream job is literally just a quick bus and subway ride away. So yeah, it's always fun to complain(and vent) once in a while but, come to think of it, the pros of my NYC internship are definitely outweighing the cons.
Anyway, I’ve gotta go eat dinner. Tonight, my mom's making lasagna.
--Ed’s Intern #1
Ok, maybe I’m blowing this whole thing out of proportion. One the one hand, I’m lucky that I have the luxury of living in my parents’ home—there’s nothing like eating a great home-cooked meal and curling up into your own bed after a tiring day on the job. And of course, I don’t have to worry about where I’ll get the money for my next rent check or my next meal.
But a commute like the one I do 3 times a week can really tire a girl out. First, I need to take the bus from my hometown in Jersey into Port Authority. Granted, I pop in my iPod headphones and take a cat nap in the Lincoln Tunnel, but the almost-one-hour ride is anything but relaxing. Next, I hop on the blue subway line, which is, to my luck, always filled to capacity with sweaty old men, whining toddlers, and uptight business women. I then get out at a stop that’s a few blocks away from my office and walk 5 blocks and an avenue to my building. Total time of morning commute=almost 2 hours.
Don’t get me wrong. I feel for all you interns who are dorming in the city and struggling to make ends meet. I’m sure eating Ramen noodles for dinner and skimping out on Starbucks(or, um, after-work cocktails) a few times a week to save an extra penny is no fun feat. But I’d literally kill for the extra hour of sleep you get and that extra ten bucks you save for not having to pay for bus tickets. Really, I'm so jealous.
But, fellow edsters, I really can’t complain. I’m lucky enough to be interning at a large NYC publishing house, at a magazine that I love. And I’m actually really thankful that I live in the New York area, so my dream job is literally just a quick bus and subway ride away. So yeah, it's always fun to complain(and vent) once in a while but, come to think of it, the pros of my NYC internship are definitely outweighing the cons.
Anyway, I’ve gotta go eat dinner. Tonight, my mom's making lasagna.
--Ed’s Intern #1
Sunday, June 29, 2008
College friendships and serious connections
I’m happy to say that last week’s task of booking interviews with an amazing list of bands/artists ended well. I was able to get eight (out of 10) scheduled, within only five days! It was a satisfying end to several late evenings spent tracking down music publicists.
But I will confess, I couldn’t have done it all on my own. I must duly thank the fantastic concept of college social networking for the week’s success.
I’ve said several times before that I worked as an editor at my college newspaper. Well, the music editor for the paper graduated in the spring and landed a job at a large record label in New York. As you might have guessed, there were artists I had to contact who were signed to the label she works for.
I told her about my task during a lunch break Facebook chat, and asked if she knew the best ways to contact them. She helped me track down some of those hard-to-reach A-list names, and talked up the magazine to the label’s Director of Publicity, so they would agree to the feature!
Only months ago, we were interviewing student bands for the college paper and going to keg parties. Now, here we are, making things happen in the real media world.
So remember Edsters, it’s never too early to start networking.
Those carefree college friends might get you a pat-on-the-back from an impressed editor someday.
--Ed's Intern #4
But I will confess, I couldn’t have done it all on my own. I must duly thank the fantastic concept of college social networking for the week’s success.
I’ve said several times before that I worked as an editor at my college newspaper. Well, the music editor for the paper graduated in the spring and landed a job at a large record label in New York. As you might have guessed, there were artists I had to contact who were signed to the label she works for.
I told her about my task during a lunch break Facebook chat, and asked if she knew the best ways to contact them. She helped me track down some of those hard-to-reach A-list names, and talked up the magazine to the label’s Director of Publicity, so they would agree to the feature!
Only months ago, we were interviewing student bands for the college paper and going to keg parties. Now, here we are, making things happen in the real media world.
So remember Edsters, it’s never too early to start networking.
Those carefree college friends might get you a pat-on-the-back from an impressed editor someday.
--Ed's Intern #4
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Who needs Ben & Jerry's when you have a fab internship?
What’s an unpaid intern to do when she’s suffering from boy problems and too poor to embark on the necessary shopping spree that would inevitably cure her sorrows?
Why, she focuses even more intently on her internship, of course!
Lately I’ve been having my fair share of problems with the menfolk, which causes me plenty of angst. But luckily I’ve been able to channel the energy I’d normally spend on obsessively finishing pint after pint of Ben and Jerry’s into being the best intern I can be. Besides, my internship’s expiration date is quickly approaching (less than a month and a half to go) and I need to focus solely on that, not boys.
So lately I’ve been trying extra hard to do well in every aspect of my internship, including small details such as punctuality. I’m a punctual person by nature, typically five minutes early for everything. However, the horrific and unpredictable Atlanta traffic hasn’t allowed me to be that prompt as of late. Every morning I wake up thinking that today, just maybe, I won’t end up stuck in traffic, only to be gravely disappointed as I sit at a standstill on the highway. But with all the effort I’m not spending on boys, I’ve been able to spend time mapquesting different routes and looking at backstreets. Next week I'll hopefully be punctual once again.
I've also applied my boyless energy in other ways. This week I put a sufficient amount of time and effort into creating an organized filing system for press releases. Now when my editor needs a certain press release, it'll take her two seconds (not literally) to find it, rather than having to spend an inordinate amount of time sifting through piles upon piles of them. In addition, I've compiled a contact list of area retailers, read all the recent copies of our rival publications and helped copy-edit several features for our August issue, which literally just got sent to the printer.
Focusing solely on my internship, particularly on the most minute of details, really is the best thing for me at the moment. Why worry about anything else when I have such an amazing thing going on?
My apologies, Ben and Jerry. I really have no need for you right now.
—Ed’s Intern #3
Why, she focuses even more intently on her internship, of course!
Lately I’ve been having my fair share of problems with the menfolk, which causes me plenty of angst. But luckily I’ve been able to channel the energy I’d normally spend on obsessively finishing pint after pint of Ben and Jerry’s into being the best intern I can be. Besides, my internship’s expiration date is quickly approaching (less than a month and a half to go) and I need to focus solely on that, not boys.
So lately I’ve been trying extra hard to do well in every aspect of my internship, including small details such as punctuality. I’m a punctual person by nature, typically five minutes early for everything. However, the horrific and unpredictable Atlanta traffic hasn’t allowed me to be that prompt as of late. Every morning I wake up thinking that today, just maybe, I won’t end up stuck in traffic, only to be gravely disappointed as I sit at a standstill on the highway. But with all the effort I’m not spending on boys, I’ve been able to spend time mapquesting different routes and looking at backstreets. Next week I'll hopefully be punctual once again.
I've also applied my boyless energy in other ways. This week I put a sufficient amount of time and effort into creating an organized filing system for press releases. Now when my editor needs a certain press release, it'll take her two seconds (not literally) to find it, rather than having to spend an inordinate amount of time sifting through piles upon piles of them. In addition, I've compiled a contact list of area retailers, read all the recent copies of our rival publications and helped copy-edit several features for our August issue, which literally just got sent to the printer.
Focusing solely on my internship, particularly on the most minute of details, really is the best thing for me at the moment. Why worry about anything else when I have such an amazing thing going on?
My apologies, Ben and Jerry. I really have no need for you right now.
—Ed’s Intern #3
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Positive feedback=1 happy intern
I’ll let you in on a little secret—I’m celebrity obsessed. I’d rather read about Brangelina’s twins than Barack Obama winning the Democratic(or is it Republican?) nomination. Sad, but true.
So you can imagine my delight when my editor at the website I’m interning for gave me my dream assignment; to find pictures of 20 celebrities wearing strange or ugly outfits and write catchy, witty blurbs about each. I love celebrities. I love fashion. Heck, I’m even a little witty. This assignment was my calling. I really wanted to do this right.
For the entire day, my fellow intern and I scoured the web for pictures of celebrities having those “what were they thinking? fashion moments. I’d compiled my list of 20. I’d done some background research on the celebrities I wasn’t too familiar with. I’d spent hours writing and rewriting my 3 sentence blurbs so they were catchy, funny, and to the point, as my editor had wanted.
5:00 rolls around and I’m putting the final touches on my piece. I was a little iffy about some of my headlines (did I really just write Geri Halliwell: Shlumpy Spice as a headline? Yikes), and I wasn’t positive that my blurbs were quite as clever as I’d wanted them to be. But, what the heck. I emailed the Word doc in an attachment to my editor and waited for her response. This was the moment of truth.
By a quarter to six, my editor had read the piece and responded with her comments. “This is amazing!”, the email opened with. “I’m so impressed you did this so fast and I think you’re a fab writer. Will do a few minor edits and we’ll build it onto the site next week.”
I breathed a sign of relief. While this wasn’t my first writing assignment I’ve had at my internship, it was the one that I was the most passionate about. And to get back some amazing feedback from a nitpicky editor was, of course, extremely gratifying.
See ya next week! In the meantime, I’d love to hear your stories about the great jobs you’re doing at your own internships.
--Ed's Intern #1
So you can imagine my delight when my editor at the website I’m interning for gave me my dream assignment; to find pictures of 20 celebrities wearing strange or ugly outfits and write catchy, witty blurbs about each. I love celebrities. I love fashion. Heck, I’m even a little witty. This assignment was my calling. I really wanted to do this right.
For the entire day, my fellow intern and I scoured the web for pictures of celebrities having those “what were they thinking? fashion moments. I’d compiled my list of 20. I’d done some background research on the celebrities I wasn’t too familiar with. I’d spent hours writing and rewriting my 3 sentence blurbs so they were catchy, funny, and to the point, as my editor had wanted.
5:00 rolls around and I’m putting the final touches on my piece. I was a little iffy about some of my headlines (did I really just write Geri Halliwell: Shlumpy Spice as a headline? Yikes), and I wasn’t positive that my blurbs were quite as clever as I’d wanted them to be. But, what the heck. I emailed the Word doc in an attachment to my editor and waited for her response. This was the moment of truth.
By a quarter to six, my editor had read the piece and responded with her comments. “This is amazing!”, the email opened with. “I’m so impressed you did this so fast and I think you’re a fab writer. Will do a few minor edits and we’ll build it onto the site next week.”
I breathed a sign of relief. While this wasn’t my first writing assignment I’ve had at my internship, it was the one that I was the most passionate about. And to get back some amazing feedback from a nitpicky editor was, of course, extremely gratifying.
See ya next week! In the meantime, I’d love to hear your stories about the great jobs you’re doing at your own internships.
--Ed's Intern #1
Viva la vida
There have been some late evenings in the office this week. I'm sitting here waiting for NY time to roll around (I have about an hour before the work day starts) and following that there are calls to make in LA (which means four hours).
The mag I'm working for has a strong base in the fashion, film, and contemporary art industries, but next month they'll be introducing music. So in preparation, my editor has given me a list of bands/artists that we will feature, and has asked me to schedule interviews and photo shoots for the next few weeks. And, let's just say, there are some BIG names on this list. Like, been-to-Madison Square Garden, back again, and again BIG.
I was shocked and flattered to be trusted with such an important task, but I knew it wouldn't be an easy one.
I started Monday. I did a quick Google search to find out each band's label, and proceeded to contact the press office for each. The press offices either transferred me to a management agency or publicist, or said they would contact them and get back to me the second they could confirm. So most of my week has been spent waiting, patiently.
And calling.
And calling back.
And calling back, again.
In the meantime, in addition to my obsessive perusing of Gawker and The New York Times, I've had time to process the reality of how I'm spending my summer.
On the messy desk next to me there's a pile of print-outs from a celebrity photo shoot, a marked-up copy of a feature on Christian Lacroix, and a black phone book filled with contacts of the biggest designers, actors, and artists working today. Whoa... I'm actually at my dream internship!
And outside, there's a bright, sunny London.
(Seriously, it hasn't rained since Saturday!)
Although I'm broke and thousands of miles away from my friends, this internship is probably the best decision I've made in my life. Even if I am just that annoying girl who's been pestering the music industry all week.
--Ed's Intern #4
The mag I'm working for has a strong base in the fashion, film, and contemporary art industries, but next month they'll be introducing music. So in preparation, my editor has given me a list of bands/artists that we will feature, and has asked me to schedule interviews and photo shoots for the next few weeks. And, let's just say, there are some BIG names on this list. Like, been-to-Madison Square Garden, back again, and again BIG.
I was shocked and flattered to be trusted with such an important task, but I knew it wouldn't be an easy one.
I started Monday. I did a quick Google search to find out each band's label, and proceeded to contact the press office for each. The press offices either transferred me to a management agency or publicist, or said they would contact them and get back to me the second they could confirm. So most of my week has been spent waiting, patiently.
And calling.
And calling back.
And calling back, again.
In the meantime, in addition to my obsessive perusing of Gawker and The New York Times, I've had time to process the reality of how I'm spending my summer.
On the messy desk next to me there's a pile of print-outs from a celebrity photo shoot, a marked-up copy of a feature on Christian Lacroix, and a black phone book filled with contacts of the biggest designers, actors, and artists working today. Whoa... I'm actually at my dream internship!
And outside, there's a bright, sunny London.
(Seriously, it hasn't rained since Saturday!)
Although I'm broke and thousands of miles away from my friends, this internship is probably the best decision I've made in my life. Even if I am just that annoying girl who's been pestering the music industry all week.
--Ed's Intern #4
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Parents, unpaid internships and money troubles, oh my!
Last night I received the most dreaded of phone calls. I remember the moment well. I was sitting in my room, watching BBC’s “Extras” and having a laugh, just living the lazy life, when all of the sudden, out of the blue, my beloved cell phone rang.
It was my mother. Ready to give me a lecture about money. Or rather, my lack of money.
You see, my parents, I suppose, are not the kind of people who are very familiar with the concept of unpaid internships. When I told them the fantastic news—that I had accepted an internship in Atlanta—they were so happy for me! Within the HOUR I received e-mails from grandmothers, aunts and family friends. It was one of those noteworthy moments that surely would have been included in the family newsletter… if we were the Cleavers.
My mother was thrilled because, not only was her daughter going to be doing something that would give her bragging rights, but I would finally have a paying job! Or so she thought.
I spent much of the past school year working as an editor for my school paper. The experience was great, but the pay was little and I had to depend on my parents financially. This, of course, never thrilled them. They always thought that children (or, in my case, 21-year-olds) need to work for their money.
They certainly weren’t thrilled when they found out my internship was unpaid. Nor were they thrilled when, for some reason, I just couldn’t find a part-time job. Nor were they thrilled when they received a well-worded and butt-kissing e-mail from me yesterday, in which I asked for more money.
But today I got another phone call. Finally, somebody gave me a job!
Don’t be too excited for me, though, Edsters. It’s only a short-term gig as a promoter for a new movie. I’ll be shamelessly passing out flyers and giving away free movie posters, beach balls and other trinkets. It’s certainly not the most glamorous or dignified job, but hey, it’s a job all the same, and I’m really glad to have it. Sometimes I think of how unfair it is that my parents have to sit there and pay for me to live in a big city following my dream, when I could easily be at home working and making money. Now, I’ll be able to contribute, even if it’s just a small amount.
So, here you go, Ma and Pa! With each flyer I hand out, I’ll be giving away a piece of my dignity… for you.
--Ed’s Intern #3
It was my mother. Ready to give me a lecture about money. Or rather, my lack of money.
You see, my parents, I suppose, are not the kind of people who are very familiar with the concept of unpaid internships. When I told them the fantastic news—that I had accepted an internship in Atlanta—they were so happy for me! Within the HOUR I received e-mails from grandmothers, aunts and family friends. It was one of those noteworthy moments that surely would have been included in the family newsletter… if we were the Cleavers.
My mother was thrilled because, not only was her daughter going to be doing something that would give her bragging rights, but I would finally have a paying job! Or so she thought.
I spent much of the past school year working as an editor for my school paper. The experience was great, but the pay was little and I had to depend on my parents financially. This, of course, never thrilled them. They always thought that children (or, in my case, 21-year-olds) need to work for their money.
They certainly weren’t thrilled when they found out my internship was unpaid. Nor were they thrilled when, for some reason, I just couldn’t find a part-time job. Nor were they thrilled when they received a well-worded and butt-kissing e-mail from me yesterday, in which I asked for more money.
But today I got another phone call. Finally, somebody gave me a job!
Don’t be too excited for me, though, Edsters. It’s only a short-term gig as a promoter for a new movie. I’ll be shamelessly passing out flyers and giving away free movie posters, beach balls and other trinkets. It’s certainly not the most glamorous or dignified job, but hey, it’s a job all the same, and I’m really glad to have it. Sometimes I think of how unfair it is that my parents have to sit there and pay for me to live in a big city following my dream, when I could easily be at home working and making money. Now, I’ll be able to contribute, even if it’s just a small amount.
So, here you go, Ma and Pa! With each flyer I hand out, I’ll be giving away a piece of my dignity… for you.
--Ed’s Intern #3
Monday, June 23, 2008
The wonderous uses of email...at work
What ever happened to plain ol’ face-to-face communication?
It seems like even at the workplace, email has replaced conversation. At both my internships, if my editor needs me, be it to give me an assignment, let me know she’s stepping out to lunch, or to remind me to do something, her preferred mode of communication is usually email. And while I myself rely heavily on the internet while at work, mainly to Google like a mad-woman to complete a research assignment or to, um, Facebook chat with my friends in my downtime, I don’t find it necessary to email someone who’s sitting a few cubicles away from me.
The other day, for example, the editor at the website I’m working for e-mailed me to let me know she’d be coming over my desk in 10 minutes to show me how to use the new backend publishing program. Couldn’t she have just come over in ten minutes? Seriously, people. There’s no need for the warning.
So here’s what I propose. Instead of sending an email, come over and tell me what you had to say. I know my desk is a few feet over and the trek to intern row is a tiring one, but talking to me is more efficient, quicker, and a heck-of-a lot more personal. Plus, don’t you want to get out a little? Taking a little walk around the office to come find me won’t hurt—I know I personally will find any excuse I can to escape my tiny cubicle every so often.
Do any of you interns correspond with your editors mostly through email, or even IM? Am I wrong in thinking that emailing between two people is totally unnecessary when you’re both in the same place?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. In the meantime, I’m off to check my email. Hmmm…it looks like I have another assignment on my hands…
--Ed’s Intern #1
It seems like even at the workplace, email has replaced conversation. At both my internships, if my editor needs me, be it to give me an assignment, let me know she’s stepping out to lunch, or to remind me to do something, her preferred mode of communication is usually email. And while I myself rely heavily on the internet while at work, mainly to Google like a mad-woman to complete a research assignment or to, um, Facebook chat with my friends in my downtime, I don’t find it necessary to email someone who’s sitting a few cubicles away from me.
The other day, for example, the editor at the website I’m working for e-mailed me to let me know she’d be coming over my desk in 10 minutes to show me how to use the new backend publishing program. Couldn’t she have just come over in ten minutes? Seriously, people. There’s no need for the warning.
So here’s what I propose. Instead of sending an email, come over and tell me what you had to say. I know my desk is a few feet over and the trek to intern row is a tiring one, but talking to me is more efficient, quicker, and a heck-of-a lot more personal. Plus, don’t you want to get out a little? Taking a little walk around the office to come find me won’t hurt—I know I personally will find any excuse I can to escape my tiny cubicle every so often.
Do any of you interns correspond with your editors mostly through email, or even IM? Am I wrong in thinking that emailing between two people is totally unnecessary when you’re both in the same place?!
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. In the meantime, I’m off to check my email. Hmmm…it looks like I have another assignment on my hands…
--Ed’s Intern #1
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Working in a bar, experience for my magazine career?
After several painful weeks of scamming Craigslist, Gumtree, and other classified sources for part-time work, I finally found a job!
So from 10-6 on the weekdays I’m buzzing around at the mag office, and from 7-1:30 Thursday through Saturday, I’m serving appetizers, mixing cocktails, and clearing tables at a cute and quirky Swedish bar.
Sitting here writing this is probably the first time (aside from sleeping) that I’ve stopped moving since Thursday morning! The days I work both, there’s enough time between shifts to catch the bus home, change, grab a granola bar, and catch the bus again.
It’s exhausting but so far, so good. I got paid last night for the first time in over a month and it felt amazing! I have late credit card bills to pay, rent coming up, and it’ll be nice to treat myself to something new to wear to work. After all, one suitcase full of clothes can only get a girl so far.
The bar is also a fun, social atmosphere. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like a job.(I mean, making cocktails! Hello, fun!) The people are nice and I don’t mind the work, which is the same way I feel about my internship.
I was chatting with one of our photo editors about my new job, and found out that she actually works several jobs as well. She freelances at a national newspaper based in London, and also DJs at a club on weekends.
I was really surprised. I thought once you had a magazine editorial job you were set, but I guess even those people with dream jobs like to stay busy. Look at Chandra and all the Ed 2010 staffers, they have amazing jobs and still put so much time into working on Ed.
So editors, I’m curious to hear what you have to say about second jobs. Do a lot of editors have them? Is it okay to branch out to other things? Will it keep you from climbing the editorial ladder?
From an intern’s position, I see the new job helping me in my future magazine career. I'm definitely getting better at time-management and multi-tasking because of it, and we all know those are the rum and mint in the mojito of the Mag world.
--Ed's Intern #4
So from 10-6 on the weekdays I’m buzzing around at the mag office, and from 7-1:30 Thursday through Saturday, I’m serving appetizers, mixing cocktails, and clearing tables at a cute and quirky Swedish bar.
Sitting here writing this is probably the first time (aside from sleeping) that I’ve stopped moving since Thursday morning! The days I work both, there’s enough time between shifts to catch the bus home, change, grab a granola bar, and catch the bus again.
It’s exhausting but so far, so good. I got paid last night for the first time in over a month and it felt amazing! I have late credit card bills to pay, rent coming up, and it’ll be nice to treat myself to something new to wear to work. After all, one suitcase full of clothes can only get a girl so far.
The bar is also a fun, social atmosphere. Sometimes it doesn’t feel like a job.(I mean, making cocktails! Hello, fun!) The people are nice and I don’t mind the work, which is the same way I feel about my internship.
I was chatting with one of our photo editors about my new job, and found out that she actually works several jobs as well. She freelances at a national newspaper based in London, and also DJs at a club on weekends.
I was really surprised. I thought once you had a magazine editorial job you were set, but I guess even those people with dream jobs like to stay busy. Look at Chandra and all the Ed 2010 staffers, they have amazing jobs and still put so much time into working on Ed.
So editors, I’m curious to hear what you have to say about second jobs. Do a lot of editors have them? Is it okay to branch out to other things? Will it keep you from climbing the editorial ladder?
From an intern’s position, I see the new job helping me in my future magazine career. I'm definitely getting better at time-management and multi-tasking because of it, and we all know those are the rum and mint in the mojito of the Mag world.
--Ed's Intern #4
Saturday, June 21, 2008
The perks of interning at a smaller mag
One thing many potential interns might not realize is that, with your first internship, you really can’t aim too high. Typically, interns have to start out at local magazines, slowly working their way up the magazine food chain to one of those prized unpaid internships at a national mag in New York (unless they are BFFs with a Hearst or have some other freakishly fortunate connection to the magazine world).
I really lucked out with this, my first internship. Rather than start out at a local magazine in my college town, I was able to land an internship with a regional magazine in Atlanta, an exciting cosmopolitan city with a seriously thriving magazine market.
Can you say jackpot?
I really feel as though starting out at this particular magazine, with its smaller staff and laid back atmosphere, has been the best thing for my education in magazine journalism. I am one of those anomalies who chose to major in a liberal arts subject, rather than journalism or communication. Therefore, prior to this internship, I had learned all I knew about journalism from my days working on my high school and college newspapers.
With my internship, though, I feel like I’m getting a J-School experience… for free (and in a three-month period). It’s as if my internship is an express class and the editor I work under is my professor.
Since my mag has a really small staff, I get to do a lot of writing assignments, which is basically unheard of in the internship world. When the editor tweaks my pieces, she explains why she is making each edit and how I can improve my writing for the next assignment. She is always positive and encouraging, showing me different aspects of the magazine and explaining how, exactly, each department runs and why each is integral in the publishing process. I also get to help copy-edit, fact check and assist on photo shoots… the whole shebang.
So in summation, dear Edsters: don’t aim too high when applying for internships. The education one receives at a smaller publication is simply priceless.
With l-u-v,
Ed’s Intern #3
I really lucked out with this, my first internship. Rather than start out at a local magazine in my college town, I was able to land an internship with a regional magazine in Atlanta, an exciting cosmopolitan city with a seriously thriving magazine market.
Can you say jackpot?
I really feel as though starting out at this particular magazine, with its smaller staff and laid back atmosphere, has been the best thing for my education in magazine journalism. I am one of those anomalies who chose to major in a liberal arts subject, rather than journalism or communication. Therefore, prior to this internship, I had learned all I knew about journalism from my days working on my high school and college newspapers.
With my internship, though, I feel like I’m getting a J-School experience… for free (and in a three-month period). It’s as if my internship is an express class and the editor I work under is my professor.
Since my mag has a really small staff, I get to do a lot of writing assignments, which is basically unheard of in the internship world. When the editor tweaks my pieces, she explains why she is making each edit and how I can improve my writing for the next assignment. She is always positive and encouraging, showing me different aspects of the magazine and explaining how, exactly, each department runs and why each is integral in the publishing process. I also get to help copy-edit, fact check and assist on photo shoots… the whole shebang.
So in summation, dear Edsters: don’t aim too high when applying for internships. The education one receives at a smaller publication is simply priceless.
With l-u-v,
Ed’s Intern #3
Friday, June 20, 2008
Eating on an Intern Salary
It comes as no surprise to say that most interns work for either college credit or nothing at all. Part of being an intern (in my book) involves the struggle of making it in the Big Job City on morsels at a time. Thankfully, the company I work for allows a $12 stipend for its interns to pay for lunches or aid in transportation costs. I won't lie, twelve dollars isn't much but it sure is better than nothing at all. I was a "nothing-at-all" intern last summer and it was rough. I suppose the plus side is that with the stresses of work, the excess walking and my ability to spend more money on clothes than food, I get into good shape. Kidding, of course. You have to eat. And when you don't have much money - that's kinda hard.
One of the things that helped me out a lot was just buying groceries. You may look silly bringing in a brown bag lunch to work but the financial benefit is much greater. New York City restaurants aren't the cheapest by any stretch of the imagination but the grocery prices always stay low-low-low. It seems obvious, right? I see the issue with this though. When your friends want to go out on the town (at a really New York-y restaurant, of course), you can end up spending upwards of $45 or $50 for your meal. That is a big blow to your wallet. To combat this, I'll eat a sandwich or muffin to quelch some of my hunger so, once I arrive at the restaurant, I order something smaller than I would have on an empty stomach.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants that won't break the piggy bank:
1. Shake Shack - (located in Madison Sq. Park off 23rd street) - Offers some amazing (trans fat-free) burgers and cheese fries made with organic cheeses. Try the Arnold Palmer, its half-lemonade, half-tea, yet wholly delicious.
2. Café Basil Bistro - (located on Third Avenue nr. 49th St) - Offers a killer (and giant) chopped salad for cheap. You can choose from the endless add-ins they have, as well.
3. Tree - (190 First Avenue) - Little French bistro that has some simple but amazing appetizers and entrées. It is a little more expensive but almost all the items are less than $20 and the service is undeniably amazing.
4. S'Mac - (at 12th St btwn 1st and 2nd Aves) - AMAZING mac and cheese joint. 'Nuff said!
One of the things that helped me out a lot was just buying groceries. You may look silly bringing in a brown bag lunch to work but the financial benefit is much greater. New York City restaurants aren't the cheapest by any stretch of the imagination but the grocery prices always stay low-low-low. It seems obvious, right? I see the issue with this though. When your friends want to go out on the town (at a really New York-y restaurant, of course), you can end up spending upwards of $45 or $50 for your meal. That is a big blow to your wallet. To combat this, I'll eat a sandwich or muffin to quelch some of my hunger so, once I arrive at the restaurant, I order something smaller than I would have on an empty stomach.
Here are some of my favorite restaurants that won't break the piggy bank:
1. Shake Shack - (located in Madison Sq. Park off 23rd street) - Offers some amazing (trans fat-free) burgers and cheese fries made with organic cheeses. Try the Arnold Palmer, its half-lemonade, half-tea, yet wholly delicious.
2. Café Basil Bistro - (located on Third Avenue nr. 49th St) - Offers a killer (and giant) chopped salad for cheap. You can choose from the endless add-ins they have, as well.
3. Tree - (190 First Avenue) - Little French bistro that has some simple but amazing appetizers and entrées. It is a little more expensive but almost all the items are less than $20 and the service is undeniably amazing.
4. S'Mac - (at 12th St btwn 1st and 2nd Aves) - AMAZING mac and cheese joint. 'Nuff said!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Diva editors: They do exist!
I must say, I’ve been pretty lucky when it comes to my bosses. I’ve never worked for or even met a diva-type editor at any of my past magazine jobs.
But at my internship the other day, I had my very first encounter with one. She’s the executive editor at the magazine at which I’m working—of course, she’s way at the top of the masthead. Granted, we’re not on a first name basis with each other and we’ve never been formally introduced. But I’ve already been interning at the magazine for about a month or so, so there’s no doubt in my mind that she knows who I am. I mean, I’m in the office 3 times a week. That at least warrants a “hello” or a head-nod when I see her around the office, right?
Apparently not. I kid you not when I say that this woman doesn’t even acknowledge my existence. Whether I see her in the cafeteria, around the cubicles, or even in the ladies’room, it’s always as if she has no idea who I am. Yes, I’m aware that I’m just an intern and you’re an above-the-line hot shot, but does that really mean you have to be so rude? Sheesh.
Let me explain. While going into my building the other day, I caught this editor walking in a few steps ahead of me. An easily intimidated person by nature, I was planning on walking just a bit slower so as not to catch up to her— I knew that taking the elevator up to the 4th floor would be especially awkward if she and I were doing the trip together. But in an attempt to get over my fear of talking to big-time editors (it’s actually sort of a disease…but I’ll save that for another time), I decided to just go for it. A 30-second awkward silence can’t really be that bad.
Well, it turns out the editor saved me the worry. As she saw me walking towards the elevator, she sneered at me briefly and opted for the stairs. Yes, fellow Edsters, I was just as shocked as you are.
Looks like I won’t be overcoming my fear of talking to big-time higher ups anytime soon. Have any of you had any similar encounters? I’d love to know that I’m not the only one….
Until next week,
Ed’s Intern #1
But at my internship the other day, I had my very first encounter with one. She’s the executive editor at the magazine at which I’m working—of course, she’s way at the top of the masthead. Granted, we’re not on a first name basis with each other and we’ve never been formally introduced. But I’ve already been interning at the magazine for about a month or so, so there’s no doubt in my mind that she knows who I am. I mean, I’m in the office 3 times a week. That at least warrants a “hello” or a head-nod when I see her around the office, right?
Apparently not. I kid you not when I say that this woman doesn’t even acknowledge my existence. Whether I see her in the cafeteria, around the cubicles, or even in the ladies’room, it’s always as if she has no idea who I am. Yes, I’m aware that I’m just an intern and you’re an above-the-line hot shot, but does that really mean you have to be so rude? Sheesh.
Let me explain. While going into my building the other day, I caught this editor walking in a few steps ahead of me. An easily intimidated person by nature, I was planning on walking just a bit slower so as not to catch up to her— I knew that taking the elevator up to the 4th floor would be especially awkward if she and I were doing the trip together. But in an attempt to get over my fear of talking to big-time editors (it’s actually sort of a disease…but I’ll save that for another time), I decided to just go for it. A 30-second awkward silence can’t really be that bad.
Well, it turns out the editor saved me the worry. As she saw me walking towards the elevator, she sneered at me briefly and opted for the stairs. Yes, fellow Edsters, I was just as shocked as you are.
Looks like I won’t be overcoming my fear of talking to big-time higher ups anytime soon. Have any of you had any similar encounters? I’d love to know that I’m not the only one….
Until next week,
Ed’s Intern #1
Intern saves the day! (well, kind of...)
Royal Mail, Fed-Ex or UPS can get a package to its destination overnight at best.
When urgent measures call, Super-Intern with her sweaty blouse, bulging tote-bag and trusty travel card will get the job done in under an hour and a half.
I was in the office enjoying a yogurt at my desk, carrying on with assigned research when I received a call from my editor who was out of the office.
There was a complication with a feature in our upcoming issue (at this point it’s about 4.5 weeks before deadline). “We’re dropping it and doing an alternative,” he said. I could tell he was in a hurry. “I can’t really explain but I need you to take the latest copy of the magazine to this gallery today. They close at five, but as soon as possible.”
I looked at my watch. It was about 12:15. I had a few hours. But wait—I still had a list of other things I had to do to stay on schedule for tomorrow!
I grabbed a mag, a label, an envelope, wrote the address, Google-mapped the place, and was out the door.
12:21 Get to the tube station. Catch the Central line to the East side.
12:36 Change tubes to the Northern line.
12:42 Arrive at the stop nearest the gallery.
When I stepped out of the underground station, I had no idea where I was. Frustrated that I had merely glanced and Google-maps without printing anything, I decided the best thing to do was ask for directions.
I walked up to a newspaper stand. The clerk, sensing my urgency, was more than happy to help. “Go three blocks this way. Turn right. When you get to the park, make your first left.”
That was all I needed to know. I thanked him as I dashed out the door, and sprinted in the direction he explained. Things were going smoothly. Until…
Walking past the park, I looked down to find a caterpillar crawling up my arm. There was a brief freak-out. I smacked at my arm while I flailed it about. That must have done it because the fuzzy little crawler was gone after that. Several on-lookers were staring at me like I was mental, but I had no time to apologize. I was on intern on a mission.
When I arrived at the street, finding the address was easy. I walked inside, the air-conditioning felt amazing. I stalled for a few seconds to take a breath, pulled the package out of my bag, and approached the reception desk poised and with a smile.
“Hello! I’m from _____ Magazine, and I just stopped to leave this for _____.”
“Brilliant!” she smiled. “She’s been waiting for this. I’ll see that she gets it.”
Mission accomplished. Though it was 12:55 and I still had to get back to the office quickly to finish up the workday. Knowing now where I was, I navigated my way back to the tube.
One hour and 20 minutes after I had left, I found myself at the desk again, this time sipping on a cup of iced water.
My phone buzzed.
Text from my editor: “_____ called. She got the mag. Great work.”
Well, I can’t say I felt like I deserved a Pulitzer; after all, I had only delivered a magazine.
But a little part of me, if only my feet that had hustled across town like they were on fire, felt successful.
--Ed's Intern #4
When urgent measures call, Super-Intern with her sweaty blouse, bulging tote-bag and trusty travel card will get the job done in under an hour and a half.
I was in the office enjoying a yogurt at my desk, carrying on with assigned research when I received a call from my editor who was out of the office.
There was a complication with a feature in our upcoming issue (at this point it’s about 4.5 weeks before deadline). “We’re dropping it and doing an alternative,” he said. I could tell he was in a hurry. “I can’t really explain but I need you to take the latest copy of the magazine to this gallery today. They close at five, but as soon as possible.”
I looked at my watch. It was about 12:15. I had a few hours. But wait—I still had a list of other things I had to do to stay on schedule for tomorrow!
I grabbed a mag, a label, an envelope, wrote the address, Google-mapped the place, and was out the door.
12:21 Get to the tube station. Catch the Central line to the East side.
12:36 Change tubes to the Northern line.
12:42 Arrive at the stop nearest the gallery.
When I stepped out of the underground station, I had no idea where I was. Frustrated that I had merely glanced and Google-maps without printing anything, I decided the best thing to do was ask for directions.
I walked up to a newspaper stand. The clerk, sensing my urgency, was more than happy to help. “Go three blocks this way. Turn right. When you get to the park, make your first left.”
That was all I needed to know. I thanked him as I dashed out the door, and sprinted in the direction he explained. Things were going smoothly. Until…
Walking past the park, I looked down to find a caterpillar crawling up my arm. There was a brief freak-out. I smacked at my arm while I flailed it about. That must have done it because the fuzzy little crawler was gone after that. Several on-lookers were staring at me like I was mental, but I had no time to apologize. I was on intern on a mission.
When I arrived at the street, finding the address was easy. I walked inside, the air-conditioning felt amazing. I stalled for a few seconds to take a breath, pulled the package out of my bag, and approached the reception desk poised and with a smile.
“Hello! I’m from _____ Magazine, and I just stopped to leave this for _____.”
“Brilliant!” she smiled. “She’s been waiting for this. I’ll see that she gets it.”
Mission accomplished. Though it was 12:55 and I still had to get back to the office quickly to finish up the workday. Knowing now where I was, I navigated my way back to the tube.
One hour and 20 minutes after I had left, I found myself at the desk again, this time sipping on a cup of iced water.
My phone buzzed.
Text from my editor: “_____ called. She got the mag. Great work.”
Well, I can’t say I felt like I deserved a Pulitzer; after all, I had only delivered a magazine.
But a little part of me, if only my feet that had hustled across town like they were on fire, felt successful.
--Ed's Intern #4
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Getting in trouble at work, intern style
There's something you should know about me: I used to be a goody two-shoes.
Yes, that's right: this self-proclaimed former party girl was one of those annoying kids who never got in trouble. I had never been grounded or legitimately punished for anything growing up. Even though, well, I guess you can say I finally went through my carefree stage during my freshman and sophomore years of college, I inherently am still that goody two-shoes, terrified of getting in trouble, terrified of making people mad.
But the other day someone got mad at me for the first time since I began my internship. Mad at ME! Sweet, (seemingly) innocent me!
The other day I was given an assignment by a department I do not work for while I was in the midst of other projects. I, of course, accepted the assignment. I understand that everyone is really stressed as we edge closer and closer to deadline, and am willing to help in any way. But I guess I didn’t seem excited enough to take on the assignment, because I made that person maaaaaddddddddd.
I had been really lucky until that moment. I have heard absolute horror stories of people interning at certain magazines who get treated like absolute crap. They got yelled at, cussed out and generally harassed. However, at my magazine, I had been treated with great kindness. Everyone, especially the fabulous editor I work directly under, had been very patient with me and remarkably nice.
I don’t know how to act when I see this person again. Do I apologize, even though I have no idea what I did? Or do I just act like it never happened?
This is one of those situations where I have to remind myself that I am an intern, the bottom of the food chain. I have been freakishly lucky so far in that everyone I work with has been absolutely awesome with me. Even the person who got mad had been REALLY nice to me until that day. But when I do finally make it at a national mag in New York, I won’t be as lucky. People will be mean to me, will get attitude with me, will yell at me...and I’m going to have to prepare myself for it.
It's time for this intern to toughen up.
Ed's Intern #3
Yes, that's right: this self-proclaimed former party girl was one of those annoying kids who never got in trouble. I had never been grounded or legitimately punished for anything growing up. Even though, well, I guess you can say I finally went through my carefree stage during my freshman and sophomore years of college, I inherently am still that goody two-shoes, terrified of getting in trouble, terrified of making people mad.
But the other day someone got mad at me for the first time since I began my internship. Mad at ME! Sweet, (seemingly) innocent me!
The other day I was given an assignment by a department I do not work for while I was in the midst of other projects. I, of course, accepted the assignment. I understand that everyone is really stressed as we edge closer and closer to deadline, and am willing to help in any way. But I guess I didn’t seem excited enough to take on the assignment, because I made that person maaaaaddddddddd.
I had been really lucky until that moment. I have heard absolute horror stories of people interning at certain magazines who get treated like absolute crap. They got yelled at, cussed out and generally harassed. However, at my magazine, I had been treated with great kindness. Everyone, especially the fabulous editor I work directly under, had been very patient with me and remarkably nice.
I don’t know how to act when I see this person again. Do I apologize, even though I have no idea what I did? Or do I just act like it never happened?
This is one of those situations where I have to remind myself that I am an intern, the bottom of the food chain. I have been freakishly lucky so far in that everyone I work with has been absolutely awesome with me. Even the person who got mad had been REALLY nice to me until that day. But when I do finally make it at a national mag in New York, I won’t be as lucky. People will be mean to me, will get attitude with me, will yell at me...and I’m going to have to prepare myself for it.
It's time for this intern to toughen up.
Ed's Intern #3
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
It's a mad, mad, mad world out there
As the only intern for a 10+ group of magazine editors/staffers, I do it all. From working on specific layouts to getting a staffer a brownie from Starbucks, I seemed to have run the gamut of tasks. I really enjoy it. Not to mention, I'm getting exposed to so many different sides of publishing. If this seems like the industry you want to be in, I must warn you: it's a crazy, frantic, hectic, demanding, scary and insatiable business ... but it's also a beautiful, talented, progressive, inviting and driven business. It's such a mad, mad world. If its what you really want to do, then go for it.
You get such a broad range of exposures so its as if you're working 5 different magazine jobs. It's also amazing because no two days are the same. You're constantly shedding yesterday's shell to move into a new day. It's fantastic.
I suppose I've never really told you guys what my dream job is ... I want to be Creative Director of either GQ or Vanity Fair.
What magazine job are you pursuing?
You get such a broad range of exposures so its as if you're working 5 different magazine jobs. It's also amazing because no two days are the same. You're constantly shedding yesterday's shell to move into a new day. It's fantastic.
I suppose I've never really told you guys what my dream job is ... I want to be Creative Director of either GQ or Vanity Fair.
What magazine job are you pursuing?
Monday, June 16, 2008
A photo shoot from an intern's perspective
Today, I took the 7:30am bus into the city and the 7:30pm bus out. It was easily one of the most tiring days I've ever had at any of my internships. But hey, I guess that's the price you've got to pay to be a part of the magazine world, eh?
The reason for my 12-hour work day, commuting included, was that I wasn't in the office for my usual 10-6. Instead, I was assisting one of my editors at a photo shoot for a feature story that'll be in one of the fall issues of the magazine. I'm not going to lie--I was nervous. I had been on a few minor photo shoots beforehand, but I didn't really know what to expect this time around. I was sure I'd be intimidated by all the professionals( photographers, stylists, art directors, etc) with whom I'd be working for the day. Did they really even need my help? What exactly was I, as a measly intern, supposed to be doing at a big, fancy photo shoot?
But once I got there and everyone got situated, I discovered that, as per usual, my nerves were unwarranted. Turns out there was another intern (she's new) also assisting at the shoot, so I didn't feel so out of place. The other intern and I were given plenty of tasks to do; we ironed and steamed linens, packed and unpacked products, and ran an errand to pick up an item they wanted to shoot, among other things.
But the coolest thing about the whole ordeal was getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the magazine is put together. I can't wait to see the finished product when the issue hits newsstands in September, and I'm looking forward to being able to say "hey, I was at that shoot!"
Dozens of takes, one free lunch and 9 hours later, it was over. And while I was convinced that my assisting at the shoot wasn't really that much of assistance, everyone there thanked us interns profusely for all our help. So maybe, contrary to what I thought, we interns really do matter. Even though I'm still really tired from the hustle-bustle of the day, it really was so worth it to discover that I as an intern--even if just this once--was actually important.
Ed's Intern #1
The reason for my 12-hour work day, commuting included, was that I wasn't in the office for my usual 10-6. Instead, I was assisting one of my editors at a photo shoot for a feature story that'll be in one of the fall issues of the magazine. I'm not going to lie--I was nervous. I had been on a few minor photo shoots beforehand, but I didn't really know what to expect this time around. I was sure I'd be intimidated by all the professionals( photographers, stylists, art directors, etc) with whom I'd be working for the day. Did they really even need my help? What exactly was I, as a measly intern, supposed to be doing at a big, fancy photo shoot?
But once I got there and everyone got situated, I discovered that, as per usual, my nerves were unwarranted. Turns out there was another intern (she's new) also assisting at the shoot, so I didn't feel so out of place. The other intern and I were given plenty of tasks to do; we ironed and steamed linens, packed and unpacked products, and ran an errand to pick up an item they wanted to shoot, among other things.
But the coolest thing about the whole ordeal was getting a behind-the-scenes look at how the magazine is put together. I can't wait to see the finished product when the issue hits newsstands in September, and I'm looking forward to being able to say "hey, I was at that shoot!"
Dozens of takes, one free lunch and 9 hours later, it was over. And while I was convinced that my assisting at the shoot wasn't really that much of assistance, everyone there thanked us interns profusely for all our help. So maybe, contrary to what I thought, we interns really do matter. Even though I'm still really tired from the hustle-bustle of the day, it really was so worth it to discover that I as an intern--even if just this once--was actually important.
Ed's Intern #1
Sunday, June 15, 2008
A cure for the lonely intern blues
It’s tough interning in a city where you know no one, since even the most exciting places can be lonely without a friend or two.
Back in the states I lived with fantastic roommates, had great friendships working on the school newspaper, and an even closer social circle outside of work. There was never a Friday or Saturday night where I didn’t have someone to go dancing into the night with, or just to stay in and watch a good movie. When I first arrived in London, I found myself in a city where I knew not a soul. As you might guess, my best friends were my lap-top, my iPod and a tall stack of magazines.
Though I read my magazine stash more than once (probably three or four times), watched the entire series of "The Office," and scheduled the outfits I would wear to work for the upcoming three months, I eventually did find ways to meet people. So if you’re out there, lonely intern, don’t worry. There was hope for me, there’s hope for you.
1. Friends where you live—The first “mates” I made were at a student hostel I stayed in for the first week. Four strangers shared a room, all from different countries, all new to London and we all really got along. When we moved out we exchanged numbers, and though we moved to different parts of the city, still called each other up for drinks after work, or to catch Sex and the City on opening weekend.
2. Social networking sites—Use good judgment and caution and the internet can be a great asset to meet people. I joined a London Interns Facebook group, and met several people just from them messaging me. It was comforting to know so many other people were in the same boat. The group is also organizing an event later this month for everyone to get together and chat over food and drink. Hurray for more friends!
3. Hello, your internship!—If there are other interns at your magazine, even in other departments, ask if they want to get lunch sometime. You can fill one another in on the how the other department works over a budget meal. One of our fashion interns keeps me informed on what I should be wearing. He’s also French so sometimes we translate press releases for one another.
4. Get out on the town—Then again, the easiest (and hardest) way to make new friends is to put your self out there. If there’s a high-volume weekend event, go alone and start talking to people. You may be at the bottom of the magazine food-chain, but you made it, which means you’re awesome. That friendship calendar is bound to be booked for the following weekend.
If you’ve ventured somewhere new on your internship this summer, leave a comment and tell us how you managed to make new pals. If you’re still looking, hope this helps!
Then again, you can’t feel too lonely; you have the four of us!
--Ed's Intern #4
Back in the states I lived with fantastic roommates, had great friendships working on the school newspaper, and an even closer social circle outside of work. There was never a Friday or Saturday night where I didn’t have someone to go dancing into the night with, or just to stay in and watch a good movie. When I first arrived in London, I found myself in a city where I knew not a soul. As you might guess, my best friends were my lap-top, my iPod and a tall stack of magazines.
Though I read my magazine stash more than once (probably three or four times), watched the entire series of "The Office," and scheduled the outfits I would wear to work for the upcoming three months, I eventually did find ways to meet people. So if you’re out there, lonely intern, don’t worry. There was hope for me, there’s hope for you.
1. Friends where you live—The first “mates” I made were at a student hostel I stayed in for the first week. Four strangers shared a room, all from different countries, all new to London and we all really got along. When we moved out we exchanged numbers, and though we moved to different parts of the city, still called each other up for drinks after work, or to catch Sex and the City on opening weekend.
2. Social networking sites—Use good judgment and caution and the internet can be a great asset to meet people. I joined a London Interns Facebook group, and met several people just from them messaging me. It was comforting to know so many other people were in the same boat. The group is also organizing an event later this month for everyone to get together and chat over food and drink. Hurray for more friends!
3. Hello, your internship!—If there are other interns at your magazine, even in other departments, ask if they want to get lunch sometime. You can fill one another in on the how the other department works over a budget meal. One of our fashion interns keeps me informed on what I should be wearing. He’s also French so sometimes we translate press releases for one another.
4. Get out on the town—Then again, the easiest (and hardest) way to make new friends is to put your self out there. If there’s a high-volume weekend event, go alone and start talking to people. You may be at the bottom of the magazine food-chain, but you made it, which means you’re awesome. That friendship calendar is bound to be booked for the following weekend.
If you’ve ventured somewhere new on your internship this summer, leave a comment and tell us how you managed to make new pals. If you’re still looking, hope this helps!
Then again, you can’t feel too lonely; you have the four of us!
--Ed's Intern #4
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Intern competition?
When I began my amazing internship four weeks ago, I was the sole intern in the place. Even though everyone was giving me a lot of work, I loved being the only one. It was my domain. I was The Intern.
However, a couple of weeks ago, one of the editors told me that they had "hired" a second intern. The editor had told me about all of the second intern's past accomplishments—from local internships to gigs with high-end national magazines, this one had done it all. FYI, this only my FIRST internship. So, being the dramatic girl I am, I figured that it was about to get all "The Devil Wears Prada" up in this grill.
I envisioned our first meeting. I figured she would be one of those girls who acted perfect and sweet around the boss, then turned she-devil when it was just the two of us. I saw her sabotaging my assignments, taking credit for things I did and constantly berating me for my lack of experience. In my mind, she also had the British accent and red hair of the "Emily" character in the aforementioned flick.
But I was wrong. So, so, so wrong.
On her first day, I walked into the office with my head held high, when I saw this perfectly normal, sweet-looking girl. She wasn't British. No red hair, no scowl, no mean demeanor, no fake perfection. We talked throughout the day and got to know each other, and it was great. She is just a really laid back person I could totally see grabbing a cocktail with. It such a relief to know that she was cool.
I'm supremely lucky in this regard. I was ready to wear my armor and fight her to the death (metaphorically speaking), but apparently I was just paranoid. I'm really glad she's at the mag with me. Not only could I totally use someone to help alleviate some of the workload, but it'll be nice to have a fellow intern to hang out with at work.
--Ed's Intern #3
However, a couple of weeks ago, one of the editors told me that they had "hired" a second intern. The editor had told me about all of the second intern's past accomplishments—from local internships to gigs with high-end national magazines, this one had done it all. FYI, this only my FIRST internship. So, being the dramatic girl I am, I figured that it was about to get all "The Devil Wears Prada" up in this grill.
I envisioned our first meeting. I figured she would be one of those girls who acted perfect and sweet around the boss, then turned she-devil when it was just the two of us. I saw her sabotaging my assignments, taking credit for things I did and constantly berating me for my lack of experience. In my mind, she also had the British accent and red hair of the "Emily" character in the aforementioned flick.
But I was wrong. So, so, so wrong.
On her first day, I walked into the office with my head held high, when I saw this perfectly normal, sweet-looking girl. She wasn't British. No red hair, no scowl, no mean demeanor, no fake perfection. We talked throughout the day and got to know each other, and it was great. She is just a really laid back person I could totally see grabbing a cocktail with. It such a relief to know that she was cool.
I'm supremely lucky in this regard. I was ready to wear my armor and fight her to the death (metaphorically speaking), but apparently I was just paranoid. I'm really glad she's at the mag with me. Not only could I totally use someone to help alleviate some of the workload, but it'll be nice to have a fellow intern to hang out with at work.
--Ed's Intern #3
Friday, June 13, 2008
Encounters with Success
Any intern will tell you that as "exciting" and "rewarding" doing menial tasks (copying, coffee runs, etc.) are, they really aren't that exciting or that rewarding. The real rewards arise when you get your first BIG encounter with success. This can be your first published blurb, your first trip alone to Chanel (possibly in a towncar!), or you editor acknowledging what an amazing job you've done that week (hands up, all you super-interns!). In that moment, you feel on top of the world, or at least like Lauren Conrad from "The Hills" ... I bet you too could waltz into Peoples Revolution and land a job in a hot minute.
Well, today was my first encounter with success and it tasted oh-so-good. So lately, as an intern of the arts, I've been doing some somewhat menial jobs: copying, photo research, etc. But today was different. Today, I got assigned to do some of my "playing around with" of a big shoot for a major company. I got creative license over the text, layout, and photo choices. It was great. But wait, that's not the encounter. The encounter happened when the top dog (our major creative director) chose mine as one of the three option she would show the client!! And think ... something I designed is a choice for a major retail company's campaign.
After the meeting with the creative director went so well, I couldn't stop smiling. I was ready to jump into major decision-making and make final calls on selections. However, I came back down from space and held my tongue since I knew it was just an "intern high" I was experiencing. Anyway ... it was an absolutely amazing day. Plus, to top it all off, the weather has actually cooled down significantly since my last post. Yay!
I want to hear about your successes? Has anything happened in the past few weeks that would count as your "encounter with success"? Let me know!
—Ed's Intern #2
Well, today was my first encounter with success and it tasted oh-so-good. So lately, as an intern of the arts, I've been doing some somewhat menial jobs: copying, photo research, etc. But today was different. Today, I got assigned to do some of my "playing around with" of a big shoot for a major company. I got creative license over the text, layout, and photo choices. It was great. But wait, that's not the encounter. The encounter happened when the top dog (our major creative director) chose mine as one of the three option she would show the client!! And think ... something I designed is a choice for a major retail company's campaign.
After the meeting with the creative director went so well, I couldn't stop smiling. I was ready to jump into major decision-making and make final calls on selections. However, I came back down from space and held my tongue since I knew it was just an "intern high" I was experiencing. Anyway ... it was an absolutely amazing day. Plus, to top it all off, the weather has actually cooled down significantly since my last post. Yay!
I want to hear about your successes? Has anything happened in the past few weeks that would count as your "encounter with success"? Let me know!
—Ed's Intern #2
The Thrill of a Byline
You know that tingling feeling you get when you see your name in print for the first time? Ok, so maybe I’ve been lucky enough to get quite a few bylines thanks to my school paper and some minor on-the-side freelancing. But getting a byline at a real publication or website is completely different than seeing your name atop an article that only your school population is going to read.
Yes, ladies and gents, today the very first article that I’ve written since I started my internship at the website is up and running. The assignment was to search online for a bunch of different products that fit a particular category. I had to rummage the internet to find cool products, then e-mail the PR people to make sure we had the rights to the images and information, then had to build the article onto the site. I didn’t realize this whole thing was such a production!
I’m also beginning to (very slowly) get the hang of HTML. One of the reasons I took this internship in the first place is because I knew I’d get lots of hands-on web experience and learn the basics of web publishing. I went into this whole thing knowing nothing about it, but I’ve already surprisingly nailed the essentials. And believe me;if I could figure it out, you can too. It’s really not as tough as it seems.
I’m currently working on two other stories that’ll be up on the site soon—both of which are similar assignments as the first, with similar guidelines. What I love most about my internship here is that I really don’t have any rules to follow. My editor gives me assignments but gives me the freedom to write it any way I want. Having that much responsibility as an intern is definitely scary, but it really is amazing!
Plus, I wrote a quiz in my downtime the other day. Ok, maybe I should’ve pitched the idea to my editor before writing 8 four-answer multiple-choice questions, but turns out after reading it, my editor loves it and wants me to write another. So, fellow interns, don’t be afraid to pitch! Odds are your editor will be happy that you took the initiative and may even give you more opportunities to write!
Enjoy the warm NYC weather!
Ed’s Intern # 1
Yes, ladies and gents, today the very first article that I’ve written since I started my internship at the website is up and running. The assignment was to search online for a bunch of different products that fit a particular category. I had to rummage the internet to find cool products, then e-mail the PR people to make sure we had the rights to the images and information, then had to build the article onto the site. I didn’t realize this whole thing was such a production!
I’m also beginning to (very slowly) get the hang of HTML. One of the reasons I took this internship in the first place is because I knew I’d get lots of hands-on web experience and learn the basics of web publishing. I went into this whole thing knowing nothing about it, but I’ve already surprisingly nailed the essentials. And believe me;if I could figure it out, you can too. It’s really not as tough as it seems.
I’m currently working on two other stories that’ll be up on the site soon—both of which are similar assignments as the first, with similar guidelines. What I love most about my internship here is that I really don’t have any rules to follow. My editor gives me assignments but gives me the freedom to write it any way I want. Having that much responsibility as an intern is definitely scary, but it really is amazing!
Plus, I wrote a quiz in my downtime the other day. Ok, maybe I should’ve pitched the idea to my editor before writing 8 four-answer multiple-choice questions, but turns out after reading it, my editor loves it and wants me to write another. So, fellow interns, don’t be afraid to pitch! Odds are your editor will be happy that you took the initiative and may even give you more opportunities to write!
Enjoy the warm NYC weather!
Ed’s Intern # 1
Intern #4 is busy, busy, busy
I’ve had my fair share of work to do this week. My editor has given me the task of researching art-related news stories to feature in next month’s issue, and I get to pitch them to him later this week. I basically have to go on a web excursion for several days to track down interesting exhibitions/ book releases/ major festivals, etc. that we haven’t received press releases from. Since the mag is distributed internationally, the events needed to be from all over the world.
After three full days touring the globe via art blogs and websites, I finally reached my quota. Amsterdam, Prague, the Netherlands, Milan, Vienna, and Oklahoma were among the list of locations where potential stories had been found. I like to think of it as a virtual adventure around the world in 24 hours (collectively). And to think, two-hundred years ago it took 80 days!
While one of the perks of internet research is its ability to expose interns to a plethora of different cultures without getting up from their seat, the downside is, well, never getting up from your seat. It is never very healthy to stay sedentary for hours on end. If you find yourself glued to the desktop monitor, try to break away at some point in the day, at least every few hours. Get up to get a drink of water, scan something, or, as the Brits say, visit the loo!
I’ve gotten into a mid-day lunch ritual lately to get up and move about. And, I’m also discovering tricks to cheap weekday dining. Lunch is surprisingly affordable in the area, many restaurants have American-budget-friendly meal deals; but even still, I can’t afford to eat out every day on my salary (read: unpaid).
Remember my first post about 47 pence not going very far? Turns out, a bag of carrots at the market only costs 41 pence. To me, they’re practically golden. They’re organic, affordable, and delicious! My lunch ritual lately is a small yogurt, a sandwich (usually PB) and snacking on carrots during the day to stay energized. (Trust me, it’s more healthy than the ‘I don’t eat, and when I’m about to pass out I eat a cube of cheese’ bit we’re all familiar with).
No luck of paid work, as of yet. Although, this past week I’ve been spending so much time at my internship that I put my search on hold. Last weekend I tried doing nightclub promotions. They promised good pay in cash and didn’t require a working visa. I would earn commission on people I recruited from the street to come to the venue. Sounds easy, right? Not really. People can get pretty hostile, sometimes downright mean, when you solicit them on the street with a flyer. On top of that, the pay was awful, and at the end of the night I barely made enough to cover the transportation to get there.
The search will continue, eventually. I’m definitely the kind of gal who prefers to gaze into a computer screen for hours, send out courtesy e-mails, and make inquisitive phone calls. So, while this busy streak continues, I’ll stick to my cheap carrots and PB sandwiches. mmm…
Until next time,
Intern #4
After three full days touring the globe via art blogs and websites, I finally reached my quota. Amsterdam, Prague, the Netherlands, Milan, Vienna, and Oklahoma were among the list of locations where potential stories had been found. I like to think of it as a virtual adventure around the world in 24 hours (collectively). And to think, two-hundred years ago it took 80 days!
While one of the perks of internet research is its ability to expose interns to a plethora of different cultures without getting up from their seat, the downside is, well, never getting up from your seat. It is never very healthy to stay sedentary for hours on end. If you find yourself glued to the desktop monitor, try to break away at some point in the day, at least every few hours. Get up to get a drink of water, scan something, or, as the Brits say, visit the loo!
I’ve gotten into a mid-day lunch ritual lately to get up and move about. And, I’m also discovering tricks to cheap weekday dining. Lunch is surprisingly affordable in the area, many restaurants have American-budget-friendly meal deals; but even still, I can’t afford to eat out every day on my salary (read: unpaid).
Remember my first post about 47 pence not going very far? Turns out, a bag of carrots at the market only costs 41 pence. To me, they’re practically golden. They’re organic, affordable, and delicious! My lunch ritual lately is a small yogurt, a sandwich (usually PB) and snacking on carrots during the day to stay energized. (Trust me, it’s more healthy than the ‘I don’t eat, and when I’m about to pass out I eat a cube of cheese’ bit we’re all familiar with).
No luck of paid work, as of yet. Although, this past week I’ve been spending so much time at my internship that I put my search on hold. Last weekend I tried doing nightclub promotions. They promised good pay in cash and didn’t require a working visa. I would earn commission on people I recruited from the street to come to the venue. Sounds easy, right? Not really. People can get pretty hostile, sometimes downright mean, when you solicit them on the street with a flyer. On top of that, the pay was awful, and at the end of the night I barely made enough to cover the transportation to get there.
The search will continue, eventually. I’m definitely the kind of gal who prefers to gaze into a computer screen for hours, send out courtesy e-mails, and make inquisitive phone calls. So, while this busy streak continues, I’ll stick to my cheap carrots and PB sandwiches. mmm…
Until next time,
Intern #4
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Every intern's worst nightmare
This unpaid intern recently came face to face with a most severe form of torture: having to transcribe an interview.
(Cue the horror movie music)
Last week I was fortunate enough to tag along on an interview with one of my mag's Above the Lines. I have to say, going to that interview has been the highlight of my internship thus far. Not only did I get to sit in on a seasoned journalist's interview, but the interview actually took place at one of Atlanta's most chic restaurants. It was my first "out of the office" task and, I have to say, it was awesome. I felt like a professional journalist as I sat there with a digital recorder, loving every minute of it.
But I had no idea of the sheer torture that was soon to follow. At the end of the day… I was asked to transcribe the hour-long interview…
(Gasp)
Okay, sorry, I'll cut the dramatics. Transcribing an interview really isn't that bad, honest! The only annoying thing about it is that it literally takes FOREVER. When I was asked to transcribe the interview, I figured it would take me an hour and a half tops. However, it took me upwards of seven hours to complete the task.
The thing about transcribing is that you, of course, have to write everything word for word, which can prove challenging when you can barely understand a word that was said. The interviewees from the day's interview, though each highly intelligent and very interesting, spoke very quickly and in very thick Southern accents that did not necessarily translate well onto the digital recorder. I constantly had to rewind and pause, rewind and pause, rewind and pause, as well as ask others around me for help as I tried to figure out what these people had said. In some circumstances, solitary words took me upwards of ten minutes to decipher.
Even though the whole transcription process was extremely drawn-out and boring, I'm actually glad I had to do it. Before completing this task, I had always scoffed at those Q&As featured in magazines. Honestly, I thought that Q&As were just the lazy form of journalism, that they took minutes to throw together. Now that I have actually gone through the transcription process, I have a newfound appreciation for them. From now on I will recognize that behind the seemingly effortless demeanor of a Q&A lies an intern—just like me—diligently typing it all out, word for word for (rewind, pause) word.
-Ed's Intern #3
(Cue the horror movie music)
Last week I was fortunate enough to tag along on an interview with one of my mag's Above the Lines. I have to say, going to that interview has been the highlight of my internship thus far. Not only did I get to sit in on a seasoned journalist's interview, but the interview actually took place at one of Atlanta's most chic restaurants. It was my first "out of the office" task and, I have to say, it was awesome. I felt like a professional journalist as I sat there with a digital recorder, loving every minute of it.
But I had no idea of the sheer torture that was soon to follow. At the end of the day… I was asked to transcribe the hour-long interview…
(Gasp)
Okay, sorry, I'll cut the dramatics. Transcribing an interview really isn't that bad, honest! The only annoying thing about it is that it literally takes FOREVER. When I was asked to transcribe the interview, I figured it would take me an hour and a half tops. However, it took me upwards of seven hours to complete the task.
The thing about transcribing is that you, of course, have to write everything word for word, which can prove challenging when you can barely understand a word that was said. The interviewees from the day's interview, though each highly intelligent and very interesting, spoke very quickly and in very thick Southern accents that did not necessarily translate well onto the digital recorder. I constantly had to rewind and pause, rewind and pause, rewind and pause, as well as ask others around me for help as I tried to figure out what these people had said. In some circumstances, solitary words took me upwards of ten minutes to decipher.
Even though the whole transcription process was extremely drawn-out and boring, I'm actually glad I had to do it. Before completing this task, I had always scoffed at those Q&As featured in magazines. Honestly, I thought that Q&As were just the lazy form of journalism, that they took minutes to throw together. Now that I have actually gone through the transcription process, I have a newfound appreciation for them. From now on I will recognize that behind the seemingly effortless demeanor of a Q&A lies an intern—just like me—diligently typing it all out, word for word for (rewind, pause) word.
-Ed's Intern #3
Hot-temp tips from Intern #2
Interning in a city like New York is a dream. That is, unless previously stated city is experiencing a record heat wave. When I say, "It's hot!" ... I'm not lying. I feel like sweat just became the trendy new accessory. So what's an intern to do when he's stripped of cash and looking for a solace from the unbearable heat? Getting into the "intern mindset" - I decided to be proactive and find a way to adapt to the changing environment: I've decided to compile a Top 5 list of things to do to combat the heat ... on an intern budget:
(1) GRAB SOME PINKBERRY - Pinkberry is an institution among ice-cream lovers. This fairly-new frozen yogurt joint serves some of the lightest frozen yogurt you'll find this side of the Mississippi. They also offer a variety of whimsical favorites to add atop your already-perfect Pinkberry. With choices ranging from Cap'N Crunch, blackberries, Cocoa Pebbles, and others, you're sure to find something you like. One small cup is $4. Pricey, but so worth it.
(2) RIDE THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY - Take the red-line (the 1 train) all the way down to South Ferry Station where you can hop on the Staten Island Ferry. The hour-long ride (to Staten Island and back) is free (yes, FREE!). It offers unbeatable views of downtown and passengers get the chance to feel the wind rushing through their hair... which feels good when all you've done is sweat your way down there.
(3) WANDER THROUGH MACY'S - With the loss of air-conditioned stores offering shelter from the sun, this giant behemoth of a superstore offers a complete climate change. Frigid temperatures keep wary shoppers at bay while the bustle of thousands of shoppers still gives you the illusion that you're "braving it" on the streets!
(4) BUY A FAN - This may seem like an obvious choice but you wouldn't imagine the lack of fans I've seen on New Yorkers lately. I mean, in THIS heat, you almost need a industrial-sized power fan to make it to work without sweating. You can get a great little "necklace fan" from Kmart at Astor Place for under $30 ... and it will go a long way.
(5) DRINK LOTS OF WATER - If you must brave it outside, at least keep this in mind. All that sweating that you're doing is losing a lot of your body's water supply. Make sure you drink as much water as you can to keep you hydrated and keep your body regulating its own core temperature.
I hope you keep these tips at hand next time you step outside. I'm warning you, it ain't pretty out there.
—Ed's Intern #2
(1) GRAB SOME PINKBERRY - Pinkberry is an institution among ice-cream lovers. This fairly-new frozen yogurt joint serves some of the lightest frozen yogurt you'll find this side of the Mississippi. They also offer a variety of whimsical favorites to add atop your already-perfect Pinkberry. With choices ranging from Cap'N Crunch, blackberries, Cocoa Pebbles, and others, you're sure to find something you like. One small cup is $4. Pricey, but so worth it.
(2) RIDE THE STATEN ISLAND FERRY - Take the red-line (the 1 train) all the way down to South Ferry Station where you can hop on the Staten Island Ferry. The hour-long ride (to Staten Island and back) is free (yes, FREE!). It offers unbeatable views of downtown and passengers get the chance to feel the wind rushing through their hair... which feels good when all you've done is sweat your way down there.
(3) WANDER THROUGH MACY'S - With the loss of air-conditioned stores offering shelter from the sun, this giant behemoth of a superstore offers a complete climate change. Frigid temperatures keep wary shoppers at bay while the bustle of thousands of shoppers still gives you the illusion that you're "braving it" on the streets!
(4) BUY A FAN - This may seem like an obvious choice but you wouldn't imagine the lack of fans I've seen on New Yorkers lately. I mean, in THIS heat, you almost need a industrial-sized power fan to make it to work without sweating. You can get a great little "necklace fan" from Kmart at Astor Place for under $30 ... and it will go a long way.
(5) DRINK LOTS OF WATER - If you must brave it outside, at least keep this in mind. All that sweating that you're doing is losing a lot of your body's water supply. Make sure you drink as much water as you can to keep you hydrated and keep your body regulating its own core temperature.
I hope you keep these tips at hand next time you step outside. I'm warning you, it ain't pretty out there.
—Ed's Intern #2
Monday, June 9, 2008
The dilemma of being oh-so-bored
So today was one of those really slow days at the office. Aside from a few little mini assignments my editors gave me, like to research for an upcoming travel story and organize some press releases, the majority of the day I felt very useless. I’ve been working here for about 3 weeks, and I find that there’s actually a lot of these slower days. Sometimes, I'll just be sitting at my desk, waiting to be assigned something—anything!—to do. Even if it’s just updating someone’s rolodex or making phone calls, hey, I’d be glad to do it!
Thanks to all my downtime, I've already read every issue of the magazine I'm interning for from the past 3 or so years, cover to cover, over and over again. I’ve also come up with some possible ideas to pitch to the editors. I’ve also used my downtime to memorize every employee’s phone extension (I’m not kidding), color-code my files and organize my desk (I’m kind of a neat freak). And of course, by this point I’ve exhausted my options for web browsing—I mean, there's only so many times a girl could check her e-mail (or, um, Facebook) in a day.
What I find to be the biggest dilemma in this situation is where to draw the line between taking initiative, and being annoying. Today, I asked my bosses when I first came in if there's anything they had for me to do. They’ll sporadically come to me with little assignments here and there throughout the day, and I’ll check in every so often with them, too. But I feel like by me going over to my bosses a couple times a day to ask how I can help them out is just annoying. I mean, of course I want to show them I’m ready to work and eager to help, but sometimes, so I hear, it’s not always so easy for the editors to find work for their interns. And the way I look at it is, my bosses know where to find me and they know I'd be glad to take on anything they ask me to do, right?
What do you guys think? Is it better to take the initiative or do you prefer to sit back and let most of the assignments come to you? Better yet, what do you do in your downtime? I’m sure all of us are dying for some suggestions.
In the meantime, I’m off to check my e-mail—for what’s easily the 20th time today.
Bored,
Ed Intern #1
Thanks to all my downtime, I've already read every issue of the magazine I'm interning for from the past 3 or so years, cover to cover, over and over again. I’ve also come up with some possible ideas to pitch to the editors. I’ve also used my downtime to memorize every employee’s phone extension (I’m not kidding), color-code my files and organize my desk (I’m kind of a neat freak). And of course, by this point I’ve exhausted my options for web browsing—I mean, there's only so many times a girl could check her e-mail (or, um, Facebook) in a day.
What I find to be the biggest dilemma in this situation is where to draw the line between taking initiative, and being annoying. Today, I asked my bosses when I first came in if there's anything they had for me to do. They’ll sporadically come to me with little assignments here and there throughout the day, and I’ll check in every so often with them, too. But I feel like by me going over to my bosses a couple times a day to ask how I can help them out is just annoying. I mean, of course I want to show them I’m ready to work and eager to help, but sometimes, so I hear, it’s not always so easy for the editors to find work for their interns. And the way I look at it is, my bosses know where to find me and they know I'd be glad to take on anything they ask me to do, right?
What do you guys think? Is it better to take the initiative or do you prefer to sit back and let most of the assignments come to you? Better yet, what do you do in your downtime? I’m sure all of us are dying for some suggestions.
In the meantime, I’m off to check my e-mail—for what’s easily the 20th time today.
Bored,
Ed Intern #1
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Greetings from London from Intern #4
There are about a million reasons why I shouldn't be in London right now. Well, several thousand at least.
I’m funding my own expenses, part-time jobs are scarce, and the value of my motherland dollar is worth about 47 pence. How far will 47 pence go in the most expensive city in the world?
To put it in perspective: a tall, non-fat latte from Starbucks at 2.70 GBP turns into about $5.70 after the exchange rate. A latte in London costs nearly as much as brunch in Manhattan.
Trust me, you don’t want to know what I’m paying for rent.
One benefit about interning in the states is the luxury of work, but it’s difficult when you’re not a citizen. Cash-in-hand work isn’t exactly a high-commodity as I’ve found so far. I've been here
almost three weeks, sent out over twenty CVs to restaurants, pubs, bars and have yet to find a job.
So why am spending my summer draining my savings account in the City of the Queen?
There’s only one reason. I was given the opportunity to work for a magazine; or, in other words, the study-abroad of my dreams.
I spent the past year in college sacrificing my social life as the chief features editor of my weekly college newspaper, and the early months of 2008 applying for internships like it was a part-time job! After I received a disappointing rejection letter from the New York internship I hoped for, I was sure my summer would be spent taking courses, and interning at a local newspaper.
Nearly a month before school ended, I received an e-mail from the editor of a young, Art and Fashion magazine based in London, offering an editorial internship.
Despite the fact that I had never even visited the city, had no idea where I would live, was aware of the pitiful value of the US dollar, and knew I wouldn’t be paid, I was certain that I was going. Given the modest balance of my savings account, it would be a challenge. But the experience I would get—from living independently in a foreign country as well as working for a magazine—I deemed priceless.
So far it has truly been an adventure. I find myself lost in the city almost weekly when I’m sent out on errands, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’m making new friends, still searching for jobs, learning the trades of cheap, healthy eating, and trying not to avoid the British social scene merely because I’m poor!
Stay tuned, Edsters. I’ll be here to tell you all about it, every Thursday and Sunday! Until then, I’m off! London is calling!
-Intern #4
I’m funding my own expenses, part-time jobs are scarce, and the value of my motherland dollar is worth about 47 pence. How far will 47 pence go in the most expensive city in the world?
To put it in perspective: a tall, non-fat latte from Starbucks at 2.70 GBP turns into about $5.70 after the exchange rate. A latte in London costs nearly as much as brunch in Manhattan.
Trust me, you don’t want to know what I’m paying for rent.
One benefit about interning in the states is the luxury of work, but it’s difficult when you’re not a citizen. Cash-in-hand work isn’t exactly a high-commodity as I’ve found so far. I've been here
almost three weeks, sent out over twenty CVs to restaurants, pubs, bars and have yet to find a job.
So why am spending my summer draining my savings account in the City of the Queen?
There’s only one reason. I was given the opportunity to work for a magazine; or, in other words, the study-abroad of my dreams.
I spent the past year in college sacrificing my social life as the chief features editor of my weekly college newspaper, and the early months of 2008 applying for internships like it was a part-time job! After I received a disappointing rejection letter from the New York internship I hoped for, I was sure my summer would be spent taking courses, and interning at a local newspaper.
Nearly a month before school ended, I received an e-mail from the editor of a young, Art and Fashion magazine based in London, offering an editorial internship.
Despite the fact that I had never even visited the city, had no idea where I would live, was aware of the pitiful value of the US dollar, and knew I wouldn’t be paid, I was certain that I was going. Given the modest balance of my savings account, it would be a challenge. But the experience I would get—from living independently in a foreign country as well as working for a magazine—I deemed priceless.
So far it has truly been an adventure. I find myself lost in the city almost weekly when I’m sent out on errands, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’m making new friends, still searching for jobs, learning the trades of cheap, healthy eating, and trying not to avoid the British social scene merely because I’m poor!
Stay tuned, Edsters. I’ll be here to tell you all about it, every Thursday and Sunday! Until then, I’m off! London is calling!
-Intern #4
The big move
My car was too full.
I had just packed up my petite '99 Camry to its complete capacity, though I still had plenty left I wanted to bring. So I had no choice but to unpack and repack, leaving behind half of my things. It truly was Sophie's choice: do I bring the mattress cover or the French Connection dress? Should I bring that fifth pair of black pumps or the dust buster? Do I sacrifice the TV or the iron and ironing board?
After making these painful and dramatic decisions and ultimately leaving behind plenty of my belongings solely so that my wardrobe would not suffer, I was ready to complete the six-hour drive from my beachside college-town to big city Atlanta.
I was moving to Atlanta for my first ever magazine internship. Though the ambitious part of me was stoked to get such an amazing internship, the (former) party-girl part of me was slightly devastated. I had spent the past two summers essentially partying at the beach without a care in the world, and now here I was, sacrificing another summer of fun in the sun to move to a city where I literally didn't know a soul. However, I had decided to (wo)man up and spend a summer focusing on my future career. I'm (technically) an adult, so it was time I grew up.
Thus began my journey from fun-loving 21-year-old college student to mature, big-time-magazine intern. I've been here for three weeks so far and, surprisingly, completely love it. Though it kills me when my friends back home call to tell me all about a crazy party they went to that night or how much fun it was at the beach that day, I'm beyond glad to be here. This internship is amazing and well-worth the lack of social life. I've already had clips go to press for the July issue and have also written one of the lead features for the August issue! Of course, I do have the annoying typical intern duties like moving boxes and mailing things, but I also get to write a bunch, so I really can't complain. From the way things are going so far, I can tell it's going to be my best summer yet, even without all that fun in the sun.
—Intern #3
I had just packed up my petite '99 Camry to its complete capacity, though I still had plenty left I wanted to bring. So I had no choice but to unpack and repack, leaving behind half of my things. It truly was Sophie's choice: do I bring the mattress cover or the French Connection dress? Should I bring that fifth pair of black pumps or the dust buster? Do I sacrifice the TV or the iron and ironing board?
After making these painful and dramatic decisions and ultimately leaving behind plenty of my belongings solely so that my wardrobe would not suffer, I was ready to complete the six-hour drive from my beachside college-town to big city Atlanta.
I was moving to Atlanta for my first ever magazine internship. Though the ambitious part of me was stoked to get such an amazing internship, the (former) party-girl part of me was slightly devastated. I had spent the past two summers essentially partying at the beach without a care in the world, and now here I was, sacrificing another summer of fun in the sun to move to a city where I literally didn't know a soul. However, I had decided to (wo)man up and spend a summer focusing on my future career. I'm (technically) an adult, so it was time I grew up.
Thus began my journey from fun-loving 21-year-old college student to mature, big-time-magazine intern. I've been here for three weeks so far and, surprisingly, completely love it. Though it kills me when my friends back home call to tell me all about a crazy party they went to that night or how much fun it was at the beach that day, I'm beyond glad to be here. This internship is amazing and well-worth the lack of social life. I've already had clips go to press for the July issue and have also written one of the lead features for the August issue! Of course, I do have the annoying typical intern duties like moving boxes and mailing things, but I also get to write a bunch, so I really can't complain. From the way things are going so far, I can tell it's going to be my best summer yet, even without all that fun in the sun.
—Intern #3
It's Fashion Journalism, Y'all
Over the past few years, I have had my fair share of fashion-related encounters. I've interned for two big-name, high-profile women's magazines. I've even played bookings assistant. Over time, I've amassed mountains of free shwag that range from clothing to thousand-dollar handbags to make-up and jewelry. Essentially, I've been living every fashionista's dream ... the only difference is that I'm a guy. And I'm totally okay with that. I won't lie, it's been nice to get to see prototypes of the fashion world LONG before those outside of the fashion magazine world get to. There are tons of perks to working in fashion journalism but the best perk of all is that I've beat the odds to reach my dreams.
Growing up in the Deep South has had it ups and downs. You will never meet anyone more mannered or genial than Southerners. I'm proud to be a thick-accented member of southern culture. Southerners have a keen sense of community, which often distracts from other "important" life choices: like fashion. When you grow up around people who would rather groom their pot-bellied pigs rather than themselves, you'd think that fashion journalism is that last place a boy from the South would end up. But here I am. And I'm here to stay.
People told me that I wouldn't make it or that it is going to take a lot to get a boy from the South with no fashion experience a job at a major magazine. But as stubborn, independent spirit, I didn't listen to any of them. That was the best choice I have ever made. Not only did I get called back for interviews at 10 magazines that first summer, but I got offers from 8 of them! [to my reader: Don't EVER let anyone tell you that because of WHO you are, you won't make it. Show out on them and prove them wrong!]
This summer, I'll be working for an esteemed magazine publishing company. I'm excited to get a chance to work in a different field than my previous internships have included. With a focus on art and less on fashion, I'll get the chance to run in a much-different circle. I believe this change will open up a whole new set of doors for me within the magazine publishing world.
Because I'm graduating so very soon (it can't come sooner), I'm looking to create lasting connections that can help me in finding my dream job. I know its out there. I suppose I can't sit on my butt and wait for it to scream my name. This summer, I plan to wholly put myself out there in the job world. I WILL find that job that was meant for me.
I hope over the course of this summer, my readers will get an insight into the life of an intern that beat the odds. I will give readers a chance to see what the day-to-day life of an intern is like: what is the dress code?, where do interns eat?, how do we pay for anything on a petty salary? ... I know these questions are burning in your mind. Tune in for the answers SO very soon. Until then, happy hunting for your dream internships.
I'll see y'all soon,
Ed's Intern #2
Growing up in the Deep South has had it ups and downs. You will never meet anyone more mannered or genial than Southerners. I'm proud to be a thick-accented member of southern culture. Southerners have a keen sense of community, which often distracts from other "important" life choices: like fashion. When you grow up around people who would rather groom their pot-bellied pigs rather than themselves, you'd think that fashion journalism is that last place a boy from the South would end up. But here I am. And I'm here to stay.
People told me that I wouldn't make it or that it is going to take a lot to get a boy from the South with no fashion experience a job at a major magazine. But as stubborn, independent spirit, I didn't listen to any of them. That was the best choice I have ever made. Not only did I get called back for interviews at 10 magazines that first summer, but I got offers from 8 of them! [to my reader: Don't EVER let anyone tell you that because of WHO you are, you won't make it. Show out on them and prove them wrong!]
This summer, I'll be working for an esteemed magazine publishing company. I'm excited to get a chance to work in a different field than my previous internships have included. With a focus on art and less on fashion, I'll get the chance to run in a much-different circle. I believe this change will open up a whole new set of doors for me within the magazine publishing world.
Because I'm graduating so very soon (it can't come sooner), I'm looking to create lasting connections that can help me in finding my dream job. I know its out there. I suppose I can't sit on my butt and wait for it to scream my name. This summer, I plan to wholly put myself out there in the job world. I WILL find that job that was meant for me.
I hope over the course of this summer, my readers will get an insight into the life of an intern that beat the odds. I will give readers a chance to see what the day-to-day life of an intern is like: what is the dress code?, where do interns eat?, how do we pay for anything on a petty salary? ... I know these questions are burning in your mind. Tune in for the answers SO very soon. Until then, happy hunting for your dream internships.
I'll see y'all soon,
Ed's Intern #2
My first intern diary
Oh, to be a measly little intern. Coffee runs, filing, photocopying—I’m sure we’ve all had our fair share.
But if anyone knows what it’s like to be an intern in this not-always-so-glamorous industry, I would definitely be one of them. I’ve already got plenty of intern experience under my belt, and I guess I can credit that to living in and going to school in the New York area. And this summer, I’ll be doing my 4th and 5th internships.
You’re probably already thinking, “This girl is insane! Working 5 days a week as an unpaid intern during the summer?!” But please, don’t be quick to judge. I actually kind of like being an intern. Even if I’m just doing product returns or sifting through press releases, I’m still so excited to be even a small part of the magazine world—one which I’ve aspired to be part of since I opened my first issue of YM(R.I.P) at the ripe age of 12.
And unlike the bulk of magazine interns who are out-of-towners coming to dorm in NYC for the summer, I’ll be commuting into the city 3 times a week(an hour each way!) to my internship at a national women’s magazine. The other two days, I’ll be at a national women’s website that’s located right outside NYC.
And lucky for you, edsters, I’ll be blogging twice weekly till the end of the summer about my trials and tribulations as an intern. I’ll be sharing with you everything that I experience throughout my internships, from intimidating editors (and believe me, there are plenty!) and my long, tiring commute, to the jobs’ perks, like getting tons of free beauty products, dozens of contacts, and yes, even bylines.
So, fellow edsters, if throughout the course of your summer internship you find yourself feeling as if you’re unappreciated and unimportant, just know that you are definitely not alone. And just look at it as I do—in the end, all your hard work will be soooo worth it.
And please feel free to leave your comments here. Hey, it’s always good to compare our experiences—and commiserate about our misfortunes—that come along with being at the bottom of the magazine food chain.
Happy interning, and stay tuned!
Ed's Intern #1
But if anyone knows what it’s like to be an intern in this not-always-so-glamorous industry, I would definitely be one of them. I’ve already got plenty of intern experience under my belt, and I guess I can credit that to living in and going to school in the New York area. And this summer, I’ll be doing my 4th and 5th internships.
You’re probably already thinking, “This girl is insane! Working 5 days a week as an unpaid intern during the summer?!” But please, don’t be quick to judge. I actually kind of like being an intern. Even if I’m just doing product returns or sifting through press releases, I’m still so excited to be even a small part of the magazine world—one which I’ve aspired to be part of since I opened my first issue of YM(R.I.P) at the ripe age of 12.
And unlike the bulk of magazine interns who are out-of-towners coming to dorm in NYC for the summer, I’ll be commuting into the city 3 times a week(an hour each way!) to my internship at a national women’s magazine. The other two days, I’ll be at a national women’s website that’s located right outside NYC.
And lucky for you, edsters, I’ll be blogging twice weekly till the end of the summer about my trials and tribulations as an intern. I’ll be sharing with you everything that I experience throughout my internships, from intimidating editors (and believe me, there are plenty!) and my long, tiring commute, to the jobs’ perks, like getting tons of free beauty products, dozens of contacts, and yes, even bylines.
So, fellow edsters, if throughout the course of your summer internship you find yourself feeling as if you’re unappreciated and unimportant, just know that you are definitely not alone. And just look at it as I do—in the end, all your hard work will be soooo worth it.
And please feel free to leave your comments here. Hey, it’s always good to compare our experiences—and commiserate about our misfortunes—that come along with being at the bottom of the magazine food chain.
Happy interning, and stay tuned!
Ed's Intern #1
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