From New York, In Tears, And How To Make A Lasting Impression

This is it, Edsters--the farewell I've been dreading all summer.

I'm in much the same situation now as I was when I wrote my first blog--sitting in my room,

surrounded by mounds of clothes, this time trying to figure out how to pack everything I brought with everything I bought. It probably won't work well.

Leaving is the last action I want to take right now. I've really taken a step back this week, and thought about everything I've experienced. Who can say they've worked at the men's magazine, seen the Macy's 4th of July fireworks from the riverfront, filled in for their boss, mastered the subway system, gone home with their boss and freelanced into the wee hours of the morning, found the one famous Halal food cart in the city (it's on 53rd and 6th)? I've looked out my window every night at the most incredible, sparkling cityscape. I've buid relationships with editors and writers.

I am really excited and amazed at my own accomplishments thus far, Edsters. I was scared I wouldn't be. I was scared I was just going through the motions and not getting anything out of the experience. But now I'm training new interns and my bosses are asking me if I "can please stay forever." It's surreal. And I feel so blessed to be here, even though it must end with me being so sad to leave.

But I cannot end this incredible summer on a sullen note, Edsters. Every second counts in this bustling industry, so I plan to make the best exit I possibly can, as you should, too:

Fashion and Beyond: 4 Things My Summer Internship Taught Me

Hey Edsters!

Good news: I officially survived my summer at the Fashion Mag! My last day was a bittersweet one (and, ironically, the slowest day I’ve ever experienced in the closet). While I was happy to reach the finish line of what turned out to be a challenging adventure, I was a little sad to be leaving the closet. The other interns and I have grown so close – as cliché as it sounds, we became a tight knit, overworked, well-dressed family.

Summer Recap: The 5 Lessons I Took from NYC

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

The summer’s coming to an official close, and it’s hard to think it’s almost time to pack up and head back down to school.

I’ve undergone such a transformation in New York: who I am now is very different from who I was at the beginning of the summer — but in a good way! I’ve become so much more confident and fearless in my work. I’m comfortable in the city. And I know now more than ever this is what I want to do, and New York is where I want to do it.

At every internship, I take different lessons. This year is no different. The journey may have been a little more challenging: adjusting to New York and a major internship away from home is no cake walk. But every second was worth it. My internship at the mag was nothing but a positive experience, and I’ve loved every moment of it.

My top lessons from this year?

Event Planning 101: How To Mingle With Celebs On The Job

Happy Friday, Edsters!

Are you ready for this? By “this,” I obviously mean your exclusive peek into the world of fame, fortune, and, best of all, features. “This” is the saga of the elite event our magazine recently hosted, the role I played in its planning, and how us interns kept things running smoothly.

And yes, that means we actually got to attend.

I KNOW, RIGHT?!

Is your curiosity piqued yet, Edsters? Read on to find out what it’s like planning a major event for high-profile guests, and to tell me whether or not I committed an embarrassing gaffe right before everything kicked off.

How To Stay Recognized--And Score A Freelance Gig Even AFter Your Internship

So by boss invited me to her house two nights in a row this week.
Then on Friday, the editor gave me his direct cell phone number.

I've been scoring left and right, Edsters—okay, maybe not like THAT. But this week has been pretty fantastic. We're under deadline again at the magazine, and two new interns have started working with us. One of them is my replacement, but let's not think about that for right now. We're working on the September issue, which is the biggest issue for most magazines, and on top of it, we're launching a special half-issue this month, so there's plenty to do.

We've been hustling pretty hard, and just looking around the office is enough to see the stress across everyone's faces. Editors are weighed down with decisions and delayed copy. Writers are burned out from preparing two issues at once. The printer is dying becaue we've used so much ink, and there's just never enough coffee to sustain us all. And from the back off the office in our little alcove, I've been noticing it all.

I started coming in to work an hour earlier this week just to get a head start on the day's work. I packed my lunch so I could stay at my desk, and I've been trying to anticipate anything that could help the Web process run smoother for the bosses. Now that I've worked through a couple issues, I have a feel for what needs done, so I can work ahead instead of waiting to be told what to do. And to try to help my direct boss a little more, I've been showing the newest interns how our CSS works by having them watch/help me and the other interns while we run through this issue.

I know I've made progress since I've begun working this summer, but it surprised me again to be recognized for my efforts. I've accomplished three things this week, and I have to say, I'm pretty proud of them.

6 Ways To End Your Internship On The Right Note

I just wrapped up my last week at the mag – it’s crazy to even write it.

Summer flew by, and I still can’t quite believe it’s over. It’s been a good experience, and I’ve learned a lot about magazines and about myself and the things I want in a job and a career. I’ve also met some incredible, successful journalists and had some great conversations. Sure, there were ups and downs as you all know, but I’m still glad I did it.

Since I’m sure many of you are wrapping up your summer stints soon, here are a few tips for how to navigate the last week of your internships:

4 Things to Do After You Leave

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

It’s morning here, but outside my window I don’t hear the bustle of traffic in New York City. Instead, I hear birds chirping. I’m sitting at home; my internship has ended. My summer has come full circle, and it just doesn’t seem real.

Just three days ago, I was in the office, finishing my last day. When 6 p.m. came (and far too quickly), I dropped into my editors’ offices to say goodbye. I gave them my handwritten thank-you notes and a little gift — the least I could do for their kindness. I gathered the supplies from my desk, stepped on the elevator with them and exited the lobby. I staggered onto the subway and rode back home.

I did it. I finished my internship. It was over, right? Not quite. It may be because I’m not a goodbye person, but I know from my other internships that this isn’t truly the end nor should it be. An internship is just one stage in your relationship with a publication. Just as much work and care should be put in after to maintain your ties to it — ties that could ultimately lead to a mentorship and job.

The Importance of Playing the Name Game

Even though it took a while, the fashion closet has really started feeling like home to me. Walking into the room and being greeted by clothes and accessories in every shape, size, color and pattern imaginable are a daily experience I’ve really come to look forward to. The fact that my internship is coming to an end is bittersweet; I’m looking forward to having a small break before school starts, but at the same time I’ve spent so much time here and met so many great people that I’m going to miss it. But let’s flashback to about three months ago, when I was first starting out and didn’t know anyone’s name...

Secrets of an EA: My Whirlwind Day Of Filling In For My Boss

Happy Friday, Edsters!

So, here I am, typing this blog post, which means – are you ready for it? – that I managed to make it through one whole day filling in for our Editorial Assistant. Not only was I successful in my endeavor to not destroy the magazine singlehandedly (and I was filling in the day before a big-huge-major event, so it wasn’t out of the realm of possibility), but also she wrote me to let her know that her boss said I did a fantastic job.

Getting to step into the shoes of an EA for one day was such an educational experience for me. Of course, I wasn’t slammed with all of her duties. I doubt my experience was even a microcosm of what she has to deal with every day. I do think I got a taste of what the job entails. Check out what my day as an EA looked like and what I learned!

Biting Off More Than You Chew: How To Avoid Burnout

Hey Edsters,

How are your internships going? If you read my last blog, you know my head has been spinning with work, internships and freelance projects. I'm still loving it more than any of my words can begin to express, but I've lately learned a very valuable lesson: be realistic.

I've always been pretty solid on time management and meeting deadlines, and let's be honest, I still am. When I promise work to a set deadline, I meet it, even it that means sacrificing time with friends or a few hours of sleep. It's really important to me to stay reliable because that's how you build relationships and gain trust for present and future professional relationships. But what I have been seeing, Edsters, is a slight decrease in the quality of my work performance.

When I'm at my part-time job, it takes all my control not to yell back at the rude boss I told you about before. When I'm at my internship, I can't work as quickly as I previously could. And when I'm with my friends, I barely have the patience to be relaxed and calm. I've realized I'm only thinking about work, and even when I am out exploring the city, I feel traces of guilt for not working on the projects I know are waiting for me at home. I think, for one week, I agreed to take on too many projects.

Should You Apologize For A Mistake That Wasn’t Your Fault?

Earlier this summer, I wrote about the mini-crisis I had when I found out an assignment I was researching was due that week and no one had told me. That one, I’ll admit, was largely my fault, since I didn’t ask what my deadline was.

But I learned from my mistake. After that snafu, I made a point of always asking when my assignments were due.

That’s why this recent incident is particularly frustrating. I had been assigned a small piece for a web-only supplement to an article, and told I had two weeks to do it.

But last week, I got an email from the assigning editor asking if the piece was done yet. I was a little surprised, since it was a full week and a half before the deadline I had been given, but I told the editor I would try to get it to him the next day.

I frantically sent a third follow-up email to the source I needed for the story and tried to call him multiple times, but with the time difference and other factors, he didn’t get back to me. I waited, and called, and emailed, and called other people from the organization, and crossed my fingers and prayed to the journalism gods, but by 4 p.m. the next day, I still didn’t have the interview I needed and couldn't write the piece.

Last Week? 4 Things You Must Do!

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

The moment’s finally here for me: I only have five days left until I pack my bags and head home. It doesn’t seem real. Was it really two months ago I started my first day? Struggled to find my cubicle? Now the office feels like a second home. It’s dizzying to think how much time has passed. My internship has been one of the best experiences in my life, and I’m crushed to think it’s almost over.

But right now I can’t be sentimental. This last week is bound to be my busiest ever. At the mag, we’re closing an issue and launching a new product — which means tons of assignments to do to help my editors keep their cool. I don’t have time to stress about goodbyes when there’s so much in front of me. There’s too much to get done.

And I’m not the only one feeling the pressure. Because we’re all now seasoned interns, a lot of my friends are getting bigger assignments too. The last week on an internship isn’t the time to coast. It’s the time to step up and put in your very best to tackle those last challenges.

But will you be ready for the end of the week? It may be easy to get bogged down, but there are four things that regardless of how busy things get on the job, every intern should strive to do:

End Of Internship Etiquette

Hey Edsters!

As your internship draws to an end, there are a few little things that need to be done before you walk out of the office for the last time. Keep these things in mind during your last month.

Two week’s notice: If you’re like me and are one of many interns, your editor may not remember which intern ends on what date. I’d suggest following the two week’s rule and sending an e-mail stating your last day, and a brief paragraph thanking your boss for the opportunity and experience. Be genuine with this – don’t just say you learned a lot, but give an example. Just don’t write a novel, you don’t want to be annoying!

3 Tips My Editors Shared To Get Your Dream Job

Good news, Edsters! I'm feeling much more positive since last week, mainly because I was able to get coffee with The Fitness Mag's EA, as well as Miss Editor. The EA kept rescheduling, so I was really relieved when she finally had an hour free to go get coffee and chat about her path to breaking in to the mag industry.

As you know from my earlier posts, I've been thinking a lot about the career path I want to take, and wondering whether I have what it takes to make it in this industry. Meeting with my EA really helped me identify my concerns and what I need to start doing to step up my job hunting game.

When I chatted with my EA, she told me about her daily tasks and how she landed her job. Basically it all came down to perfect timing and luck, and she didn't even have to take an edit test. She had interned with The Fitness Mag the summer before her senior year, and was hired on the spot when she came to visit the office after graduation. In fact, there wasn't even an open position. They created one for her because she had made herself that invaluable to the staff. This was her advice...

Going Digital: How To Write A Magazine Quiz For The Ipad

Happy Friday, Edsters!

I type this the day before what will probably be the scariest day of my interning life. My manager is out of the office tomorrow, so I have the pleasure (is it, though?) of sitting at her desk and, as far as I can tell, basically being her for the day. Yes, that's right – I am a 9:30 to whenever-they-need-me-there-until Editorial Assistant tomorrow. Not only that, but tomorrow is the day before a HUGE event the Mag is throwing for a swoon-worthy guest list, so it's going to be absolutely crazy there. I already have two bio packets due by noon!

So I'd like to promise you more on that next Friday, but it's unclear if I'll make it out alive, so... More on that later, potentially.

How about something a little lighter than the weight of the magazine world resting more heavily than usual on my shoulders? I went digital this week! By that, I mean I got to write a quiz for the iPad version of our Mag, which was a ton of fun. I only wish I had an iPad so I could see it with my own two eyes!

Articles, I brainstorm all the time, but quizzes? I've been skipping over those in magazines since I was about 12, when I realized that I was deliberately picking the safe "b" option, the one that made me just the right amount of daring/caring/glam/assertive and, oh yeah, people occasionally fall into more than three categories. This wasn't one of those superficial bad boys, though. As it turns out, a lot of work goes into writing a quiz – so at least give them a glimpse!

Here's how I landed the gig and pulled it off.

Fake It ‘Til You Make It: An Ode To Multitasking

Hey Edsters,

So I’m weeks and weeks deep into my internship, silently loathing the approaching time when I have to move home, and soaking up as much information as I possibly can on how to succeed.

If I’m picking up one thing more than anything else, it’s the importance of being able to multitask. We’re in a tough major, Edsters. I think we can all agree on that. We’re in a time when huge magazines would rather outsource freelancers than hire staffers, when one week of bad reviews can get you fired and sent back to school for a new career. It’s hitting hard for me, as I just saw someone fired yesterday. The person came into the office, went out to coffee with the boss, and then never came back. In that switch of a moment, his life was drastically different. He woke up with a life plan and went home with a box.

I started to think about my future in magazines. After having a real talk with my boss, I was much more than reassured.

Here’s what I learned:

3 Tips For Writing Your First Mag Story

Happy hump day, Edsters!

Some big news this week – I have a byline in the magazine!

Last week I blogged about a story I was doing research for. I’m going to get a small research credit for that, but this week something even better developed. My own story and a real byline. I can’t even fully believe it.

Admittedly, this story is not the most exciting thing ever. It’s a small, front-of-the-book item, barely more than 40 words. But still, it means my name and my writing is going to be read by people all over the country, and I couldn’t be more excited.

It was an interesting experience, too. I’m used to writing longer pieces – for me, 500 words is pretty short, never mind 50. I had to figure out a way to shrink three 30-minute interviews into three sentences, which was more of a challenge than I thought it would be. Here are a few things I’ve learned about writing short-form for mags:

Internship Ending? 5 Things to Do Now!

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

Time is flying far too fast. Weeks just shoot by, and the finish line for my internship is coming into sight. I’ve got a little bit of time left, but I still can’t believe how much closer the end gets every day — my friends and I talk about it in shock. I’ve fallen in love with my internship and this city, and I’ve learned so much. I know I’ll be back next summer (fingers crossed!), but every time I leave the office, I can’t help but look back and dread the day that single-digit countdown will begin.

It’s not unusual though. It’s the way it’s been with all my internships. I don’t regret a day of the journey at them, but the end always makes me sentimental. There’s still some time left to learn more, but the biggest mountains have been climbed. Now it’s time to head back down and end with grace.

What I’ve learned about this period — the falling action, you’d call it in literature — is that it’s important to be as conscious making that great good-bye as you were with that impressive hello. And great good-byes don’t happen in a week.

Fashion Secrets From The Closet

Aloha Edsters!

We’re a week into August, meaning that my internship (and summer vacation!) is nearing its end.

As an intern, I’ve learned that no matter what market you’re in (fashion, editorial, sports, feature, etc.) you’re going to have to work your way up from the bottom.

Cue the clichés.

That’s how it’s been, that’s how it is, and most likely how it will continue to be. I see nothing wrong with putting in long hours to get to where you want to be. There are no shortcuts to success. Heard it all before? Me too. But I’m starting to think that my parents, professors, bosses and everyone who’s every offered unsolicited advice to me may be on to something.

Trying to Stay Motivated When Your Job Hunt Hits A Wall

Howdy there, Edsters! Today's post is pretty deep. I know I've offered advice, stories and useless information about my NYC escapades. But now it's time for some wisdom and truth. So get ready.

When I first moved in to my closet-sized NY apartment, my roommates had this anonymous quote on our refrigerator and it's really had me thinking these last few days:

"The creatively strong survive. It takes a lot of courage and determination to make it out here. There will be many paths to choose and some may not alway be the best. Try not to get caught up in the scene. It can destroy people. Be careful who you trust . New York and Los Angeles are both cities of dreams, and your dreams and motivations have to be strong or they will be lost in the confusion of these cities."

I try to look at this quotation every morning and remind myself that I have to stay motivated to achieve my goals, but lately I feel like I haven't been giving my all to my internship at The Fitness Mag. I look at my fellow interns, high on the success of landing their first big gig, and I wish I could get that enthusiasm back. I'm not getting paid, and I feel like I'm back to square one, when I had my first magazine internship.

3 Ways To Make Yourself Useful On A Slow Day

Happy Friday, Edsters!

One great thing about Fridays is that no matter how hectic the week is (and the past few have been very, very hectic. Stopping and smelling the roses does not seem to play a major role in the lives of magazine editors), Fridays are a little more relaxed. A special brand of quietness sweeps across the office; sunlight seems to stream more meaningfully through the windows.

And no one wants to do a damn thing, people leave early, and the interns get bored.

This Friday, I wasn’t exactly complaining. I like contributing as much as the next person, but after three weeks in a row that I could swear were all closing weeks, it wasn’t exactly killing me to scrunch down in my cubicle with a few old issues of the Mag and a coffee expensed to the Mag’s account.

It was killing one of our other interns, though. She must have swung by my desk fifteen times trying to brainstorm projects for herself. Though I would have been one thousand percent content to just breathe for the first time all week and read my magazine, after I’d finished my cup of coffee and felt less cranky, I gained a little respect for her initiative.

But how do you make yourself useful when there’s really, really nothing to do?

How To Impress The Hell Out Of Your Bosses—And Become One

So I got a lovely little surprise this week, Edsters, and let me tell you, it feels WONDERFUL to be recognized at the mag. I've been working hard and trying to remember all the little details I overhear in the office--like which editors prefer e-mails and which want in-person conversations, which are too busy to be bothered this week and which have time to play with hand puppets. While I feel like I've just been keeping my head down and doing the best work I can with assigned tasks, I must be doing something else right.

I'm standing in for my boss tomorrow.

Yeah, I couldn't believe it, either, but this is how it happened:

Avoiding Disaster 101: The Importance of Getting Deadlines

So for the past six weeks or so, my internship has consisted largely of preliminary research – basically looking into stories and writing memos about what I find so editors can decide if the stories are worth pursuing for future issues. Sometimes I write lists of things to be made into graphics. But the point is, for the most part, I’m researching unscheduled, tentative stories, so everything is just sort of ongoing.

Imagine my surprise, then, when during a meeting I just happened to decide to attend I heard the editors discuss one of my stories, which, apparently, is scheduled for the December issue. And, apparently, the deadline for the December issue is next week. Whoa.

5 Ways to Step Up at Your Internship

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

Another week, another set of memories that have made my time in New York unlike any other. I’ve been given a lot at work to juggle, but I love the challenge. I know the work I’m doing — especially now and however small the task — is really helping my editors. The work of an intern may not appear in print, but it’s felt around the office. A better office environment means a smoother operation and stronger publication. Never doubt your impact.

But with the weeks flying by until my (and your) internship’s end unfortunately, now more than ever it’s important to step up. My editors know me now and what I’m capable of. They’ve come to trust my ability to do assignments. Now it’s time for me — and you — to use that relationship to your advantage!

The people I’ve talked to in the industry have told me the most memorable interns are the ones who do more than just what they’re told. They’re the interns that go the extra mile constantly. And they’re the interns to strive to be. So what’s their common traits? What did they do? The five ways to stand out like them:

7 Things Every Intern Should (And Shouldn't!) Carry In Their Bag

Happy Monday Edsters!

I’ve come a long way since my first (rainy) day at the Fashion Mag, and have learned tons about the fashion industry and New York City. Since this is my first internship, I came in not knowing what to expect at all. Now ten weeks have passed, and I’ve put together a list of essential items for the on-the-go intern. Many of you are on the search for your fall internship – refer back to this list once it starts!

My first week on the job, I carried enough items in my purse to fill a carry-on suitcase. Seriously, I would lug around my entire make-up case, jewelry, an umbrella, poncho (what was I thinking??), flats, a book, magazines, IPod, cell phone and charger, wallet, allergy and headache medication, contact lens solution, my glasses, band-aids, and tons of snacks, among other odds and ends.

Carrying all that around got old very quickly. Here’s all you need in your purse or messenger bag to survive a 12-hour day of interning:

Dealing With PR Reps 101

Hey there Edsters! Most of you are interested in magazine journalism because you love to write. However, there are many other aspects of putting together a magazine. And depending on where you work, finding cool, new products for your readers is likely to be a large part of your job.

Here at the Fitness Mag, we’re always looking for exercise clothing, accessories, and gear, and this means dealing with a host of public relations representatives. Warning: My first interaction with a PR rep was pretty much a disaster.

However, I realized that it was not the norm, and I’ve become a lot more comfortable dealing with PR reps, in terms of what to tell them about the stories we’re working on, and how to politely say you’re not interested.

During my first week, Miss Editor asked me to contact someone from a NY-based fitness studio, so we could report on a new type of class they’re offering. Pretty basic, right?

5 Ways To Make A Lasting Impression

Happy Friday, Edsters!

At The Mag, we have organized intern lunches with some of the higher-up editors once or twice a week. It’s so interesting to hear everyone’s back-story, even if the job market has changed astronomically from when they were job-hunting. (One of our editors just casually established an international version of our magazine while she was living abroad when she was in her twenties. Just for fun. I feel like it doesn’t quite work that way these days.)

All of the editors also have great tips on making the most of your internship. I’ve compiled the best of their advice so far.

How Do You Deal With A Horrible Boss?

This has been a long week for me, Edsters…the kind when I find myself drinking coffee three times a day, but never quite finding time for dinner. Where I’m constantly running, but I never feel like I completely accomplish anything.

Things have been awesome at the mag. The other Web interns and I have finished building all the new articles/slide shows/etc. for the last issue, but we’re also trying to organize everything for the new slew of interns who are about to replace us. Basically, we’re trying to think of everything we wish we would have known coming in and figuring out the best way to make sure all the future webbies know them. Not to mention, with the September issue fast approaching, things are about to get even busier. But the mag isn’t my source of stress. No, it’s somewhere else.

It’s in my part-time job as counter help in some division of food service. Okay, so it’s not a significant job—just something little to get me through the weeks. Lately, though, I feel like it’s been my New York initiation. My boss is a terrific jerk. While he’s at work, he finds no fault in screaming at us in front of a store full of customers. You’ll have to trust me on this, Edsters, since I can’t tell you the specifics on what he’s yelling about…but they’re always stupid rants. I’ve seen customers walk out of the store because of his behavior. I’ve had customers apologize to me on his behalf because he was so rude. And when he’s not in the store? He’s at home watching the security cameras from his laptop…calling in to the store about every 10 minutes to yell at us. I’m really not exaggerating at all.

I thought about quitting because the way he treats us is so incredibly disrespectful that it’s almost degrading to stand for, but three things are keeping me employed.

How Can You Be Eager Without Being Annoying?

My internship is officially more than half over! I can’t believe how fast it’s going – feels like I just started.

For the most part, the first half of the summer has been good. A learning experience, for sure, and different than I expected, but I feel like it’s been valuable and I think I’ve learned a lot about the office, like how a story gets from idea to publication, how long the research process takes, and generally which editor is responsible for what.

One thing I haven’t quite figured out, though, is my relationship with my editor. Specifically, I’m struggling to figure out when and how much to check in.

Here’s the thing. At my past internships, the offices have either had cubicles or been totally open. With those set-ups, my bosses would walk by me multiple times per day, and so checking in sort of happened naturally. At the mag, that is not the case. Everyone has their own office, which is awesome, but it doesn’t do much to facilitate conversation.

5 Ways to Time Manage Like a Pro

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

Time is flying by, and it’s crazy to think I’m more than halfway through my internship. The finish line is approaching, but the last thing I want to do is cross it. I’ve had so much fun here, and I’ve fallen in love with this city and my position.

I get thrown a lot of things now. You could say my internship is like a guy ready to take the next step in our relationship: since the second half of my internship started, my editors have been giving me much more important tasks and putting more faith in me. It’s a testament to my work, and the last thing I want to do is let them down. That’s why now more than ever I’ve been relying on one key skill: my ability to multitask efficiently.

Never say no to an assignment. It’s something I truly believe in as an intern. It’s your job to help as much as you can. A little nervous about a new task? We’ve all been there, but it’s important to push yourself and set aside your shyness or reservations. Go for it, and know the most rewarding assignments are the ones that push people out of their comfort zone. You can do it (that’s why your editor gave it to you), and you’ll grow from it!

But what happens when things pile up, and you just don’t know where to begin? You’ve got five different assignments on your plate, and five different editors who need your help. Of course you accept them all, but what do you do first? How do you keep your work at its best on each assignment you do? The answer is surprisingly simple: get organized. I’m all about good time management, and I’ve found the best interns and editors I’ve come across share that ability to prioritize.

When Should You Suck Up To Get Ahead?

They’re everywhere – sneaky, pushy, annoying and in plain view for everyone to see. No, I’m not talking about the flyaway frizzies my hair gets when it rains, I’m talking about something much more irritating: the office suck-up.

I’ve heard stories about people going out of their way to please their bosses, editors, managers, whomever – but never did I witness anything like that until I started my fashion internship.

Let me tell you about the Fashion Mag’s resident suck-up; let’s call her the Queen of the Interns. Because, due to her shameless hierarchy-climbing tactics, that’s exactly what she is.

The Queen of the Interns started her internship a week or two before I did, but while I took my time slowly getting used to the water, she dove right in with a splash.

The Queen’s actions were small and innocent at first. Coming in a few minutes early, staying a few minutes late. Nothing wrong here – I’ve done the same when I’ve been assigned a large return. But what started off as 10 minutes turned into an hour, sometimes even beating the fashion assistants and editors themselves to the office.

Still, the other interns and I barely noticed. We’re all in the same boat and will do anything to make ourselves stand out. All’s fair in love and

How To Be An Expert on Everything (Or At Least Fake It)

It was the first week of my fitness internship when I realized I didn’t own a pair of sneakers. I had just settled in to the city, and decided I should go ahead and splurge on a gym membership if my career (for the next few months at least) was going to be about exercise and nutrition.

Now, I’m no Heidi Klum, but I can safely say that I have been blessed with a fast metabolism that has afforded me the luxury of being able to eat what I want and never gain weight. So, besides a few yoga classes every once in a while, I’ve never really had to work out.

Anyhow, I found a gym close to my apartment and was prepared to walk over and sign up for my membership, but it occurred to me that the only sneakers I owned were converse. Yikes! How embarrassing. My roommates got a big kick out of the situation, but I started to wonder how the heck I was going to make it through an internship with the fitness department when I didn’t know much about the subject. But then it dawned on me: Journalists don’t have to practice what they preach.

How To Deal With Jerks On The Job

Happy Friday, Edsters! Are you humming Katy Perry’s Friday-themed jam, or are you still stuck on Rebecca Black?

A few days ago at work, one of the editors asked me to do her the favor of tracking down a DVD of a documentary that premiered recently on a local channel. That sounded easy enough, and I set to work looking up PR contacts, making phone calls, sending emails, the usual. For some reason, the network didn’t have a copy of the DVD, so they put me in touch with the producer, who wound up taking a real attitude with me. In a condescending voice, he told me, “Well, I would need to know more about why your editor wants that tape. I mean, I produced it. As much as I appreciate good press, I would want to know what it’s for.”

I replied, “Okay, sir, I know you may not understand how internationally-acclaimed magazines work, so let me break it down for you: when an editor says jump, I jump, and if you care at all about your craft, you jump with me, and that aside, this is like a three-inch jump, more of a hop really, and I’m sure that it wouldn’t kill you to slap a postage stamp on a DVD case and ship it right over, so would you please just be compliant so I can tell my editor I’ve gotten this done before my lunch break?”

I’m kidding, obviously. I didn’t say that. However, he wound up speaking to me so rudely that I may as well have (and wish I had).

So You Wanna Be A Freelancer

EDSTERS!
The MOST Beautiful, Lovely, Fantastic, Incredible Week!
I truly cannot believe the experiences that are unfolding before me this summer. As I type, I’m sitting in a 24-hour diner I found three blocks from my building. Greasy? Yes. But there’s an outlet and free refills on coffee, so when I’m in the mood to greet the sunrise, we’re the best of friends.

ANYWAY, why am I in the diner tonight? Lovely Edsters, not only do I have an incredible internship at the men’s magazine while I’m blogging for Ed, but I just became a real, live New York City freelancer! (I filled out the tax forms and everything!) Let’s just say I’ve been able to meet one of the most incredibly busy and driven people I’ve ever known, and, through some stroke of incredible luck, I’ve impressed her. I’m working on a couple projects at the moment, some copy editing, some composing story intros and query letters, others organizing for business expansion, but it’s pretty much the most incredible opportunity I never saw coming this summer!

She’s introduced me to other people she knows in various careers, and I’m trying my hardest to stay professional, yet personable, and interesting, while competent. I’m pushing my networking to the max, and I’m really impressed with how cool people are with texting. That is still something I’m getting used to. I wouldn’t recommend it, Edsters. I view it as unprofessional. I tend to veer toward e-mail in the professional form, but when these contacts text me, I mean, yeah, I text back. I think it’s really cool to be able to know people on multiple platforms—if you are careful and make sure it’s mutually understood, I think you can meet people in both personal and professional environments. I know that’s what’s helping me get ahead.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS:

4 Tips For Pitching Magazine Stories

On Monday I opened my email to see a note from my editor: “Got an assignment for you if you want it – potential for a byline!”

I didn’t even bother to open the rest of my unread messages. I just grabbed my notebook and my pen and walked as calmly as I could to my editor’s office. We chatted about our weekends, and then I asked, “So you said you had an assignment?”

My editor explained that he had an idea for a new front of the book feature, but before they could go ahead with it they needed a list of six to eight ideas. If my ideas were approved, I could even write some of the features!

So I ran back to my desk and started searching for feature ideas. I had a few other tasks to complete, but I blew through those as fast as I could to have time to get back to my feature pitches.

A few days later, I sent a list of pitches to my editor that I was very happy with. But of my eight pitches, my editor liked two of them.

When I got my editor’s email back telling me to keep working, it felt sort of like a punch in the gut. This was a chance for me to demonstrate my creativity and news judgment, and to get a byline, and I was disappointed that I didn’t blow my editor away.

So I kept researching, despite the blow to my ego, and a day later I sent my boss a new list of ideas. After a few more emails, I had a full set of eight approved pitches that are now waiting to be written. It was a lot more work than I expected, especially considering these are 200-word front of the book features, but I learned a lot about pitching for a magazine along the way. Here are some tips:

3 Ways to Rock Informational Interviews

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

I’m getting ready to enter the second half of my internship, and it’s crazy to think I only have a month left in New York. I’ve really grown to love working at my office and can’t imagine (nor really want to) that soon enough I’ll be back at college in classes. New York is such a tease for life after graduation, but I know I’ll be back soon enough, tackling another internship and someday a job (at least I hope!).

With a month to go, what has become really important to me is taking the opportunity to network with people across the industry. Because I’ve been told so many jobs are word-of-mouth, I feel it’s especially important to start building your network early. And the advantage of being in New York to do that? You can have in-person meetings as opposed to phone interviews. The people you meet will put a face to your voice, which sets a great foundation for when you follow up through email, phone and eventually meet again.

But the appeal of informational interviews goes beyond building a network: hearing the stories of how others broke into the industry is so inspiring. Everyone has their own way to New York, but one element unites all their stories: a bit of luck. It’s reassuring to see the different paths everyone has taken because ultimately, mine and yours will be one-of-a-kind too. Same destination, different journey.

Navigating New York City: Small Fish in a Big Pond

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been telling anyone who would listen that I aspire to work in New York City one day. The ladies of Sex and the City made New York look so glamorous, and I wanted to immerse myself in the city’s culture.

Let’s get real.

I’ve always had big city dreams, but the truth is as a Jersey girl I’ve been to New York more in the past month than I’ve been for the last 10 years. Therefore, I had no actual knowledge of the city. I’ve only been on the subway once before my internship!

So what do I get when I combine my lack of experience navigating the city, my terrible sense of direction, and a fashion internship?

The most rewarding summer of my life.

Southern in the City

Greetings from my closet-sized bedroom in the world's teeniest apartment! As most of my posts have been strictly business thus far, I’ve decided to get a little more personal this week and let you in on some of the juicy details of my life. As I mentioned in my first post, I love all things southern and was pretty worried about the transition to life in NY. But aside from my Chic-fil-A withdraws (it’s normal to have shaky hands, right?) and inability to master the subway system, I’m absolutely loving the city! In fact, I've decided I'm staying here no matter what.

Going from a big house with a yard to a very small apartment with no living room, washer/dryer or dishwasher was definitely an adjustment. But as a wise professor once said, “With so much to do in New York, why would you spend time in your apartment?” And she was right. Concerts, picnics, museums and late night strolls have dominated my free time, and I can feel myself growing in every way possible. People complain because NY is expensive, and I’ve definitely chimed in at times (Six dollars for cereal…seriously people!?), but I’ve also found that there’s so much free entertainment! People-watching in the East Village is enough to keep me entertained for an entire Saturday. Two highlights of my time in NY have been Rainbow City, a crazy art installation in Chelsea (pictured above), and the Gay Pride Parade.

NYC Pride was particularly moving because the state passed a law legalizing gay marriage the day before the parade. Especially coming from the south, where homosexuals aren’t (for the most part) as accepted in our culture, it was a really amazing experience to witness all of the love, support and celebration of individuality that embodies NYC Pride. Couples marched down the streets carrying signs reading “31 Years”, and preachers followed behind in support. I love Tennessee, but let's be honest, that would never happen there.

Rainbow City is an art installation at the lot on 30th street in Chelsea. It’s one of the neat cultural attractions that makes me so happy that I’m able to be here, experiencing everything the world has to offer.

What have been your favorite experiences in NY so far, edsters? Would you move here after college?

XOXO,
Fitness Intern

How to Avoid Running in Heels: My Tips For Surviving The Most Menial Intern Duties

Every morning when I dash from the subway into work, often stumbling as I change from flip-flops to stilettos, I have a little “oh, my God, do I really get to work here?” moment. The gleaming, idyllic lobby; the perfectly groomed, coiffed, and outfitted women (occasionally, I’ll see a man or two. Occasionally.) towering over me in pair upon pair of fantastic heels… It’s all very glamorous.

And some days, the work I do even feels glamorous. Other days, I’m stuck filing papers, or sent traipsing around the city in the rain or in 90-degree heat on missions I can best describe as menial. It’s not that I mind changing the toner in the printer or heading out for a Starbucks run – I know I’m making myself useful and helping The Mag run, in my own little way.

But sometimes, when I’m calling to see why an editor’s magazine subscription didn’t arrive the previous month, or moving a bookshelf in aforementioned stilettos with two other interns, or delivering packages well after my work day allegedly ends in unfamiliar parts of the city, I can’t help but think, is this really in my job description?

The Best Part About Working For A National Mag (Hint: Inside Celeb Scoop)

Ohhhh, Edsters. Does the Men’s Magazine have some dirt?! And boy is it good. And boy are we sworn to secrecy about it until the story goes live. But boyyy is it good.

So, seeing as I can’t tell you lovelies who I am or what magazine to peruse the SECOND the story gets published, I’m sorry for the teaser. But being in the know for any publication is one of the most exciting little adventures the office can hold. It’s very much like a flashback to high school—you hear a murmur…you look around…wait, what was that they said?...strain your ears a little…and in a minute, the whole office is talking. Yaaa…so maybe some celebs had a fling and tried to keep it quiet—until one of them spilled it all. I mean, let’s just open THAT can.

That’s what I’ve been loving a lot this week. The other interns and I have been invited to some of the meetings going on around the office. Sometimes that means really boring ones with just updates and sometimes that means really interesting ones, like when we get briefed on the upcoming issue. Since my last blog, I’ve been keeping true to my hopes, and I’ve been trying to network at these meetings. I’ve been able to meet people from the fashion department, people who take chare of all our PR inquiries, and the associated editor. Very awesome. I mean, I know we all know it, but contacts are completely indispensible. It also helps for future conversations, too.

How Do You Find Ways to Stay Motivated in an Unhappy Internship?

I think the biggest issue for me is that no one cares about the work I’m doing. It’s been hard to find intrinsic motivation because the work isn’t inherently interesting or challenging, but as an intern I kind of expected that. What makes it difficult, for me at least, is that the work I do doesn't seem crucial to the operation of the mag. Mostly, I'm working on small blog posts that are nice but unnecessary.

Often, I feel like my editor has to search for things for me to do. I almost feel annoying asking for work sometimes, because I think he spends more time searching for tasks for me than he saves by having me do them. Even when I am given a task, it rarely comes with a deadline or any sense of urgency, and occasionally I think my editor just makes things up to get me to stop asking (like when he tells me to research something for a potential front of the book story for the February issue).

New to New York? 5 Ways to Adjust Easily

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

Next week marks the halfway point for my internship, and it’s amazing how fast time has gone. It’s hard to believe just a month ago I was sitting on my front porch, looking out at my suburban neighborhood and just trying to imagine what New York and my internship would be like. It’s been such a journey, and there’s so much more to go.

When I look back, however, I see this experience as more than just conquering the work day. I’ve learned so much at work, but I’ve learned even more about myself as a person and my ability to adapt in new environments from living on my own in New York.

I won’t sugarcoat it and say adjustment is easy, especially when you’re living in a new place is as big, exciting and intimidating as New York. I’ve grown to love the city, but it wasn’t always like that. There were tears over bad directions, frustration over the complicated subway and heartbreak over leaving behind all my friends, family and the familiar.

4 Ways to Be a Superstar Intern: Easier Said Than Done

Hey fabulous fashionistas! I have a crucial piece of information for you: the fashion magazine industry is difficult to break into, and a rough world for an intern.

Wait, you knew that already? Ha.

3 Tips for Not Crossing The Line With Your Editor

In just three weeks at The Fitness Mag I’ve learned a lot about the do’s and dont’s of intern life. For example, do take a moment to chit-chat with your editors when you come in to work (as long as they don’t seem super busy). This way, you can establish a friendly relationship, even if they don’t have time to have lunch with you…which is usually the case.

However, I’ve found that becoming too friendly with your superiors is definitely a don’t. This happened with an intern that I worked with last summer, and I notice some of the interns I work with here trying too hard to be buddy-buddy with the staffers. If you happen to hit it off with one of your superiors, that’s awesome, and you should use that relationship to your advantage--but it’s easy to tell when someone is kissing your you-know-what just because they want a job. There’s a big difference between a likable intern and someone who arrogantly acts like they’re already on staff. So here are a few foolproof tips I came up with so that you know you’ll leave a good impression.

6 Brilliant Ways To Be The Best Intern Researcher

Ciao, fellow Edsters!

It wasn’t long before I tired of explaining to my non-Edster friends that the majority of what I do at work is research (as opposed to fetching coffee), so I crafted a little ditty to spice up my unchanging, uninteresting response: “Researching, researching, yeah! Dossiers, dossiers, yeah! Fun, fun, fun, fun.”

Okay, so that wasn’t a fully original composition.

Anyway, everyone seems to take pity on me for spending a big chunk of my internship on Lexis Nexis and Google.

Look, I’ll level with you. I secretly love doing research. I know that makes me a huge geek, but putting together profiles on celebrities we’re interviewing and filling binders with articles by our competitors on a certain subject – well, it just feels like I’m doing something useful, and I can’t say that I feel useful all the time at the office. On Monday, for example, most of my day consisted of reading the July issue and making some phone calls. Not exactly the kind of work that begets satisfying results.

5 Common Intern Mistakes You Should Avoid

Hey Edsters!

This has been a very weird—yet fulfilling—week for me. We’re between issues at the magazine, so the other interns and I have been working on smaller tasks than usual.

Normally, we’re actually doing the damn thing—much more than I was expecting before coming to the city. We build Web articles, we build Web slideshows, we code text with HTML and we research photos and contact companies to purchase them. We’re basically doing the preliminary Web builds of everything, and then the edits to them once they go through the editors.

This week, though, we’ve just about built it all. New stories for the next issue haven’t made it through to us, yet, so we’ve been cleaning our little room and deleting spam from the website and tweaking little things here and there that got lost in the shuffle of a couple busy, busy weeks.

What that DOES mean, though, is we’ve gotten the chance to really talk to our boss. We’ve been able to talk about what magazine’s look for in their interns (or at least what our boss does!), what’s fun to do in the city and how to volunteer for some extra responsibilities at the magazine. Here’s what I’ve picked up:

My Trick To Getting To Know Everyone in the Office

So I have decided to be proactive about getting to know the office by asking everyone and anyone to lunch.

The idea was sparked when the magazine’s assistant editor, who hasn’t worked there very long, asked me to lunch. (This lunch, two weeks into my internship, was also the first time I realized we had a cafeteria.) During the hour we talked, she explained that she was feeling the same way I did: that it was hard to get to know people and it was easy to go a whole day without talking to anyone. It was great to hear that I wasn’t alone in feeling a little lost, but it was scary that she had been there for months and still felt that way – was I going to let my entire internship fly by without ever getting to know these people?

I decided the writers and editors at the magazine are just too amazing for me not to try to learn everything I can from them. We have people who have been foreign correspondents and people who have been editors at some of the biggest magazines in the world. I want to talk to these people and hear their stories. And I realized after that lunch with my assistant editor that most people are more than happy to talk about themselves for an hour.

Have An Editor From Hell? 5 Ways To Cope

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

June quickly came to a close, and it’s hard to believe that I’m approaching the one-month mark at my internship. I’ve really settled into my position and routine now, and it’s been smooth sailing!

I’ve also started to get to know some of the other interns too, which has been wonderful. What’s really cool about NYC internships versus those in D.C. or other cities is that your colleagues are from all over the country rather than primarily based locally. It’s great to hear their different perspectives, from the West Coast to East and everywhere in between. Everyone has a unique story.

But perhaps what’s most interesting is hearing about others’ past internships. And while there are definite highs, there are some pretty big lows too, which quickly turn into internship horror stories.

Made a Mistake? Why You Should 'Fess Up and Fix It

It’s going to happen eventually; as an intern, you will most likely make a mistake at some point during your internship. And I’m not talking about the minor fashion faux paus I made on my first day - I’m referring to actual poor decisions that may reflect negatively in your employer’s eyes.

The fashion closet was absolutely crazy this week. Tons of trunks filled with clothes and accessories were coming back from photo shoots around the world. My job, along with the other 20 or so interns, was to unpack these trunks and return items to the designers or showrooms. Ever try sorting through 400 pairs of designer socks to find a matching pair? It gets frustrating very quickly.

Here’s where the poor decisions come in. One day, at around 8 p.m. (12 hour days are the norm), the fashion assistant who works with the interns asked me to work on an especially large return – about 70 items – that needed to be completed that night.

How To Deal With Intern Grunt Work

Greetings Edsters!

Last week marked my first month as an intern for the fitness mag, and overall I can say that I enjoy the staff members and think this summer will be a great experience. With that said, I’d like to explain my first day. Things we’re going great - I settled in to my desk area, met my editors, took an office tour - until one of the editors asked me to “lend a hand” while she was moving a few crates. Lending a hand turned into unpacking 12 huge crates worth of fitness equipment (think dumbells, weighted exercise balls, etc.) and arranging them by color. I believe “hope you have good organizational skills” were her last words before she left me to face the mounds of fitness products. But hey, no pressure.

If I sound ungrateful, let me give you a little bit of background information: This is not my first rodeo. I spent last summer interning for a national publication (with an hourly salary), was managing editor of my school newspaper, and have other internships and writing experience under my belt. So, doing grunt work all day had me a little depressed. Believe me, it’s not that I think I’m “too good” for intern work, but I couldn’t help but think that all of my hard work in college had only gotten me back to square one.

How To Make An Awesome Second Impression

Hey fellow Edsters!

So, thankfully, my forgiving and fantastic managers seem to have put the Cupcake Incident of Summer 2011 behind them, and my ensuing time at The Mag has gone fairly smoothly since. I feel like I’ve tackled a million projects since I last wrote, and walked twice as many steps in stilettos. (How many weeks did it take me to actually start packing a pair of flip-flops in my purse? Three?)

Since I’m not quite sure where to start, I thought I’d shed some light on the dynamic at my office by outlining my experience interacting with my fellow interns, my managers and the higher-up editors. Spoiler: my review is generally glowing.

3 Success Secrets Every Web Intern Should Know

Hey Edsters!

So I’ve been at my internship four a couple weeks now, and I have yet to get yelled at, get coffee or get lost. What I did get, though, was a smile and a 50-page manual on my first day. That was my intern training.

There was no sitting down for an orientation of new Web programs. There really wasn’t even a conversation. My bosses seemed more apt to iChat instead of talk…while they sat right beside one another. I knew I wasn’t going to get anywhere like that, so I took my boss up on her “don’t be afraid to ask questions” policy. Thank goodness I did.

My First Day at a National Magazine Didn't Go Quite As Planned...

My first day on the job was a strange combination of chaos and boredom.

I arrived 20 minutes early, following the route I had practiced the day before. Everything was going according to plan, until I realized the building was actually a complex comprised of multiple buildings – and I had no idea which one was mine. I tried to spot people who looked like journalists to see which door they used, but eventually I had to just pick an entrance. I chose wrong, and ended up being a few minutes late, despite my meticulous planning.

Luckily, my editor didn’t notice I was late, mostly because he hadn’t realized I was slated to start that day. My editor is really nice, in a way that reminds me of the best teachers I had in high school. He’s patient, always seems happy to see me and puts up with my endless questions, but I get the sense that when I’m not standing right in front of him, he forgets I exist.

5 Ways To Impress The Hell Out Of Your Editor

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

I hope your summers are going well! I’m about to start week three of my internship, and everything has been going pretty smoothly. I’ve adjusted to the office layout and my tasks. I’ve met the other interns, and I’m getting to know my editors. I love it where I am and couldn’t be more thankful for the opportunity.

However, I do know in the course of the workday, there can sometimes be tasks that aren’t as exciting. Whether it’s boxing old material in the office to give away, sorting through press releases or making that infamous lunch or coffee run (at an old internship, my boss liked to choose an intern randomly to pick up her order, which left us all on the edge during lunch hour), these tasks are small but important. You won’t see the fruits of those efforts in the magazine or publication you’re working for, at least not directly. But most of those tasks revolve around one word — organization — and through them, you have the power to make the office a better place to work in.

I recently had lunch with an editor who emphasized the importance of having a good attitude when it came to the small tasks. Sure, organizing the fashion closet may not be the most intellectually engaging task compared to something like research or interviewing, but it’s just as important in its own right. It’s important she said — and I fully agree — to approach each task as a learning opportunity. It’s all about perspective.

What To Wear As as Fashion Intern (Hint: No Heels)

Whenever I tell someone that I’m a fashion intern, the response I get is usually something like this: “Cool! So do you dress up and wear heels every day?”

Trying to keep my eye from twitching at the very mention of the h-word, I force a fake smile and say, “Nah, not really.”

So why does the very thought of a high heel make me cringe? Why does the mention of what was once my favorite kind of shoe practically bring me to tears? Let me explain.

On the day of my interview, I was dressed to impress in a chic, simple dress and a pair of classic black pumps. I wanted to keep up my image on my first day, so I chose an outfit that was sure to fit in with the atmosphere of the fashion closet, or so I thought. I went for a classic look with a high-waisted black pencil skirt, a ruffled top and a pair of strappy heels. I looked professional. I looked stylish. I looked confident.

I looked like the clueless new girl.

The Trick To Landing Your Dream Internship

Hey Edsters!

This summer I will do my best to share advice from my internship at a fitness publication. As a graduate in journalism and electronic media from the good ole University of Tennessee, I will be navigating New York City for the first time on my own, and networking like crazy to try to land a job in the fall.

First off, let me tell you a little about myself. I am originally from Atlanta, Georgia and I absolutely love all things southern (read: this might be a difficult adjustment for me). I am obsessed with all animals, but mainly my German shepherd, Bernie. My greatest passion is traveling, and my favorite places I’ve visited are Egypt, Germany, Cyprus and Vietnam. My dream job would be an editor at a travel magazine.

I spent last summer as an editorial intern at Playboy magazine, which is based in Chicago.

What NOT To Do On Your First Day

Hey fellow Edsters!

This entry marks the closure of one of the most exciting and overwhelming weeks of my life. I am speaking, of course, of my first week interning for The Mag. Cue the Hallelujahs.

I wish my first week hadn’t gotten off to such a rocky start, but at least now I can share my humiliating mishaps with you smarter, savvier Edsters, so you can learn from them. (I know I have already!)

After a night of tossing, turning, painting my nails twice, and changing my mind about my outfit more times than I’m willing to admit, I wound up getting almost no sleep. That wound up being a huge problem: I proceeded to oversleep and miss my alarm, and was woken up by my well-meaning but clueless mother about ten minutes before I had to catch the train that takes me from my New Jersey hometown to the city. I wound up showing up half an hour late.

4 Secrets To Rocking a Skype Interview

As I type, I’m sitting on my bed with mounds of clothes covering the floor. I’m trying to compress my entire life into one suitcase so I can move 500 miles for an internship — my summer internship in New York City. I couldn’t be more excited, and my parents couldn’t be more terrified, but it’s coming quickly, so we’re both adjusting.

Here are the fast facts about me:

-I’m working as a Web production intern and blogger for a men’s fashion magazine this summer.
-I’m from the mid-U.S., a town no more than about 10,000 people.
-I’ve finished two years of a magazine journalism major and just picked up a PR minor.
-I’m devastatingly in love with magazines, shoes and, most recently, DJs. (Steve Aoki, anyone?)
-I’m allergic to cats.

This will, indeed, be my first internship, and I’m so excited!! I’ve already learned a lot. Mostly, it’s that big magazines will keep you waiting. Don’t get discouraged! After sending out 67 applications (resume, cover letter and clips if requested) and a slew of follow-up e-mails, I finally heard back from a few magazines. When I saw the Men’s Magazine in my inbox, though, I almost fell off my library chair! I had found the posting for it here on Ed2010, and I’m so glad my professor had suggested it to me.

My Dream Internship Starts Now

I never pack ahead of time. Just two weeks ago, only 24 hours before I was supposed to leave for the airport to fly home, my room at school was decorated by sweaters and t-shirts strewn randomly over chairs and doors, books dumped on the bed, desk, dresser and floor, and copies of the school newspaper buried among piles of blankets, while my two suitcases sat empty in the middle of the floor.

But now I’m sitting at home, a full four days before I leave, and my suitcases are packed. I’ve read through my packing list five times. All the items on my “things to do before I leave” list are checked off. The airline won’t let me check in and print my boarding pass yet, but other than that, I’m ready to leave. Seriously – right now.

In four days – four long days – I will be on my way to one of my favorite cities to work at one of my favorite magazines. I will be an editorial intern at the major national mag that is the reason I got into journalism in the first place. I could ramble about how excited I am for ages, but in short, this is basically my dream internship.

3 Ways To Kick Ass On Your First Day

Hey there, fellow Edsters!

Summer’s just beginning, and I’m a week away from the start of my big internship in New York. It’s an exciting leap forward after interning at magazines and newspapers in the D.C. area because I’ll be working at one of the country’s biggest magazines and away from home.

A quick introduction: I’m a journalism major from Maryland. The story of how I’ve snagged each of my internships is a very different tale, but the one common thread between them is my persistence and patient. I entered each of my internships a little nervous and clueless. I’ve exited each more confident and ready to tackle what’s next.

And a great deal of that confidence is built — believe it or not! — in the first couple weeks when I’m getting oriented to the office. Imagine: you’re on your first day, and your editor is going over your jobs with you. He’s showing you the office, introducing you to so many faces all while going over where to file this, what copier to use, what password to use here, where NOT to put that paper, etc.

It’s overwhelming, definitely, but you know in a few weeks’ time those tasks will be second nature. So how do you get to that point without letting your nerves get the best of you? A few tips I’ve learned (and plan to use this year!):

A Fashion Rookie's First Magazine Interview

“You’re in for it today,” a stranger laughingly commented as I passed him on the sidewalk.

And he was right. There I was, trudging along the streets of the city in heels and a dress in a torrential downpour. My umbrella kept my outfit semi-dry, but the humidity defeated my hair, turning it into a frizzy mess – not exactly the look I was going for on the day of my interview with one of the chicest fashion magazines.

I made sure to arrive early to ease my anxious nerves. I parked myself at a nearby café and dried myself off and tamed my hair as best as I could (which isn’t saying much). Finally, interview time rolled around and I did my best to walk into the building’s lobby without shaking. My interviewer came down to meet me and led me to the magazine’s office, where I played it cool while I was actually bursting from excitement on the inside!

Get Ready For Intern Diaries 3.0

Ed's excited to announce that on Monday, June 20th, you will be hearing from a whopping six new intern diarists - our biggest cohort yet - who are ready to expose the highs and lows of working in the magazine industry. From networking tips to cupcake run mishaps, these whippersnappers are sharing it all.

Follow Ed's Edit, Web, Fashion, Features, Fitness, and Women's Magazine Interns as they divulge their stories of success (and yes, sometimes humiliation) all summer. Something tells us this will be as informative as it is entertaining.

Get psyched,
Ed