Advice From A Senior Editor: "It's All Going To Be Okay"

Hey Edsters,

This week was a d-o-oozy. I failed to receive a freelancer check on time (yay! more cheese sandwiches for breakfast/lunch/dinner!) and I was a witness to one of the most heartbreaking things I've heard yet about this tough industry that we love so much.

One of my closest friends here is an aspiring 30-year-old social media guru. She has an undergraduate degree. She has a graduate degree. And... she's still searching for a job. It's tough to watch, especially when I'm gearing up to graduate next May.

On Monday, she finally got that envious second interview by a fashion PR company that was looking for a new digital media manager. We were both dying of excitement. Unfortunately, she walked out of the office thinking that she had bombed the interview.

But wait! On Tuesday, she was called back in and, gasp, hired! As a freelancer for a trial period (which is normal these days, or so I hear), but still. And at $22/hour, no less. Things were looking up.

She went in on Wednesday to help the company out with a couple of huge events that were happening this week. As far as I know, she sent emails and collected Twitter handles. Hundreds of them. 

Fast forward to Thursday. Halfway through the day, I get this text: "So, I got fired."

Finding A Mentor

When I first started working at TeenMag.com last summer, I never expected I'd find a mentor. Honestly, the concept sounded corny to me—and why would a busy editor want to spend time with a lowly intern?

It wasn't until the web department started growing that I found editors I could consider my mentors. Don't get me wrong, my supervisor was (and still is!) one of my favorite bosses, but I developed a great working relationship with three of the editors. I think one of the reasons we became closer than I was to my supervisor is because we all started our new positions within four weeks of each other. Since I started as the other interns were ending their internships, I was super intimidated by them—but since the editors were cool with asking me questions, I felt like I wouldn't be bothering them if I asked them for help, too. 

Soon, asking each other questions about how our CMS worked turned into attending the same work events, following each other on Twitter, and talking about our personal lives. They even took me out to lunch every once in a while! Dare I say it, I was making friends with people I admired! I still couldn't believe that editors wanted to take the time out of their day to talk to me. And while I felt comfortable enough to ask them for career advice and guidance, it didn't hurt that when they wanted an important job done, I was the intern they asked for help. Surrounding myself with talented editors made me grow personally and professionally—so much so that I knew I needed to come back to TeenMag.com this summer.  If you can find a mentor at your internship, you'll learn way more about the industry than an HR rep can tell you. Here are some tips for finding—and maintaining—a great relationship with an editor: 

The Importantance of Voice In Pitching

Hello Edsters!

This past week at the magazine we were given the task to find trends happening that the readers should know about. The ideas we later discussed were then turned into possible pitch ideas for the other editors or web blog posts. My boss gave me and the other features interns great tips about finding stories and the importance of making sure the voice is tailored to the publication and a story the readers would read. A got a lot of tips from the meeting and later found one of my ideas was added to a pitch made by the editor, which was extremely exciting. One fun part of interning at magazine is that you get to see your ideas and hard work in print a few months after the magazine is released. I took away a lot of information and included below some of the highlights. Writing for each magazine is completely different but hopefully these tools and tips are relatable for any publication. 

Timing - Because magazines articles are written long before they are published, make sure the story will be relevant in a few months. Ensure that the readers will care about the issues you're writing about and even topics tied to the months of publication, like a new development in cancer research for October breast cancer month. Although you can't publish breaking news, writing long form gives you the time to dig deep in research. 

When Your Dream Internship Isn't What It Seems

Image Courtesy of Flickr

Hey Edsters, 

This week I had the much-anticipated mid-internship review. My supervisor and I discussed what I was doing well and what I needed to work on (and thankfully my choice of clothing was not an issue). More importantly, she had me write down the kind of assignments I wanted to be assigned (assist on a photo shoot, attend a press release, etc.).

Navigating The Art Of: 'Keep In Touch!'

Hey Edsters,

So, this may be a weird topic to bring up mid-internship, but I learned this week that ‘keeping in touch’ is not just reserved for emails between you and your internship supervisor.

First of all, I have no idea what kind of animal the phrase “keep in touch!” really is. I used to think it was just something that supervisors felt obligated to say at the end of an internship. But really, I thought, who wants loads of emails in their inbox about whatever my next internship happened to be?

Case in point: 1.5 years ago, I bussed into New York City over the winter semester to complete my first big magazine industry internship. It was a glorious lesson in what really went down at one of my favorite magazines. As it turns out, it involved a lot of twelve-hour days and aching feet, accompanied by falling asleep over dinner every single night.

I’m sure some of you have experienced the same.

At the end of my 4 weeks, I walked off with an inordinate amount of free clothes, a pat on the back, and that silly phrase ringing in my ears: “Keep in touch!” I wasn’t exactly sure what that meant; but ever the optimist, I was like ‘hey, this is really cool, I AM going to keep in touch via a email every couple of months or so.’

In February, I emailed with well wishes and a little bit of gushing about how cool it was to see spreads that I had worked on come to life in the March issue.

No response.

Surviving Internship Pressure

I'm at the halfway point of my time at TeenMag.com! Though I'm positive I'll be staying on as a Contributing Writer while I'm at college, I know it's not going to be the same as being in the office every day. This time around, there's no guarantee that I'll have the opportunity to go back to TeenMag.com. Eek! 

Unfortunately, it seems like EVERYONE—from the competitive intern I work with to my friends and parents—are under the impression that I'll definitely be offered a position at TeenMag.com when I graduate next year. I would absolutely love to work at TeenMag.com, but as we in the magazine industry know, there's no guarantee there will be a spot on staff for me next summer. 

I've been meeting with alumni from my school in the magazine industry, attending Ed2010 events (maybe I met some of you there!), asking editors from other departments to coffee, and pitching stories to TeenMag.com as often as I can. I feel like I've been taking all of the opportunities I can while at Teen Mag, and have complete faith that when it's time for me to apply for a job, something will fall into place. I know that my family and friends want the best for me, but it's making me crazy that every family dinner conversation somehow revolves around earning a position at Teen Mag.

5 Tips for Offering to Help Your Editors

Courtesy of Flickr Creative Commons

Working at Lifestyle Mag is often as glossy as the pages of the print issue. But, it can also be VERY stressful at times, as I found out yesterday.

Your Complete Guide To Organization At Work

Hi Edsters,

With the craziness that is working at a magazine, it is important to stay as organized as possible. I have been guilty of forgetting minor details or been in need of a desk clean-up before, especially the more the summer goes on and the long term assignments need to be worked on. Working with editors and other interns has taught me a few tips about staying on track with assignments and not forgetting anything. It is definitely important to remember what you have due and the details your boss gave you. 

Here are the times I have felt unorganized and tried to find a solution to the messy.

When running an errand... I could spare myself a lot of semi-heart-attacks if I kept better track of receipts. I have never lost one but I have by mistake placed them down on a shelf or put them in a mysterious pocket I didn't know I had. Therefore, I find it best to put the receipt in my wallet next to whatever cash I have on me. That way it is easy to notice it when giving it to your boss. Another important tip is to put the company credit card (if given one) somewhere also noticeable in your wallet, away from other cards. 

How to Network with Your Contacts

Image Courtesy of the University of South Australia via Flickr

Hello there, Edsters,

Because I work besides my editors, I feel that it’s too weird to request an informational interview. For anyone who doesn’t know (I had to Wikipedia the term the first time I heard it), an informational interview is something that every intern should have.

Typically you’ll meet with a higher-up that has a job that you’re interested in, and you’ll ask them any questions you might have about what they do and how they got there.

It’s a great way to evaluate how you are doing in comparison, and what you should do once you’re finished with your internship.

Is It Ever Okay to Say ‘No’ At Work?

Hey Edsters,

Yesterday, I received my mom’s monthly magazine package in the mail. The package is my lifeline: My mom graciously forwards me 7 pounds worth of magazines every month so I can keep up with my 10 different subscriptions that are each equally necessary to my growth as a savvy magazine industry individual (despite everyone else’s addiction suspicions).

I cracked open Marie Claire and flipped through to my favorite section, Marie Claire @ Work, when a particular headline stopped my flipping fingers dead in their tracks. It was an article on the “latest type of workforce discrimination;” apparently, single girls are finding it harder to retain a work-life balance then the married-with-kids set. Work is getting delegated to the single people who are assumed to have more time to toss around at the office, while parents are rigidly retaining a 9-5 work schedule.

I’m not sure how valid the argument is, because I know that if I was a working parent, I would be a whole lot more likely to lay down rules about when I can and can’t be in the office vs. if I’m single and looking to work my way up the ladder. As a non-married person, I’m probably much more likely to take up extra work, whether I need to or not, because I don’t have the same commitments and I’m eager to show how much chutzpah I’ve got. What struck me most in the article was what one woman said who was countering the discrimination argument. “No one respects people who are slaves to the job. Build the muscle to say ‘no.’”

How To Survive Your First Informational Interview

Hey Whippersnappers, 

I requested my first informational interview, and I survived! Here's how I made it happen: 

I was on my Twitter account a few weeks ago and saw one of my followers was an editor from a fashion magazine. Score! A quick Google search told me that she was an alumni of my university, and I sent her an email to see if I could pick her brain with some questions. She responded right away, and we met on my lunch hour the next day! Here are some tips for scoring—and surviving— the informational interview:

PUNK: Chaos to Couture

Hi Edsters,

I'm sure I'm not alone when I admit I have a NYC bucket list for this summer. I mean, come on...who doesn't!? In a city full of 24/7 excitement, I'm finding there is always somewhere or something new to explore and fun to see, just never enough time to do it all! Yet, there is one thing I HAVE to check out before I leave the Big Apple and return back home. 

Surviving the Heat, Fashionista Style

Well Edsters,

There's no doubt about it. Summer is here, with temperatures to the max. I don't know about you, but this New York City heat is trying to get the best of me, and my hair! See, for years now, summer and I have developed a love/hate relationship. There's nothing I adore more than the fun outdoor activities that come with this season, not to mention all the summer dresses, wedges, and short shorts you can get away with. Yet, the humidity can sometimes take a damper on these anticipated days. My usual leisure walk to the subway quickly turns into a grueling, sweaty nightmare, in which I look like a hot mess by the time I get to my destination.

Seeming how I have no control over the soaring thermostats, I have come up with some useful fashion/beauty tips on how to survive the dreadful heat. Let's be honest, even when it feels like a smothering sauna outside, you still want to look your best right?! Therefore, I've created a mini-collage on how we, fashionistas, can take on the sun's beaming rays.

• For starters, I've found there's nothing more comfortable -- and stylish -- on hot, humid days than a sleeveless, sheer top. And because these blouses are flying to the top of the trends list this summer, you can most likely find them in any shop. Particularly for printed, colorful ones, check out Forever 21. 
• Sheer shorts are another one of my favorites. Not only are they cool and comfy, but the added touches (like the laced ones below) add a touch of glam to any outfit.
• In the summer, my go-to hairstyle has become the one-and-only ballerina bun, such as Lauren Conrad's below. This effortless undo is great for this season, as well as a quick way to add some chicness to your look.
• We all know that accessories are a necessity to taking any outfit to the next level. Except in the scorching temperatures of summer, I've found that the big statement pieces sometimes causes more sweat than desired. Therefore, I've become a fan of smaller-pieced jewelry. These are still just as cute and fun, yet much more lightweight.
• A smaller purse is also a great way to take on summer. As silly as it sounds, if you're anything like me, you tend to pack everything you own and more into your bag. That results in one heavy pocketbook. By switching only your must-haves into a smaller purse or even a clutch will allow you to still look stylish without feeling tied down.
• Sandals, sandals, sandals!! I love them so. Not only are these shoes extremely lightweight, but they come in all different prints, designs, and colors! Check out Target for a great selection at an even better price!
• Lastly are my beloved oil sheets, me new lifesavers. Wandering around this big city has its perks, yet I've found myself having more of an oily face than usual. For a quick fix, I use the Clean & Clear oil sheets. These take about five seconds to use and allow you to feel so refreshed and clean (hence the name!). Perfect for a hot, muggy day if you ask me!

What are some tricks you've come up with when surviving the tremendous heat that's taking NYC by storm? Please feel free to share any beauty tips -- I'd love to know:)

XOxo,

Fashion Intern

How To Recover From A (Stupid) Mistake

Hey Edsters,

We've all done it. Mistakenly hanging up on someone important, copying the wrong document on the wrong paper, or missing an important dateline for our boss. Doing something wrong at work isn't a crime although it can feel the end of the world in the office. I have never been sure what the best approach to fixing an error is and this past week I was challenged with overcoming a minor mistake. 

How To Get Better Assignments

Image from Flickr

Edsters,

Recently, the Mag has been prepping for a major photo shoot. I was invited to sit in on the meeting with my editors as they went through a checklist. The list consisted of items that need to be borrowed or bought from various retailers, and who was responsible for checking them in. 

I was surprised at how organized everything was in order for the shoot to run smoothly. During the meeting, one of the editors was nervous about ordering an item of furniture because it was out of stock in the retailer’s New York locations. Because I live near the non-city store, I offered to call in the item and have it shipped to the shoot myself.

All of my editors’ heads snapped up when I mentioned taking on an important role.