- Graduation Year: May 2015
- Major: News-Editorial Journalism
- Hometown: Roanoke, Illinois
Campus Activities
- ATLAS help-desk employee at the Foreign Language Building
- Student Ambassador for the College of Media
- Section Editor for SPOON Magazine
- Editorial Assistant for IMPULSE Magazine
- Staff Writer for the Features section of the Daily Illini
- Former Her Campus Executive Board member (Head Photographer)
- Former PRSSA Vice President
- Former Vice President of Public Relations for Kappa Delta
- Former Producer of the217.com, the Daily Illini Events website
- Hobbies: I love to read blogs, books, fashion magazines and pop culture websites; running; hiking; listening to music; photography; graphic design; blogging; spending time with friends and family
Internship | Editorial Intern at Time Inc. – People StyleWatch (June 2013 – August 2013) NYC and InStyle Magazine (August 2013-Present) NYC
Duties
- People StyleWatch: At People StyleWatch I was an editorial intern. But in the office I was considered a “reporter.” Being a People StyleWatch “reporter” means that you are in charge of “fact checking” the magazine before it goes to print. My job included answering any cross-departmental questions that needed to be resolved prior to the current issue’s print date. And, “fact checking” means that I was double-checking any information in the magazine to ensure the accuracy of all included content by corresponding with PR contacts.
- InStyle Magazine: At InStyle I am still an editorial intern. On a typical day, I start my morning by sending out the staff newsletter. The daily newsletter informs and updates our staff on any important media moments. Then the rest of my day is completely and totally unpredictable. One moment I could be helping out in an editorial “brainstorming session” about what questions readers would most want Britney Spears to answer, and the next I might be assisting an editor who is researching story content. That’s what I love about the magazine industry; no two days will ever be identical as a journalist.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
At People StyleWatch there was a small close-knit staff and I truly felt like part of the team. I had to pull my weight just like everyone else on staff, and now it’s so exciting to flip through the pages of People StyleWatch and know that I helped to make certain stories happen.
Now that I am at InStyle, I love how much I am learning about the fashion industry and what it takes to make it in this business. Each issue of InStyle is beautifully and creatively executed; after years of buying the finished product, it’s surreal to be here, experiencing the magazine-making process.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
There really is no downside to having your dream job and living in your favorite city. But of course, making a good impression is never easy; it takes hard work and dedication. So maybe the difficulty of my internships stems from wanting to make a good impression and working hard to stand out.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
I would say my professors played the biggest role in preparing me. By setting high expectations while also offering encouragement, they’ve helped me to reach new potentials and to also understand what I can improve upon as a journalist and as a student. A special thanks to Professors Lex Tate, Christopher Benson and Jennifer Follis for all they’ve helped me with the past two years.
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
My internships have given me a realistic perspective on the magazine industry.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Don’t get lazy, whether it’s day one or day 100. Approach each day as a new opportunity to make a good impression. Always remember your place and try to stay positive even if you are having an off day. The internship experience is an investment for your future; embrace each day and remain focused on your long-term goals.