- Graduation Year: May 2015
- Major: Journalism
- Minor: Informatics
- Hometown: Naperville, Illinois
- Hobbies:
Campus Activities
- Features Editor, The Daily Illini
- Editorial Intern, University’s Office of Communications for Enrollment Management
Internship – InStyle Magazine – Editorial Intern
What were your duties?
As an editorial intern, I was there to assist the assistant editors and editors with day-to-day production and learn as much as I could about all aspects of the publication. This resulted in pretty unpredictable workdays ranging in a variety of required tasks and skills. One day, I would be helping brainstorm and organize a run-through for the next “What’s Now!” feature, and the next I would be compiling research and typing up transcriptions for an upcoming cover story! Week-to-week, I also was given the chance to work in different departments including beauty, the fashion closet, and copy, so I was able to learn a lot outside of my immediate role.
What did you most enjoy about your internship?
The variety of learning experiences! Through the Time Inc. summer internship program, I was able to meet and learn from so many people across the entire company and within many of its brands. Even within InStyle, I had the opportunity to network with so many inspiring editors in multiple departments.
What was the most difficult aspect of the internship?
While I did work longer hours than my previous jobs, the most challenging aspect was adapting to the “go-getter” mentality to get the most out of my short time there. There may be slow days at any publication, but that doesn’t mean interns should just wait around until the next assignment comes up. It takes time and courage to network outside of your immediate department, but the additional work opportunities and relationships you create yourself make it all worth it.
How did your experience at ILLINOIS and in the College of Media prepare you for your internship?
Even though I had fewer internship experiences than many of my co-interns, I felt confident in my writing, editing, and research skills from my work in College of Media classes and I believe it showed. In any work environment, a professional attitude, level head, and willingness to learn will get you a lot farther than sheer talent or experience, and that’s something I developed in class and at The Daily Illini, the University’s Office of Communications, and The Spread
How has your internship prepared you for a career?
I now have a better understanding for magazine production and experience in multiple departments. Through networking, I also have so many contacts across Time Inc. to both guide and connect me with future career opportunities.
What recommendations do you have for other students about doing an internship?
Do anything and everything to make the most of your time at any internship: set up informational interviews, ask to shadow outside of your department, and ask for extra work to create learning opportunities for yourself. Your summer or semester-long internship will fly by faster than you think!