Ask Ed

Dear Ed,

Dear Ed,

I’ve seen a couple of job postings that I feel like I’d be perfect for, but I’m only a college junior and I’m looking for a summer internship and not a real job. Can I apply for those jobs and try to convince them that it would be perfect for an intern instead, or would that just be a waste of my time?

-Jessica, Evanston, Illinois
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Dear Jessica,

Dear Ed,

I accidentally had a typo in my cover letter, and I realized it
the moment after I sent it off—and it’s pretty easy to detect. Is there any way to cover for this? Would a “sorry about that” e-mail just make things worse? Ed, help me with some damage control!

Megan, Chicago
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Dear Megan,

Q: "I'm an EA at a women's mag. I've been here for two years, with increasing responsibility and positive feedback, but still no promotion. How long should I stick it out before it will look pathetic to future employers?"

Dear Ed,

At my internship, sometimes I feel like I’m doing something important and doing a great job. Other times, especially “down time,” I feel like I’m just…here. I’m a little on the shy side, but I want to leave a lasting impression on my supervisor and co-workers. What can I do to show that I really am interested even though my sometimes standoffish and shy demeanor may say otherwise?

Thanks,
C, New York City

Dear Ed,

I pitched an idea to a magazine and the editor wrote back immediately saying the idea had a lot of potential, but he asked to see a manuscript first. So I sent one. After a week and a half with no word, I wrote a follow-up. No response. Two weeks after that I wrote once more. Nada. Did I do something wrong? Is it possible they’re going to print it without telling me? What should my next move be?

Strung Along, New York City

Hello Ed,

I have four clips under my belt, written for local/ethnic magazines. I would love to graduate to writing for better known magazines, but when I send in my query letters, this amount of experience seems inadequate. Do editors frequently look for writing credits among the bigger names, or is it OK to mention my small-town credits?

Thanks,
Priya, Washington D.C.

Dear Ed,

I would really like to work on the layout of a fashion magazine as an art department assistant, a designer, and eventually, an art director. But I’m stuck on a few things: What should my major be?
Visual communication, graphic design, or something else? Also, what can I do now, while I’m in high school, to prepare? Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

-Ashlie

Hey Ed,

What level of education is necessary to break into and work up in the magazine industry? I am working on my associate’s degree in journalism, and have gotten articles published in school publications, but should I go on to get a bachelors degree? I want to make sure that I don’t run into a glass ceiling solely because of my education level. I look forward to hearing your expert opinion! Thanks a ton!

Susie, New York City

Dear Ed,

I would really like to work on the layout of a fashion magazine.
What should my major be if I want to be an art director or designer one day: Visual Communication, Graphic Design, or something else? Also, what should I do now, while I’m in high school, to prepare.
Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.
-Ashlie, Los Angeles