Dear Ed,
I have a question about interns and office politics. I’ve tried to be careful about what I say to the other interns, but sometimes things will slip out when I’m stressed or busy—just about how theres a lot of work. I’m scared people will talk. Is there any damage control I can do?
Thanks,
Fashion Intern, New York City
Dear Fashion Intern,
Ed totally gets the need to vent. Even after all his years in the biz, he needs to blow off some steam every once in a while. Here’s why you can relax: Editors know that some (okay, most) of the work interns have to do is far from glamorous. If another intern felt the need to rat you out for complaining (they probably won’t though, unless you have a crazy in your bunch), the editor wouldn’t be terribly surprised that you’re stressed and busy and she probably would think less of the tattle tale who brought this to her attention.
Still, don’t use this as a free pass to bitch to whomever will listen. Wait ‘til you develop a rapport with your fellow interns (read: they feel close enough to bitch back!) before you let loose. And don’t vent to your superiors (duh). They’ll never want to assign any of the good stuff to you if they think you’re having trouble handling the not-so-fun-but-totally-necessary stuff.
Unfortunately, Ed doesn’t think there’s any damage control you can do—if you all of a sudden start talking about how you love your internship, everyone within earshot will see right through your new, rosy view. Just be tight-lipped around the people you don’t know well, and save the venting sessions for post-work drinks—and make sure there are no editors around!
Love,
Ed
