Hi so i’m kind of new to this ed thing. but working for a fashion magazine has been my dream forever. i’m a journalism major at the university of maryland and i really want to get an internship over the summer in nyc. but theres so many and i dont know where to begin! i feel hopeless because i’m a freshman and my resume is practically naked with my lack of experience and i’ve been writing endless numbers of drafts for my cover letter. i want this so bad but i feel stuck! any advice or words of wisdom for a frustrated girl right now?
Ed2010™
Take a deep breath
First, relax. You’ll be ok. I definitely know how you feel, but don’t worry. Everyone starts at the same place you’re at.
Second, use any journalism experience or retail experience you have. You’re only a freshman, so you can still use things from high school, too.
Second, what are your absolute favorite fashion magazines? Apply to those first. At least this way you have some sort of starting point. Or perhaps make a list of magazines you’d like to apply to, and just start down the list.
Third, tailor each cover letter to that magazine. Don’t ever use one cover letter for all magazines. Be sure to show enthusiam and passion.
Good luck!!
The Answer
How great that you’re only a freshman and so ambitious!
I completely agree with the “Take a Deep Breath” post—excellent advice.
I’ll add a little bit. Utilize your career center and ask them for a cover letter/resume session. Tell the career counselor all about your experience, and how you can highlight that in a resume.
Also, throw yourself into the fashion world any way you can. Hold a fashion show at your school, pitch a fashion column for your school newspaper or magazine, etc. There are plenty of online fashion/beauty mags where you can get your start writing. Be aware that you will probably be writing for clips (in other words, no money at first).
Concentrate on building your fashion experience, then go for it!
All the best.
Poppy : )