What do you guys think of this - I’m looking for honest opinions.
I don’t want to give specifics, but I’m basically interning for a HUGE magazine that I love…however, I’m in the web department. I’m not getting to do ANY writing for the site (even though I was promised that I would), and I am dying to write for the magazine. I haven’t met a single person from the editorial side of things; web and editorial is kept very separate. I’m becoming increasingly upset with the fact that I was promised that I’d get to do lots of editorial stuff for the website, and yet all I’m doing are typical “intern projects.”
I was thinking about trying to connect with someone from the edit side and pitching an idea. Perhaps via e-mail at first, so as not to go wandering around where nobody knows who the heck I am. I’m sure they have tons of interns in the editorial department, but I will kick myself if I leave this internship without at least trying to get something in the magazine. I think that I will also kick myself if I leave this internship without making at least one connection with an actual editor…isn’t that the whole point of interning?
Is this incredibly tacky, or a bad idea in general? If not, who do you think is the best editor to contact? Managing? Associate? EA?
As always, thank you for your advice. :)
Read this article, Isee a
Read this article, Isee a lot of replica handbags
replica bags
ed hardy
ed hardy clothing
ralph lauren polo
juicy couture
Instead of focusing on
Instead of focusing on pitching an idea which can be easily passed on (no thanks!) instead, figure out if there’s a specific editor you’d like to talk to for an informational. Try to find one who you really admire—maybe you’ve read her articles, maybe you’ve followed her career, maybe you just want to be in her position in 5/10/15 years.
Then, e-mail that person directly. Just a simple e-mail being like, “Dear X editor, Hi there. My name is TK and I’m currently interning on the web side of TK magazine. I wanted to drop a quick note to let you know how excited I am to be at TK—in fact, you’re a big reason why I’m here. I’ve always been a huge fan of the TK section in particular I love the pieces you did on TK [be genuine here, b/c no one likes fake flattery] I’d love to meet you in person and say hi and hear your thoughts on finding a career in magazines—right now, I just graduated from school and am really exploring all opportunities. I’m interning here until December, I’m sure you’re extremely busy, but please let me know if you have any time on your schedule for me to briefly meet with you for an informational interview.”
If you want, you can tell your supervisor you’re planning on doing this, but I don’t think it’s mandatory. But I do think if you have a good relationship with your supervisor it’s much better to keep her in the loop. But just do it under the idea that you want to have an informational and learn more about the magazine.
Finally, re: writing. I’d talk to your supervisor and tell her that you’d really like to write, are there certain areas you should pitch (within her responsibility) Approach it like you’re trying to help. OR, try to look for a place you can write. Does she bitch about certain writing projects? Listen for clues and see where you can fill in—that’s HUGE.
That’s a good idea,
That’s a good idea, too…you’re so right. I was just looking for a way to make a connection, and an informational is probably the way to go. Thanks!
No prob! For what it’s
No prob! For what it’s worth, I did something similar when I was an intern. I asked the exec editor for an informational, and instead of 15 mins in her office, she took me out to lunch. I stayed in touch with her every few months after the internship ended, and she eventually (three years later!) let me know about a job at the mag. So it really DOES help to make these connections. Good luck :-)
If they hired you saying
If they hired you saying that you were going to write, then you have every right to demand it—or at least inquire when you get to do it.
I don’t think it’s a bad idea, but like the other poster said, you shouldn’t go behind your supervisor, so to speak. If you talk to your boss, then he/she could probably point you out to the right person and help you better. So you don’t have to waste time going to the wrong person; it could turn out a bit weird and messy.
Let us know how this works out. I actually had a similar situation in the past and I wasn’t sure how to handle it.
True. And I think I’m
True. And I think I’m going to say something soon about the lack of writing. I was promised a lot of things…and I haven’t done any of them.
I’ll be straight with the web editor and ask her about it, and will let you know!
i would be annoyed at my
i would be annoyed at my interns if they went around or emailed around other departments trying to do stuff…i think you should talk to your supervisor first and see if they can connect you to people? i think it’s a lot less shady that way.
ie one of my interns recently expressed an interest in writing (we don’t write in my dept) so i connected her to our web editor because the web dept is more open to interns writing.
i felt productive and helpful, and my interns are great so i always try to help them out. but if the same intern had been emailing editors in other depts to try to do that sort of thing without me knowing or supporting the idea i would just be weirded out.
Good point.
My hesitation was in whether or not the web editor(s) would be upset. I didn’t think to actually go to them…but that’s probably a good idea. Thanks!
Oh, and...
I should probably also mention that I’m a post-grad…I’ve been out of college for a year and a half, and am interning and freelancing while I look for full-time employment.