By Lindsay Tigar
Like many before me and the many that will follow, when I moved to New York to work for a magazine, I had no intention of ever returning to my hometown in North Carolina. Coming back empty handed, unable to find a job or a place to live would have been worse than a death sentence. It would have meant admitting that the dream I worked so hard for, believed in so full-heartedly, was merely just that: A hope, not a reality within reach.
By some strike of fate and determination, I did end up landing an editorial assistant position and a quaint uptown studio, just three weeks after moving to NYC. However, the journey from JFK to where I am now wasn’t an easy one. We’re all warned by journalism professors, the editors we intern for, and every media outlet that getting our foot in the door at the glossies is tough, but what about the rest of it?
You know, actually living in New York?
What are we supposed to wear to an interview at our idolized publication? What is the proper way to send a thank you letter? Does my resume, my cover letter, my hair, look okay? Is Bushwick or Astoria or East Harlem safe? Where do I find the best happy hour specials, or sample sales I can actually afford? How about when networking events are being held?
When I moved, I was lucky to find some mentors along the way and a group of friends to help me navigate my new life after graduation. One of which, let me sleep on her couch for a few weeks until it all came together. I think we all need a friend from square one to answer our questions and be a text or email away, should we ever really need advice. We need an editorial NYC buddy: A partner in climbing the career ladder and learning city street smarts, too.
Ed2010 agrees. After all, all of us Ed Staffers have been there. Trust us.
To help incoming editors-to-be find their way, I came up with the Ed Buddy System: a program where recent graduates are paired with Editorial Assistants/Assistant Editors at various magazines. Through Ed events, happy hours, coffee, lunch meetings, and more, EA/AEs will help those trying to break into the industry by providing them with real advice, real experience, and real support.
We’re all chasing our goals in knock-off stilettos, trying to get to the real thing—that real role we’ve dreamed about for ages. What better way to get ahead then to have someone with the know-how teach you her skills? Or loan you the perfect shade of blush?
But most importantly, buy you that celebratory drink when you land that entry-level job. When you realize that you can stand on your own two feet in New York City, just as you always wanted. It can happen and we can help.
Thanks for your interest in the Ed2010 Buddy System! Unfortunately, we are no longer accepting applicants for this year’s program, but we encourage you to check back next spring when the application process begins again.
Apply for Ed’s Buddy System here by Friday, June 8 and meet your buddy in NYC at Ed’s Buddy System Happy Hour on Tuesday, June 19th from 7-9 PM at Overlook NYC.
Questions? Email me: emilye@ed2010.com or jenn@ed2010.com
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