Calling all aspiring photo editors and art designers! With all the focus placed on editorial internships, Ed knows that sometimes the art and design side of the mag world can be overshadowed. To help you out, Ed chatted up some of his friends in those areas to get their opinions on what exactly makes an intern stand out—and how to increase your chances of landing that much-coveted job afterwards! Here are a few must-know tips to get you started.
Treat every task as top priority.
“Even if you’re asked to do something simple, you should make sure it’s done properly,” says Kathleen Kamphausen, digital photo editor at Cosmopolitan.com. “It’s best to get it done right the first time than to have to go back again and fix it. My favorite interns are the ones who I don’t have to go back in and correct the photo credits for.”
Stay one step ahead.
“I’m always impressed when an intern recommends a photographer or comes up with a concept, whether we use it or not,” says Amber Venerable, photo editor at Parents Magazine Group. “It shows they are listening, have thought about it and are trying.”
Always come prepared.
“If you’re a photo intern, make it known that you have a camera and bring it with you into the office,” says Anna Karadimas, associate photo editor at Dr. Oz The Good Life. “Magazines sometimes need to shoot last minute little things, like a candy bar, or a person from the street that just turned in a quote. If your editor knows you have the tools to get the shot, they might let you do the shooting.”
Express yourself.
“From the start, tell your editor about yourself, what you’re into and what you hope to get out of the internship,” adds Karadimas. “That way if something comes up that has to do with your interests, the editor will think of you and know you’ll happily take on the task. For example, if you’re into shooting landscapes, you can become the designated location scout.”
Don’t be timid.
“Sometimes it can be nerve wracking to do something for the first time,” says Hannah Anderson, photo editor at Birchbox, “but when you are willing to try new things you are not only helping out the department, but you are learning a new task that will make you more valuable at your next internship or job.”
Think long term.
“Stay late with the rest of us, ask if any of us need anything before you leave, always be on time and be a good listener,” says Jason Sfetko, deputy art director at the New York Times. “A past intern did this and stood out because she was basically just acting as if she were already on staff. We realized we couldn’t function without her so we ended up hiring her.”
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