Hi Edsters,
I have a new theory: magazine time is different than real time. It’s only been a couple weeks of weeks since I began my internship, but I feel like I’ve been in the office since Kim Kardashian got married — to Kris. The space-time continuum distortion is probably due to the massive number of lessons I’ve learned, from the office-specific (slam the refrigerator door or it won’t stay closed) to the universal (don’t be the girl who eats a stinky lunch at her desk). Here are the insights I’ve gleaned from my two-and-a-half years of experience. Oops, I mean two-and-a-half weeks.
1. DO write down everything you do
At first, I felt a bit obsessive for noting every task I completed and project I worked on in Evernote. Then I tried to look back on my first week and realized it was all a blur, at which point I felt like an obsessive genius. At the end of each day, I transcribe my typed list into a notebook, giving me a physical representation of the skills I’m learning, the responsibilities I’m getting, and how much work I’m doing. When future employers ask me what I got out of this internship, I’ll be more than ready to answer their questions; plus, filling in my resume will be a breeze.
2. DON’T be the first one out the door
Almost every intern advice article that can be found on the first 34 pages of Google search results will advise you to get to work early and leave late, so I know this isn’t revelatory. However, I was shocked to see some of my fellow interns happily packing up at 5:30, a whole 30 minutes before the work-day officially ends. Here’s the thing: most of them (including me) get to work early, so they probably feel justified in leaving early as well. But there are way more employees in the office at 6 than at 9, so the “Ferris Beuller” interns, as I’ve nicknamed them, look less-than-dedicated. If you’re only going to work extra on one end, make sure it’s at a time when the maximum number of people will see it.
3. DO look for extra projects
I did it, guys! I scored an independent project! Do the same by staying alert for areas of improvement within the magazine. I know that’s ambiguous and kind of tricky, but it’s the best advice I’ve got. I’m an avid Tumblr user, so when I noticed my magazine’s tumblr had been dormant for two years, I emailed my supervisor and asked if it was something I could work on. Next thing I know, I’m arranging meetings with the director of marketing and social media strategy and writing up reports on Tumblr’s demographics.
4. DON’T be the most casual
Technically, we’re allowed to wear jeans to the office. But glance around, and there isn’t a single pair of denim-clad legs in sight. Every day, every employee dons an outfit that’s stylish, polished, and yet uniquely her own style. The other interns and I have been following suit, sans one. She’s been sporting jeans and dusty ballet flats, and although I haven’t seen any derisory looks shot her way, she definitely looks the least professional or capable in the group.
5. DO be outgoing
Let’s be completely honest, it would be odd if I wasn’t intimidated by the editors. But I try not to think about that when I’m around them, because who notices the mute, terrified intern?!? I want to be memorable, in more ways than one. So I talk to them when we run into each other by the Keurig or near the makeup bar (yes, we have a makeup bar. I know.) If it’s someone I’ve never talked to before, I’ll say, “I’m Jane Doe, by the way,” and shake their hand. I’m friendly without being too forward—a mix that’s hard to master, but pays off when I make personal connections.
I hope you enjoyed my Do’s and Don’ts, Edsters. Do you have any to add? Now get out there and start DOing!
Web Intern
Ed Gets Around!