Ed remembers his days back in the features department, when a day’s work could include everything from getting a nonfat soy vanilla latte with extra foam to conducting some heavy-duty research on a full-spread article. But Ed also remembers that many editors are so wrapped up with their everyday workload, they don’t have time to show their interns the ropes from start to finish.
To remedy that, he sat down with some of his most trusted industry friends and got them to weigh in on what they expect from their interns. With these inside tips straight from the sources, you can impress your supervisors, land a byline and score a stellar recommendation letter.
Do Your Homework
“Interns should prepare for an internship much like they’d prepare for an edit test: Read at least six back issues (or more, if possible) and study the editorial masthead, paying special attention to all of the senior editors,” says Sarah Bruning, senior editor at Food Network Magazine.
Marina Khidekel, deputy editor at Cosmopolitan, advises to “read competitors so you don’t pitch an idea that was just covered in a competing magazine—and to see what sets your magazine apart from the rest.”
Know How to Really Research
“Just doing a Google search is never acceptable,” stresses Khidekel. “You should not only be able to do comprehensive web research, but you should be comfortable with many other research tools, sites and databases that journalists use, such as NexisLexis and various government databases. It’s often the ability to do terrific research (and having excellent research instincts) that separates the great interns from the others.”
Know the Right Kind of Questions to Ask — and When to Ask Them
“Don’t ask questions to anyone who seems busy, and get a more experienced intern or an assistant to fill you in,” says an anonymous senior editor at a women’s fashion and lifestyle magazine. “If you have longer-term career-oriented questions, ask one of the editors you admire out to coffee in a flattering way, at a time that is convenient for them, and broach those questions there.”
“When it comes to daily tasks, I do expect interns to be self-sufficient to a certain degree,” says Bruning, “If they say they can’t find an email or phone number for a person or organization and I can Google it in under a minute, it leads me to believe they didn’t dig very hard. And if an editor has given you an assignment, and you aren’t 100 percent clear about how to proceed, then go back and ask—but read through the instructions you were given first and gather all your questions to ask at once.”
Be Proactive and Stay One Step Ahead
“The best interns are the one that always take an extra step,” says Celia Shatzman, senior associate editor at Family Circle. “For example, I frequently ask interns to research potential stories. In one instance, my intern presented a fantastic range of information, plus she took the initiative to develop sidebar ideas, complete with potential experts. We always notice and appreciate when interns go above and beyond.”
“The best thing a features intern has ever done for any editor is to make her life easier!” says Khidekel. “That means never phoning in assignments, working quickly and independently, and proactively doing tasks that you know need to get done before you’re even asked. Editors notice a job well done just as much as they notice a dark, illegible photocopy with a chunk of text cut off.”
Don’t Be Afraid to Pitch…But Don’t Always Expect a Byline
Alex Crevar, travel editor at Paste, advises that when it comes to pitching, it’s important to “read about pitch styles and be professional about it, make sure the lede is a killer and know the market and the subject and pay respect to the editor taking the time to read your proposal.”
“Asking or expecting to write immediately is a big turn-off because it makes you seem entitled, and after all, it’s not likely to be the top thing editors need help with,” says the anonymous senior editor. “Interns can definitely get published, but only expect to start writing toward the middle or end of your internships when you’re proven you can handle other tasks that are thrown your way.”
“Ideas are currency in this business, and a great idea is the best way to get noticed,” says Kristen Dold, now a freelance writer, formerly an editorial assistant at Women’s Health. “They should send a heavily researched, well thought-out pitch to one of the lower level editors, who can then pass it on to a top editor. Our interns usually write sidebars, blog and do the occasional front-of-book article.”
Leave the Personal Stuff At Home
“One of my biggest peeves is when I see interns on their Facebook page all day! And even if you think you’re being stealthy, we can still see you! Save it for after hours,” stresses Shatzman.
Richard Dorment, senior editor at Esquire, mirrors Shatzman’s thoughts, saying, “in the event you do have down time, email an editor to see if he or she needs help with anything. Otherwise: stay off Facebook and try to look busy,” while Dold adds “a big no-no is sitting on Twitter or G-chatting all day!”
Keep a Smile on Your Face
“Do good work, have a good attitude and never, ever complain,” instructs Dorment. “The best interns, like the best employees, understand that there is a lot of value in being reliable.”
“Features interns should never assume they’re above a menial task. Every editor they assist has been there and done the boring, administrative work, too,” says Jourdan Crouch, author and former editor at Country Living. “It takes a ton of time, energy, and patience to move up in this industry, so everyone has to pay their dues. Plus, the more willing an intern is to help out, the more likely he or she will be given larger tasks later on.”
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