Five Minutes with Ed's Newest Trust Fund Winner

Ed loves feisty up-and-comers willing to do whatever it takes to make it in this industry, including taking unpaid internships. That’s why he doles out his trust fund once a semester to one deserving candidate. This semester’s winner, Chloe Metzger, a rising junior at University of Iowa and editorial intern at Cosmopolitan, is ready to give you all the deets on how to be the next winner.

What magazines are on your must-read list?
Chloe Metzger: My greatest obsession since high school has been Self. I used to steal it from my mom’s hands as soon as it came in the mail and devour the recipes and workouts. Unfortunately, now there’s less of me stealing, and more of me having to pay for my own subscription. As for all things classy and beautiful, my go-to is the glossy-paged Allure, and my coffee table guilty pleasure will forever be Cosmopolitan.

When did you know you wanted to work in magazines?
CM:I’ve always been addicted to writing, whether it be poems, short stories, articles, grocery lists—and when I was a kid, I created the Monthly Metzger, a taped-together publication that told of household happenings for the low fee of 50 cents a copy. After I made my first dollar, I realized I could simultaneously do what I love and possibly make even more money—like two dollars. Then in high school, I tried to figure out how to combine my passion for beauty, fashion, design and writing into one jumbled career, and suddenly my magazine dream was born.

Tell us what your experience has been like so far at Cosmopolitan.
CM: I had no clue what to expect at the office this summer. On my first day, I was sent to the streets in search of “hot guys” to tell me their most embarrassing stories. I was a stalker with a camera, except less creepy and far cooler. As for wacky, I did spend the entire week calling men’s health experts to ask about penis abnormalities. You know, just your typical afternoon discussion. Overall though, Cosmo has been pretty low-key. It’s really just an office of people who are clearly dedicated to the magazine, and that passionate atmosphere is amazing to experience.

Have you done any internships in the past?
CM: When I was 16, I managed to get an internship as a primary music journalist for the music webzine Driven Far Off. I spent my weekends talking to bands, transcribing interviews, and writing album reviews, and the internship ended up turning into a three year position. I left Driven Far Off in 2010 to write for JAYE, an amazing online fashion and lifestyle magazine, and am now one of its senior editors.

Who are your magazine-industry role models?
CM: My idol and inspiration is Atoosa Rubenstein (former editor-in-chief of Seventeen and founder of CosmoGIRL!) Through a chance meeting-of-sorts, Atoosa became my closet mentor throughout high school, and I owe much of my current status to her advice and guidance. She’s really just fantastic. Another amazing individual is Kate White (editor-in-chief of Cosmopolitan). Kate embodies everything a strong, brilliant woman wants to be but very few actually are. I honestly have a mini freak-out every time she walks by my desk or I see her in the office—which is often.

Tell us what it’s like living in NYC for the summer.
CM: New York is shockingly expensive. You hear it over and over again, but until you actually pay $5.90 for a box of cereal, you just don’t understand. But other than the empty wallet, I am in love with this place. Where else can you go to a Hungarian bakery at 2 a.m. and buy a pack of gum? While my must-do list is more of a must-eat list (which I’ve been doing far too much of), I do hope to see at least one Broadway musical while I’m here.

What do you think set your Trust Fund application apart from the rest?
CM: My thick layer of desperation? No, I think what really helped me out was my honesty. I crafted essay after essay, trying to write what I thought the judges wanted to hear. Then three days before the deadline, I threw them all out, sat down, and wrote a no-frills, genuine answer to “Why do you deserve Ed’s Trust Fund?” I realized that you can write a lovely essay, filled with wit and charm, but in the end it still comes down to you and whether or not you can prove your abilities and merit.

What would your words of wisdom be for future Trust Fund applicants?
CM: Never settle; strive for more. As my editor at JAYE always quotes, “Good is the enemy of great,” and getting comfortable with a small success can lead to laziness. Know that for every day you do just the bare minimum or slack off, there are thousands of other hopefuls doing five times your work and are going to be your future competition. So if you want to write someday, throw yourself into writing now. I’m that annoying person who writes on Twitter, Facebook, a blog, and email, because practicing and networking mean everything in this industry. Ed will see everything you do (or don’t do) on your application, so make them want to know you in your essay.

Oh, and get good at baking. You never know when a batch of muffins could seal the deal.