True Life: I Landed My Dream Internship

Okay.  So in recent weeks, I've hinted at the fact that I have a pretty awesome internship.  It's time to share!  But first let me give you a little background information.  Last fall, I was still an education major.  And I hated it.  I love kids and I admire teachers so much (it takes a really special person!) but it just wasn't for me.  I was unhappy, so I focused on what makes me really happy--writing.  I belonged to the Writers' Guild of Iowa State University (a student organization for creative writers).  I talked to the advisor of the club about my uncertainty with my major and my passion for my blog.  She checked it out and strongly recommended I apply for a summer internship at Meredith.

Me in my cubicle, which I share with a super sweet intern Katie.

Meredith?  I'd never heard of it before.  I asked around and did some digging around on the internet.  Meredith Corporation is one of the leading media and marketing companies in the nation.  Better yet, they are the publisher of my favorite magazines: Do It Yourself, Storage, Flea Market Style, 100 Decorating Ideas, and, of course, Better Homes and Gardens.  I've been obsessed with decorating magazines since before I could really read.  When I was a little girl, my grandma would give me here old BHG magazines.  I'd cut them up, rearrange furniture, and create my own little magazines that I'd force my family members to "subscribe to".  Haha.

The best thing I found out about Meredith is that it is located in Des Moines, Iowa---only 35ish minutes from where I go to college!  I'd secretly always dreamt of working in the magazine industry, but I'd never had a huge desire to go out to New York to pursue it.  But the fact that there was a magazine publishing company in my own state opened up a new world of possibilities---it really changed my outlook on life.  Suddenly it was possible for me to marry my interests of decorating and writing into one beautiful profession: writing and producing for a shelter magazine.

My cute yarn wreath I made during a department craft time.

So I switched my major from education to Journalism & Mass Communication.  I applied to be a Campus Correspondent for Her Campus and start an HC branch at Iowa State.  I got it and started managing Her Campus Iowa State.  I started writing for Trend, Iowa State's student-run fashion magazine.  I put together a portfolio.  I poured my heart into Lovely Undergrad.  And I filled out an application for every summer editorial internship position at Meredith Corporation.  On a fateful February afternoon I got the call that I got an interview.  I couldn't believe it.  And better yet, I was offered several interviews!  Several opportunities to get my name out there and show industry professionals how passionate, creative, and motivated I am.

The day I came to Meredith for my interviews was like a pilgrimage to a mecca.  For years and years I've read Meredith's magazines, never knowing that my beloved glossy pages were born so close to home.  A few weeks after my interview, I was officially offered an editorial internship with the Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Home Design magazines Do It Yourself and Storage.  To say I was ecstatic was an understatement.

So here I am in my eighth of ten weeks of an amazing internship with my favorite magazines.  Every morning when my alarm goes off and I think about how I'd just like to lay in bed, I remind myself how much I wanted this internship and how much I enjoy it and how lucky I really am.  I look forward to work everyday.  My supervisors are so inspiring.  The people I work with are all so creative.  And the other Iowa State girls who landed internships (and who I carpool with) have become my friends.

So what do I do?  I work 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday.  Each day is different and I'm gaining such a well-rounded experience.   I write main edit, pacer, and front-of-book stories, as well as plan and brainstorm story ideas.  I do hands-on projects.  I prep, prop, style, and tear down sets and assist photo shoots.  I communicate with companies and PR representatives.  I research, request, and order products.  I even get to interview interior designers and try my hand at producing.  You'll see my work in some upcoming issues of Do It Yourself, Storage, and Cottage Style magazines.  My lips are sealed as to what exactly you'll see, but believe me--when those issues hit the stands I'll be urging you to buy them like crazy. ;)

So yea--I'm having an amazing summer that I really don't want to end!