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.
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Me in my cubicle, which I share with a super sweet intern Katie. |
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.
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My cute yarn wreath I made during a department craft time. |
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!
7 comments:
Good for you!! That's so inspiring!
I had no idea there was a publishing firm in iowa! Crazy! But what an awesome opportunity! It sounds like you're having such a good summer- I can't wait to read your features in the magazines! :)
Congratulations! That sounds like such an amazing internship!:)
Way to go girl. An outstanding opportunity for you. (-:
Oh that is sooo inspiring - especially for me, trying to start my own business and all! You will have to make a post about which magazines your helped with and I am so totally buying those. What an amazing story you have! Maybe one day I will get to see Revive Bath & Body products featured in one of those great magazines!!
Love it!
Caitlin
good for you! sounds great! inspired me to get going on applying for my own dream internship: visual display intern at anthropologie
also, links for the following please? :
"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. "
:)
You have my dream internship! I am so excited for you! Meredith's publications are my favorite as well! I recently switched my major to journalism and mass communications as well and I am extremely excited to pursue a career. Do you have any advice that I could use to help me find an internship? Good luck with all that you do!
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