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Topic: Does it matter that I've never had an internship
| Author | Message |
| BruisePristine | Posted – 5/9/2008 1:06:19 PM | show profile I am probably going to move to the East Coast over the summer, since I have no hope for meaningful employment where I live. I am several years out of college, though, and have never had an internship. I have had: -graphic design and printing experience -manuscript publishing experience -a year at a newspaper as layout assistant -freelance reporting for well-known weeklies in my town -nearly a year as an online editor -other random freelance work I understand that if I want to get into magazine work, the internship experience is what counts. Would anyone recognize a person who started out in print graphics and made a transition over to writing? I understand that the position of EA is really tough, so they say, but so were some of the positions I held. Will they count, or do I just look unfocused? (Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm still pretty damn green.) |
| UrbanCowgirl | Posted – 5/9/2008 1:33:34 PM | show profile I can only speak to the world of book publishing, but I never had an internship. I moved up from the South in 2003 with no industry contacts (only youthful idealism) and landed a freelance gig at a well-known house within six weeks. I did that for a couple of months while interviewing for full-time positions and then landed a job at one of the big houses. All I had on my resume was a three year college job at a mortgage company and some restaurant experience. Now, when I'm interviewing for assistants, I make conscious effort to include resumes of those who didn't do internships and who didn't attend one of the post graduate publishing programs. Not everyone can afford to do internships for free/little pay in college or have parents wealthy enough to put them through one of these programs. However, I've found that, although they lack specific experience in the field, they have great work-ethic and skills that others may have yet to develop. Just be persistent. Also, be prepared in terms of magazine salary. Book pay is low, but magazine pay is loooooow. Know what you're getting into and if you can live off it. Good luck! |
| BruisePristine | Posted – 5/11/2008 3:47:07 PM | show profile Thanks! I actually read your reply a few days ago -- and just wanted to mention that I am trying to parlay my diverse work experience into a strength, in both cover letters and resumes because of your advice. I am now hopefully conveying a work ethic that will make me attractive to the sort of company I want to work for. I appreciate the new idea - it's helping me change my approach. |
