Some of you may already know from my unashamed Twitter flailing that I bagged at internship at Company Magazine. I've just finished up my first week and have LOVED it. I will be doing weekly updates throughout the month, as they're my most requested posts (ever), but first I thought I'd start with how to get an internship in the first place. So here's my advice...
♡ KNOW YOUR MAGAZINE
Anyone looking to get into journalism already knows that it is a tough industry to break. Like, soul destroyingly tough. There are a lot of people looking for internships so you really need to get the attention of the journalist you are writing to. You really can't just roll out a formulaic cover letter and expect to hold anyone's attention. Make the first paragraph of your cover letter count. Don't waffle on about yourself straight away, tell them how amazing their magazine is and what separates it from others in the industry. The cover letters I wrote in my own voice were the only ones which got any attention. They want to see genuine enthusiasm for the magazine so don't be afraid to tell them how much you love it. My main tip? Start thinking about it early. I've been incredibly lucky to go to my favourite magazine first, but that isn't the case for most people, so you need to familiarise yourself with what's out there. Do monthly magazine runs and get to grips with the main writers, styles, features etc of the magazines you think you'll write to so you know the publication inside out before applying.
♡ PUT YOUR TWITTER ACCOUNT TO USE
Networking is that word that gets everyone hyperventilating but it is so important. As a huge fan of Company anyway, I already follow most of the writers there on Twitter and tweet them often. Obviously this doesn't mean shameless stalking - if you love an article they've written, let them know, etc. Following your favourite journos on Twitter means that as soon as they put up a tweet looking for interns, you'll be one of the first to reply. Plus, they might remember your profile picture from those few times you've messaged them... Always a plus!
♡ STALK THEM BEFORE THEY STALK YOU
A huge part of a journalist's job is spent getting information. That makes them experts at online stalking. If they are considering your application the first thing they are going to want to do is find out more about you. After all, they might end up sat on a desk with you for a month. Make a Google search of your name something they will remember for the right reasons. I've read from various journalists that they rarely take aspiring writers seriously if they don't have a blog. A blog is a great online portfolio and shows that you have a genuine passion for writing. You're already doing part of a journalist's job if you can build your own audience and write interesting content. Magazines are really starting to involve bloggers in their content, too, so it's a great way to get noticed and build contacts within the industry.
♡ DON'T HAVE UNREALISTIC EXPECTATIONS
The "you need experience before you get experience cycle" is pretty vicious, but luckily in journalism, this one is actually quite easy to break. Do not under estimate the your local newspaper! Normally they are more than happy to take on students and are obviously far more accessible than major publications. I made sure to learn as much as I could, say yes to everything and show enough enthusiasm to get multiple articles in the paper. I've also stayed in touch with the Editor of my local Features section who has been incredibly supportive and helpful! It is a great way to try out different areas and get really hands on whilst building up a small portfolio. Student newspapers are also really valuable experience, and on most application forms they will expect you to be able to demonstrate your interest and enthusiasm through things like Uni societies / writing for online websites. You need some kinds of hands on experience before walking into a major magazine / newspaper so be prepared to start small.
♡ BE PERSISTENT
Journalists are incredibly busy. If they open your e-mail, it's luck. If they open your e-mail and actually reply without you having to hassle them a little bit, that's verging on a miracle. Don't be rude but don't be afraid to follow up. Some people say that using Twitter for this is unprofessional but that is something you will have to judge based on that individual and their publication. Twitter is much easier than e-mails and journalists are far more likely to reply to a tweet than 1 out of the 50,000 e-mails they receive daily. My final minor tip would be if you aren't already checking GoThinkBig everyday, where a lot of magazines advertise for interns - start now! Keep applying, don't get down and be prepared for rejection. It will pay off in the end!
I hope you find some of these pointers helpful and if you're interested in career posts make sure you check back as over the next few weeks as I'll be posting weekly on my Company internship!
Lydia Rose,
xoxo
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