Get the most out of internships
© Gokhan Okur
Unless you’re very lucky, or already have strong contacts in the media, unpaid work experience will be a crucial part of your journalistic training. However much you can pick up on a media degree, nothing compares to hands-on experience in the field.
Choose the right publication
Finding the right internship can be a challenge. Opting for a large, glossy magazine will benefit you by putting you in a position to make lots of contacts, but you could end up stuck making cups of tea, or, as one EssentialWriters member experienced, accidently locked in a cellar with no one realising for several hours!
Meanwhile, the smaller publishing companies might not provide an obvious stepping stone to glamour and fortune, but you’re likely to get hands-on writing experience, as well as the possibility of paid freelance work in future.
Many media companies have small budgets, and stretched resources can lead to them relying on interns to produce the bulk of the magazine rather than paying experienced journos. If you’re willing to get stuck in, you’ll end up with plenty of published work for your portfolio.
Put yourself out there
While some companies actively advertise for interns, other will accept ones with enough initiative to contact them directly. Send them a letter or email detailing any relevant training or experience you already have, and let them know what it is about their publications specifically that entices you.
Make your intentions clear
When applying for or approaching a company for an intern position, let them know how long you are available for. As this will be an unpaid role, it’s worth asking if they will cover travel expenses or sustenance costs, as many will.
Some companies will expect you to spend a minimum number of days, weeks or months with them. This is particularly likely in the USA, where internships tend to be arranged on a far more formal basis than in the UK.
If you need to fit your hours at the publication around a paying job, let them know this when you initially contact them.
Be assertive
If you do find yourself stuck making coffees or filing, be brave and voice your concerns. An internship is not the 21st century’s version of slavery, though it may feel like that sometimes. Rather, it should be a fair exchange: your effort in return for writing experience. Pitch feature ideas and offer to do bitty things like a monthly magazine’s news pages, or to supply stories for the website. It will all enhance your CV or résumé.
Make sure you are given a job title – it will look far better on you CV or résumé to state that you were an editorial assistant (unpaid) than to simply call yourself an intern.
Pay attention
This is your opportunity to glean advice and tips from experienced journalists. Don’t be afraid of looking stupid – no one will expect you to know anything at this point. Someone should be available to show you how to use the software, construct a feature, write a strapline or standfirst, conduct an interview…
If you’re lucky, this person could become a mentor to you, but be aware that many journalists are stressed and busy, with lots of deadlines to meet.
Ask plenty of intelligent questions and you’ll come away well prepared for a real journalism role.
Apply for paid work
One of the advantages of being an intern is that the editor of the publication will have sense of your capabilities and writing style. This means that should a vacancy arise you’ll be in a strong position to apply and get the job. In this way you can consider your internship an extended audition or job interview.
Know when to leave
Don’t stay in an intern position for too long. Many magazines will let you work with them indefinitely, but once you have gleaned everything you can from them, move on. Otherwise you will become just another piece of office furniture and it simply won’t occur to anyone to start paying you.
An internship should be a stepping stone towards your career, not a career in itself!
Information supplied by Judy Darley, freelance writer, editor and aspiring author. Before gaining paid work in the media Judy carried out internships in the UK and USA with magazine and book publishers.
Email: judy@essentialwriters.com
www.EssentialWriters.com
DISCLAIMER
Neither the author nor EssentialWriters.com are responsible for any loss of business or profits arising from action followed due to this advice. This article is intended for general guidance only and professional assistance should be sought based on your particular circumstances.
