I worry about the risk of a post-grad internship. Editors might believe I fear entering the real world, lack ambition or work for free at the drop of a hat.But I have my reasons.
I completed an internship with a magazine the summer after my junior year. This appeared to be a normal timeline because most magazines will not even glance at you if you are still a sophomore. While many of my fellow writing majors proved unsuccessful in their internship searches, employers appeared unimpressed.
Many would-be-editorial-assistants paddle the post-grad internship boat. Each year, the competition strengthens and the industry shrinks. If someone else foots the bill while she interns — or she is willing to work three jobs — it seems like a viable option.
The more internships a person completes, the more connections she can make. In an industry about whom you know, connections obviously are important.
They also fill in resume gaps. An interviewer who asks about these certainly would rather hear about all the writing you did than the pizzas you delivered.
Making it in this industry often means moving to New York City. Most magazines are published there, and people need time to save up the money or nerve to move there.
I feel good about being at St. Louis Woman Magazine. I graduated early, so I tell myself this is just another part of my education. Most of my friends are still in school, and many of them will graduate late. So I still feel on track.
It is slightly embarrassing attempting to explain my situation, but I’m willing to blush a little if it is the difference between a job and a rejection letter.
Despite all of the benefits, I would be careful about completing too many. Anything beyond six months of internships after graduation invites suspicion.
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