What's it like to be an intern at a magazine?

I'm curious about the tasks and responsibilities of a magazine intern. What kind of projects do they typically work on, and what skills are important to succeed in this role? I'm considering applying for an internship next summer.

As an intern at a magazine, you'll likely carry a range of responsibilities that are both administrative and editorial in nature. Day-to-day tasks can vary, but to give you a general idea, here's some insight into the typical duties and skills required for this role.

Responsibilities often depend on the type, size, and department of the magazine, but common tasks can include conducting research for articles, fact-checking pieces before they go to print, transcribing interviews, or drafting short articles. In smaller teams, you might get a chance to work directly with writers, editors, and designers, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of how a magazine operates.

On the administrative side, you could be expected to manage and respond to general queries, assist in organizing editorial meetings, maintain a record of subscriptions, or even help coordinate events.

In order to succeed in this role, there are several skills that can prove particularly important.

Firstly, strong writing and communication abilities are crucial, as you’ll likely be involved in crafting and editing content. Being confident in your writing is important, but it's necessary to be flexible and open to feedback as you'll likely be working under a strict editorial guideline.

Research skills are equally pivotal. You might have to dive deep into different topics to fact-check articles or find unique angles for stories.

An understanding of journalism ethics and laws is valuable to navigate the complex editorial environment.

Organizational skills are key as well. Magazines often work through a rapid production cycle with strict deadlines, so being able to manage your time effectively, keep track of multiple tasks, and work under pressure is crucial.

Lastly, being proactive can make your internship experience much more rewarding. Taking the initiative to suggest new story ideas or solutions to problems demonstrates that you're engaged and eager to learn and can lead to more challenging and rewarding assignments.

Remember though, every magazine is different. Some may give interns more creative control than others. I'd recommend reaching out to someone who works at the magazine you're interested in. They might be able to provide an even better perspective on what you can expect from an internship there.