When I first started this internship, I had high expectations. I knew that it would be different than the other internship I had; I could tell from the interview alone that this one would be a little bit more exciting, a little bit more hands-on, and was definitely about a subject matter that I enjoy. And I have to say, I was pretty much right.

I think that my experience has been exactly what an interning experience should be: there have been highs and lows, exciting moments of feeling like an actual journalist and those back-to-earth moments of feeling like the lowest person on the office food-chain. There have been frustrating moments when I’ve felt like I just want to walk out and never come back (like a 12-hour day where there was absolutely NOTHING to do), and there have also been moments where I wouldn’t give up the job for the world (like when I got to interview Derek Jeter). I’ve had to deal with some rude people, but I’ve also gotten the chance to meet some really amazing people. And probably the best thing was seeing my name in a national publication several times, and knowing that my hard work in school was finally starting to pay off a little. Read More »

[For most college students, summer means one thing: an unpaid internship. We’ve been there and we feel your pain. Whether you’re making copies, making coffee runs, or just trying to make your mark on the industry of your dreams, it’s much easier to get through it all with a little help from your (CollegeCandy) friends. So come back every week to listen/sympathize with/vent with our anonymous intern as she does her thang at a big time magazine in New York City. Because, let’s be honest, what else do you have to do in that cubicle all day?]

Some days at my internship I get to do so many fun things – like a random lunch with Kendra Wilkinson or Edie Falco, or doing a video interview of an all-male a capella group (OK, that one was a little strange…). Some days, I’m just kept busy doing any number of things, whether it’s searching for the perfect ice cream cake at Ben & Jerry’s, researching celebrities who have said they want to renew their marriages (a real project, and I swear it took up most of my afternoon), or helping out in the fashion closet (a personal fav).

But truthfully, most of the time, I am sitting in front of my computer with absolutely. nothing. to. do. And don’t think that Facebook or Twitter can keep me busy. You can only read so many mindless status updates before it makes you want to de-friend all of your friends. One day, I literally had NOTHING to do for 8 hours. It was painfully boring, but I’ve unfortunately gotten used to it. Especially this summer, since there are so many interns who need to be given tasks to do, and my intern coordinator is very fair.

So, for the other interns out there who I know know exactly what I’m talking about, here are some of my ways to make your mark and pass the time.

1. Try to get to know the other people in your office. If your intern supervisor has nothing to do, you can take it upon yourself to ask around the office if anyone else needs some help. Sometimes, people don’t ask because they forget interns are there, or they assume they’re too busy. This is a great way to do a little networking and really figure out what the office is about. Plus, you’ll look like an awesomely hard worker and everyone will appreciate it.

2. Organize and clean wherever you can. Offices are usually messy, and sometimes disorganized. At least, any magazine I’ve ever worked at is. Even if no one notices that you’ve cleaned, it’ll make YOUR job easier. File magazines away and throw out papers that you know no one needs anymore. It’s an easy way to stand out from the other interns, especially if you’re never asked to do this. Read More »

Week two at X magazine has commenced, and I’m happy to report that I’ve only had two coffees today and am feeling pretty awake!

Now that the first couple of days are over, I feel a lot more settled – still need some decorations for my cubicle, but definitely know my way around the office and feel more comfortable talking to editors and asking for help. I’ve conducted two interviews and written two tiny pieces (more like blurbs than articles, but hey, you gotta start somewhere!) I’ve even discovered a great lunch restaurant! If you work in midtown east, you must check out the Amish Market on 240 45th street between 2nd and 3rd avenue. Really good sandwiches and salad bars and fresh sushi, which I, for one, can never pass up!

All you critical readers out there (last week I made some people VERY outraged by complaining about my faxing, copying, and general slave labor duties) will be pleased to know that I have been staying away from excess cab rides and mojitos, and instead making my boyfriend pay for me.

JUST KIDDING!

I have definitely been trying to control the cash flow, and I’ve come up with a few tips for my fellow interns out there in cyber space. Read More »