Writing Internships?

Raiyah · Jul 13, 2006

I've got two good years left till I'm done with college, and I've been browsing the local writing market here in Boston, like the Boston Herald or St. Martins/Bedford Press that offer internships for writer-wannabes like me to put on my resume if I want a career in the writing world, while writing on the side and waiting for a big publishing break. I've three questions:

One: Will working in these markets help in my writing? Will I score points with agents or publishing companies with my experiences?

Two: These markets request "resumes". What should I put on it? The only thing I have on my resume is "Avon cosmetic representative" or "Clinique Make-up consultant". That won't help obviously. So what will?

Three: Are writing internships worth the time? Worth the effort?

I want to plan much ahead, so I'm not running around last minute trying to make up a resume or fulfill a requirement.

Thanks a million, look forward to your suggestions/replies.

Raiyah

Tish Davidson · Jul 13, 2006

If you are interested in journalism, an internship with a daily newspaper will definitely help you find a job when you get out of school. I can't say what will or will not help if you are interested in fiction writing.

Cat Scratch · Jul 13, 2006

I don't know that it will necessarily help with a fiction writing career, but it may give a publisher faith in you because it will demonstrate a mastery of the English language, professional attitude, ability to stick to deadlines, etc. I say go for it. As for a resume, put your work experience and maybe add any accolades in writing, even if it's just for school, like you aced a huge term paper on World War II or something, and emphasize a passion for writing in a cover letter.

By the way, Clinique discontinued my favorite moisturizer and I'm still not speaking to them.

Gillhoughly · Jul 14, 2006

Bestsellers Dick Francis and Jim Butcher both worked on newspapers.

The experience taught them how to put a sentence together and learning to meet deadlines.

They're also dang good writers.

PeeDee · Jul 14, 2006

Writing for a newspaper or a magazine is a good thing, because it teaches you to make deadlines (as Gill mentioned) but it also teaches you to meet word counts. In my opinion, that's a very useful habit to maintain in life, because it can teach you to be comfortably succint.

As for helping you get somewhere, I don't know that it really would. But honestly, doesn't it sound like fun? I would do it, whether it helped or not, just for fun. Good times should always be pursued.

Raiyah · Jul 14, 2006

Thanks for the link kpmcneil22, very interesting and great advice. I too would rather be at the Globe than at the Herald!

badducky · Jul 14, 2006

As for resumes, both my parents are hiring managers at high levels and have grilled me somewhat.

You're in college. Put a listing of the things you've worked on in college that show your skillsets as a writer. Did you volunteer with the Slavery Project to learn the name and bio of all the Boston-area slaves? What kind of research papers did you write in what class? What kind of extra-curriculars have you done?

Etc.

College is your career. Avon was your rent money. Focus on your career on your resume.

Writing Internships?

Raiyah

Shopaholic

Tish Davidson

Cat Scratch

The Peacock Next Door

Gillhoughly

Grumpy writer and editor

PeeDee

Where's my tea, please...?

Raiyah

Shopaholic

badducky

No Time For Chitchat, Kemosabe.