Interview: Grace Ryan

Meet Grace Ryan, former intern at CLEO magazine, current intern at DOLLY, and editorial coordinator at Recipes+. Despite her enviable resume, she says she never dreamed she'd work in magazines because she wasn't "glamorous enough". I love a chick who's fabulous and down-to-earth!

Keen to find out more? Say hello to Grace on Twitter.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you'd like to work in magazines.

I never knew I wanted to work in magazines. I always thought I’d be more of a hard news journalist, because I thought I wasn’t glamorous enough for magazines and I couldn’t write like that. Then after lots of work experience in the industry I realised that magazines are exactly where I want to be. I can’t picture working anywhere else now (although I’m still not glamorous).

2. How did you apply to become an intern? Did you contact many magazines?

I was really fortunate in my internships. I went down for work experience at Crikey.com in Melbourne and my second cousin (who used to do the advertising there) knew the beauty editor at DOLLY at the time. So she hooked me up with work experience at DOLLY and CLEO. After my work experience I begged them to let me stay. A year and a half later I am still at DOLLY as the online intern and I left CLEO recently because I became the editorial coordinator at a magazine called Recipes+. It’s two days a week so I’m lucky as it fits in with my uni timetable.

3. What was your first day of interning like?

My first day interning was scary, as was my first day as a workie. It took me six months to build my confidence and chat to the girls. But they are so friendly, I think that was just my shy side coming through. I love chatting to them all now. I think it’s so scary at first because it’s a whole new world (and movies like The Devil Wears Prada haven’t helped either!). I just tried to remember I’m only there one day a week, I have to do what I can to make myself known.

4. What did a typical day involve?

I don’t think there is a typical day interning. I remember at CLEO I’d do anything from blowing up globes for shoots to checking out potential bachelors, then transcribing an awesome interview with a celeb. But every week at DOLLY I tend to troll around the gossip sites to see what Biebs or One Direction are up to (tough I know). Then I might make a gallery or a quiz for online. It’s always fun.

5. What have been your best experiences as an intern?

Easy — CLEO Bachelor of the Year. I was lucky because I was one of the interns that was involved the whole way. I got to do photo shoots, media calls and the party. It was hard work but so much fun. And I got to hang out with the bachelors who are all such great guys. I enjoyed it so much I am going to back to help out next year (fingers crossed!!). But I’ve also been lucky enough to experience the DOLLY Model Comp (which was uber exciting) and the Hunger Games premiere to name a few.

6. How would you describe your fashion and beauty style?

Terrible. I love fashion and beauty products but being on a student wage I tend to observe from afar. I really focus on what looks good on me instead of the trends. Once I got a handle on that I was able to intertwine them, so I try to look good and be fashionable. I’ve recently changed my beauty routine because I moved in with my friend who is a make-up artist, but I’m loving the changes. It’s all about what works on you and I think DOLLY and CLEO really encapsulate that.

7. What are your career goals for the future?

Short term, editorial coordinator at a women’s lifestyle magazine. Long term, I would love to be editor or features editor at a magazine I feel really passionate about. Freelancing is also tempting. I really love what Emma Markezic and Zoe Collins do in Cosmo and would love to write like that -- *sigh* one day.

8. What advice would you give to others applying for magazine internships?

Be willing to do the crappy jobs. If you do it with a smile on your face and ask if there is anything else you can do people will remember you. To be picked out from a bunch of other people applying I would do something creative or have a lot of experience, it makes you stand out from a crowd.

Interview: Cherie Donnellan

She's an up-and-coming journalist who's been interning at teen bible, Dolly magazine. Cherie Donnellan kindly gives us the lowdown on what it was like stepping into those hallowed halls. Want more? Visit her blog, Label Me Happy, and tweet her here.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you'd like to work in magazines.

My name is Cherie Donnellan. I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (Journalism) with distinction from Deakin University last year. I'm currently working at a Victorian regional newspaper as a news reporter and entertainment writer. We are also just about to launch a lifestyle magazine about our region and I have written a fair few pieces for it (which is great). I'm glad to be working somewhere that allows me to write in such a broad range of styles. My ultimate goal is to work solely in the magazine industry (first as a writer and then as an editor...if I'm lucky!) because I, simply put, love magazines! I grew up reading them and my love has never wavered.

2. How did you apply to become an intern? Did you contact many different magazines?

I completed a few internships while I studied. Two of them - the Geelong Advertiser (News Limited newspaper) and Melbourne Weekly magazine (and its associated titles with Fairfax Community Network) - were organised through my university's work experience program. Both those internships gave me invaluable insight into how media organisations worked. I got to experience the differences between a daily publication (the Addy) and a weekly (Melbourne Weekly). After completing my degree, I contacted Dolly magazine and they had an available placement in February 2012. I took it immediately. I had contacted a couple of magazines about work placements in previous years but they didn't have any available positions.

3. What was your first day of interning at Dolly like?

I loved my first day at Dolly. Just being in the ACP foyer was a dream. I noticed quite a few familiar faces (because I regularly stalk mastheads) and that made me equally nervous and excited. I first met editorial co-ordinator Dani and one of the regular interns who took me around the office for a meet-n-greet. The standout for me was when fashion editor, Lotta Backlund, complimented me on the vintage mint green blazer I'd worn. I was stoked.

4. What did a typical day involve?

There wasn't a typical day. The tasks were quite varied. There were a lot of research tasks concerning anything and everything that Dolly readers would be interested in - fashion, celebrities, news, life issues etc. I also had to complete a few feedback tasks which included assessing an issue of Dolly mag, commenting on what worked and what didn't for me as a reader and even suggesting what could have better grabbed readers' attention.

5. What were your best experiences while interning?

I couldn't pick one. Going to Sydney and just being allowed into the ACP offices was a great experience. I've love to work with ACP one day.

6. Tell us about the blog you've started, Label Me Happy.

Label Me Happy originally started in 2008 as a blog about stereotypes and how they constantly failed to acturately describe a person as a whole. But it kind of morphed into a blog about my experiences as a twenty-something girl and the experiences of others within my world. I'm quite up front in beliefs in my posts but I love when people comment and show me a different point of view (some I take on board, and sometimes I stick firmly with my original argument). I often write abour quite personal issues and so I don't often specify names because I don't want to totally piss everyone off, ha ha.

7. How would you describe your fashion and beauty style?

I'd say my style is quite ecclectic. I love vintage pieces - particularly from the 80s (hello, power suits). I love designer pieces but they're not always attainable with my budget, so I take my inspiration from the catwalk and make it work in an everyday setting. I more often wear heels than flats. I probably have a wardrobe more suited to winter than summer.

My everyday beauty look is quite simple - foundation, mascara and bronzer are my staples. On the weekends, I add eyeliner, fill in my eyebrows and maybe even throw on a bright lip colour. I must admit, I wear some form of makeup nearly every day but I always make sure to wash my face well morning and night so I have clear skin.

8. What are your career goals for the future?

I would ultimately love to break into the women's magazine industry. I'd like to think that I could work hard and become an editor. That would be the dream. If that happens in Australia, brilliant, but I wouldn't turn down any overseas opportunities either.

Interview: Aubrey Hamlett

Meet Aubrey Hamlett, founder of the incredibly helpful and clever blog for students of media, journalism and PR, My Interning Life (you can also say hello on Twitter or Facebook).

When she's not interning at PR business, Milk Kiddle Langmaid, (and soon, at Cosmo magazine!) she's busy posting fascinating profiles of fellow interns on her blog. She was kind enough to share her experiences with us during a spare moment...

1. Tell us about yourself and why you'd like to become a journalist.

My name is Aubrey, I'm 22 years old and live in Melbourne. I'm currently an intern at Milk Kiddle Langmaid PR and also work casually in hospitality. I am in my final year (thank goodness) of university, studying a Bachelor of Media Studies (Journalism) at La Trobe University in Melbourne.

I wouldn't say that I want to be a 'hard news' journalist, rather my dream has always been to work at Cosmopolitan magazine and be a features writer or have my own column. I love writing and during high school English was always my strongest subject. When I was about 15 years old I picked up my first copy of Cosmo - the infamous 'blow job' issue - and have bought and kept every issue since. I would pore over the articles and came to adore Zoe Foster's beauty advice. My love affair with Cosmo has since become a bit less obsessive, however I still enjoy reading the columns by Zoe Foster and Emma Markezic each month.

2. How did you first become an intern? Did you apply to many different magazines and PR agencies?

At my university internships are not compulsory. There is an internship subject for third year students, but nobody undertakes internships or work experience unless they enrol in that subject. At the start of 2011 I decided to procrastinate no more. It's well known within the media industry that you have to have some experience under your belt before graduating. You can't just walk into the Herald Sun, The Age or even ACP and say, "Here I am! I've graduated from media/journalism... give me a job. Now." It's impossible to do this and so many students mistakenly think this.

I had mentioned to my brother's long-time girlfriend, Eden, who is an editor for a group of magazines that I wanted to get some experience. I also wanted to be published. I hadn't actually applied for anything until Eden sent me a message saying Milkk PR (now known as Milk Kiddle Langmaid) were looking for interns. Eden thought I would fit in well and encouraged me to send Shereen an email.

I sent the email explaining I knew nothing about PR and had no experience and generally thought nothing of my email. I honestly thought I wouldn't be asked to even come in for a trial. Shereen responded a few days later and after about a month of choosing dates for my first day, I started in March and have been going to Shereen's home office each week since.

In May I had my first article published online titled 'Rebel Who' on The Roar website. I gained a lot of attention from my provocative stance on Rugby Union. I was really happy with the outcome and have surprised myself because so far I have only been published online (The Roar, upstart magazine) writing about sport.

In November last year I applied to do some work experience with Cosmopolitan magazine in Sydney. I was thrilled when Gyan Yankovich invited me to come ACP in Sydney later this year. I am also keen on getting some work experience at a sports organisation in their media department.

3. What was your first day of interning like?

My first day was nerve-wracking to say the least. I was going to a home office, and had no idea what to wear. I just had my laptop, wore some jeans and a shirt and off I went. Shereen's home office is based in the south eastern suburbs, while I live in the outer east. It takes me about an hour and a half to get to my internship. I spent my first day writing a biography for a children's book author. Nothing embarrassing or funny happened that day, although I gathered that it was a pretty relaxed environment and Shereen seemed happy with what I had written. Hence why I kept going back. It just became a no brainer, Wednesdays was the day that I went to Milk PR and dedicated my spare time to working with Shereen. I also knew I was complimenting my university studies by interning each week.

4. What does a typical day involve?

A typical day... there isn't really a typical day at Milk PR. I am now working there a few days a week so I suppose a typical day starts off with a de-brief of our social lives over some chai tea. Shereen then gives me tasks to do or follow up and I check all my emails on the admin computer. I draft press releases, email journalists, sports organisations, personal contacts and liase with clients. Shereen is sometimes out of the office several times a day meeting with clients. We recently did the PR for an Australia Day event so we were busy contacting athletes, celebrities and media to get involved. We are also in the middle of cleaning up our media databases which is time-consuming but will definitely help us in the future. My day usually ends at about 4pm when I head home and reflect on everything I learnt that day.

5. What's been your best experience so far while interning?

My best experience so far has been working with Shereen. She has welcomed me into her business and personal life. I have already learned so much about PR from Shereen and my experience has been invaluable. What's really satisfying is when media such as a TV show or newspaper confirm they will be at your event, and when the piece of press appears on TV, in the social pages or as a feature article. I look at it and think 'I helped with this. I locked in that piece of PR for our client', it's really satisfying when everything works out. It makes me think that all the travelling, countless emails, hours spent in the office, meetings and the event itself has eventuated into something worthwhile.

6. Tell us about the blog you've started, My Interning Life.

My Interning Life was actually a university assignment. We had to create a blog, write entries of 500 words each week and then create that blog as a website from scratch using HTML and CSS. I came up with the idea by just discussing and brainstorming a unique blog idea. We were told that sport and fashion were a big no-no and had been done to death. My Interning Life seemed like a great option as it was something that I could relate to and also wanted to know what other internships students were doing.

After I had the foundations and idea of my blog...I kind of fell in love with it. I consistently posted each week and found I really wanted to share other intern's stories so I could inspire others to get out there and intern. My most successful entries seem to revolve around AFL (surprise, surprise) which is also one of my favourite topics. Working in the AFL or for a sports organisation is popular with many students and I am happy to say that two of my featured interns are now working full time at AFL clubs where they interned. It's moments like finding out my friend has scored their dream job that makes my blog worthwhile.

I really enjoy connecting with other media/journalism/PR students and professionals and learning about their experiences. Writing each week has also helped me find my own style and I try to challenge myself each week by making each post indivdual and unique.

7. How would you describe your fashion and beauty style?

My fashion and beauty style is very comfotable and casual. I basically live in jeans and cardigans. Being from Melbourne, I usually find myself dressing head to toe in black and looking at the weather forecast so I can dress appropriately. During summer, I mix it up a bit and love adding colour and wearing dresses, skirts and sandals. I love being comfortable so I always make sure comfort comes first when getting dressed in the morning.

In terms of beauty, I have a day and night skin care routine using Mario Badescu products. I love wearing lots of mascara as my lashes are long and dramatic. I found Dior mascara is great for this. I've recently also become a fan of fake tan and bronzer. I am very fair (I wasn't blessed with my mother's Italian skin) and love using bronzer over my blush to give myself a more 'sun kissed' look in summer. I have however had many mishaps from my DIY fake tanning -- the curse of the fair skinned.

8. What are your career goals for the future?

My career goals have significantly changed in the last 18 months. I would still love to work in magazines as a writer or columnist, but I am now a lot more open and willing to seek out other options available to me. Working at Milk PR has thrown me for a loop. I am one of those people who believes everything happens for a reason and now feel as though I am heading in the PR direction. I would really love to work in the media department at an AFL club or doing PR at a boutique agency like Milk Kiddle Langmaid.

Whatever happens I want to make sure I am being creative, writing and continually being passionate and inspired from my work.

Interview: Miranda Drew

Miranda is currently an intern in The Australian Women's Weekly magazine's fashion and beauty department. She joins us to share what it's like being a magazine maven-in-the-making and to introduce her brilliant new blog, Miranda in Wonderland.

1. Tell us about yourself and why you'd like to become a journalist.

I’m 20 years old and live on the NSW Central Coast, an hour north of Sydney. I am currently studying at the University of Technology, Sydney. I’m working towards finishing with a Bachelor of Communication majoring in Journalism. I am also doing an internship at The Australian Women’s Weekly in the fashion department and by night I work in a local bar.

I have always loved writing; I find it quite therapeutic. I enjoy sharing my opinions and telling people about new things. That’s the lure of journalism -- being able to do something I love and getting paid for it. Over time, I’ve flirted with the idea of being a nutritionist, book editor, fashion designer, public relations professional, social worker, and librarian, but I always came back to journalism.

I love all those girly women’s magazines like Marie Claire, Women’s Weekly, Vogue and Cosmo. It would be great to join those ranks some day.

2. How did you become an intern? Did you apply to many different magazines?

I was quite lucky scoring my internship. I finish uni for the year in September and I’d mentioned to my mum that I was hoping to do a few days interning during the break. My mum met a man whose daughter is the Market Editor at The Weekly. After telling him about my plans to intern, he gave me his daughter’s contact details! From there, it was a matter of perfect timing.

When I got around to e-mailing her, the department was looking for a new intern and she forwarded on my details. I started a few weeks later. I was lucky because it was the only magazine I’d had a chance to apply to at that early stage. It took a few weeks for her to figure out that I was the girl her dad had told her about because it turns out I’d actually forgotten to put it in my application!

3. What was your first day like?

The first day was very nerve-racking, as first days always are. Starting in the fashion department of a popular women’s magazine, I was particularly nervous about what outfit to wear. I was expecting a little bit of a Devil Wears Prada atmosphere and was prepared to be running around all day, fetching coffees and dry cleaning. But it wasn’t like that at all!

There were five or so ladies in the department where I was working and they were all very friendly, so lovely and very welcoming. I spent the morning cataloguing shoes and bags and packaging them so they could be couriered back to the designers or PR firms. Before my lunch break I had to drop some hats back to Sydney’s The Strand Arcade and on my way back to the office I had to pick up some accessories from the Zara head office! I also had to go to Burberry and pick up this huge bag of Burberry items. It was the largest bag of designer goods I’ve ever seen and the most amount of money I’ve ever had in my hands! I found this all very exciting, I love to play with clothes and shoes and really enjoy wandering around the city. It was a little bit like a dream come true.

4. What does a typical day involve?

To sum it up in one sentence, a typical day involves playing with clothes or accessories of some sort. It can be shoes, bags, jewellery, swimwear. It can be anything from department store to high street fashion to couture. I do whatever needs doing in the fashion department, which is usually arranging the return of items back to the people who sent them to The Weekly in the first place. Occasionally, if things are too close to be couriered, I will pick them up or return them to the store or company myself.

5. Tell us about the blog you've started.

After a little bit of nudging from one of my favourite lecturers at uni, I decided to start my blog, Miranda in Wonderland.

I am very addicted to shopping; I shop at least online every single day so I always have a lot of new clothes, shoes and beauty prodz to write about. Interning in the fashion department of a magazine and playing with what’s hot all day, I sometimes feel like I’m privy to secret insider knowledge about the world of fashion. I thought that compiling my adventures as an intern and all the discoveries I make as a shopping addict might be an interesting concept. And so, Miranda in Wonderland was born.

The name itself came from Alice in Wonderland. It’s been my very favourite movie for as long as I can remember. Likewise for the book. I think it’s fitting, because I sometimes feel like I’m in over my head in the world of fashion and beauty, it’s like a Wonderland.

6. How would you describe your fashion and beauty style?

To be honest, I’ve only just recently developed my style. I am very petite, with a large chest and practically no butt so it took me a very long time to figure out what worked for me and how to apply it to outfits I like and feel comfortable in.

I’ve grown into a style that is surprisingly very cutesy, especially considering I was a tomboy as a child. Think headbands, bows and frills, camis, chiffon, wedges and blazers.

As for beauty, I love a dewy fresh, natural look with a healthy glow and long, voluminous eyelashes. For special occasions or when I’m feeling like I’m in a bit of a beauty rut, I experiment with my nail polish, eye make up and red and pink lipsticks.

7. What are your career goals for the future?

In the short term, I plan to finish my uni degree while continuing to intern. After I graduate, I’d like to work in a women’s magazine like The Australian Women’s Weekly or similar, either in editorial, fashion or beauty. I will also keep posting and working on my blog.