Six Teen Vogue Editors on How to Make the Most of Your First Job or Internship
Photographed by Mark Iantosca1/6Jane Keltner de Valle, Senior Fashion News Director
"Don't do just what's asked of you. If you have downtime between projects, take the initiative to find another task that needs to be completed. I am always impressed when people offer to do something I may not have thought to ask them to do."
"On that same note, I love to see someone be proactive about pitching ideas. Just because you are an intern, it doesn't mean you can't contribute valid ideas or that we don't want to hear what you have to say. Speak up! I want to know about what you're interested in and what's on your mind. If I like a proposal, there's a good chance I will let you take the helm on it. In other words, you could also be earning your first byline."
"Dress for the job you want, not the job you have. If you are unsure about what to wear, try taking cues from other people in the office. You want to be professional, but also show your creative eye. I don't look for designer labels when I'm hiring, but I do look for a sense of personal style. Working at a magazine is a visual job. I want to know that the person has an eye and a certain taste level that is in line with Teen Vogue."
"Obviously you want to make a good impression on the boss, but it's equally important to develop relationships with your peers. Don't discount the value of networking with other interns and assistants. They may not be at the top of the masthead right now, but these are the people who are going to be growing up in the industry with you and who could be recommending you for your next job. Don't write them off!"
Photographed by Mark Iantosca2/6Naomi Nevitt, Online Editor
"Ask a lot of questions. If you're just starting out, you're not a pro. It's important to learn from the people around you who are already there. The more you ask, the more eager you'll appear. One of the worst things that you can do is have an assignment, finish it, and then sit there and look at your email or read a book. Always be proactive and ask for more things to do."
"Be on time. Also, people see it if you're reading your email, shopping, or taking personal phone calls. There's a perception that people don't notice these things, but they do."
"If you don't work directly in the department that you're interested in, set up an informational interview with someone in your desired field to learn about their responsibilities and to get a larger sense of the company in general. Half of the career search is about networking, so the more you put yourself out there at the company you intern or work for and meet a lot of people, the better."
Photographed by Mark Iantosca3/6Eva Chen, Beauty and Health Director/Special Projects Director
"When you're tweeting or talking about your job on Twitter, remember that there's a good chance that your boss is reading what you're tweeting. Be respectful of your employer. Don't tweet any spoilers in terms of what's going to be in the September issue, and remember that a lot of corporations are very serious about communications. Ask for permission to tweet something if you're not sure."
"Twitter is such an informal medium, and sometimes people forget that there are boundaries. You still have to have a sense of formality and propriety. You might feel like you know people already because of the way they present themselves on Twitter, but when you're meeting people, you're still meeting them for the first time. The workplace still has the word 'work' in it, so conduct yourself professionally."
Photographed by Mark Iantosca4/6Mary Kate Steinmiller, Senior Fashion Market Editor
"It's always important for interns or staffers who are new to a magazine to introduce themselves to everyone. Don't wait for people to meet you; take the initiative to say hello to every new face in the office. It shows you want to work with everyone and connects you immediately with people who can help you in the long run. I love seeing new faces."
Photographed by Mark Iantosca5/6Sarah Pillai, Assistant Fashion Market Editor
"Take notes. It's best to write anything down that you can reference later, and it will stick in your memory longer!"
"Be the "go-to" girl—if anyone asks for help on a special project, be the one to offer. Everyone loves a positive teammate with helping hands."
"Manners can go a long way. Remember that you are in a public setting and a team setting. Don't forget to say 'please and thank you!' Always remember to be nice to everyone you encounter. Good karma is important; you never know, your assistant might be your boss one day."
Photographed by Corey Tuttle6/6Jane Shin Park, Beauty and Features Editor
"When your boss gives you a task to do, assume it's an emergency (even if it's not) and try to get it done right away. You want to demonstrate to your boss that A) you're really eager about the job and ready to tackle any assignment, B) you can be depended on to come through when there is an emergency situation in which something needs to be done ASAP, and C) you can help make your boss's insanely busy life a little easier."
"Don't be afraid to ask questions! Sometimes, it can feel scary and intimidating when you start a new job, and you might not know how things work in that particular office. You might be afraid to ask other people for help, but it's better to ask questions and clear up any confusion right away than to waste time trying to figure it out all by yourself."
