ASME - 2008 Magazine Internship Program
May 28-August 1
The American Society of Magazine Editors invites college juniors to apply for the 2008 Magazine Internship Program, a ten-week summer session where students have the opportunity to work in the editorial offices of a national magazine. This will be the program's 42nd year. Through 2007, 1,703 students and more than 200 different magazines have participated in the program.
Internship Program
The internship program is intended for editorially oriented students. The emphasis is on editing magazines, and includes the performance under supervision of such tasks as handling reader mail, evaluating unsolicited manuscripts, researching articles, checking facts, proofreading, copy editing, interviewing, covering press conferences, and attending editorial meetings. At a number of magazines, there may also be reporting and writing opportunities, even a few bylines. Some interns have the opportunity to see how the circulation, advertising and other business departments of the magazine function.
The program begins with a two-and-a-half day orientation in New York, during which the interns get to know each other; hear from top editors and other magazine executives about magazine editing and publishing; and meet alumni of the program who talk about magazine jobs and living in and enjoying the city. A brief orientation meeting is also held in Washington, DC for interns assigned there.
During the program there are weekly events where interns meet and visit with a varied group of editors and other magazine professionals.
Each intern will be asked to submit a written report by the final day of the internship on the specific work experience, suggestions for the program, and comments on journalism education.
Interns will be evaluated by their editors on attitude, work habits and performance.
Finances and Housing
Interns must realize that the stipend they receive may not cover all their expenses and certainly will not contribute financially to their schooling. It is essential that interns have other funds available. It is advisable for interns to bring $500 in cash or small denomination traveler's checks for use before they receive their first salary check and establish connections at a bank.
Interns will be temporary employees of the magazines to which they are assigned and will be paid a minimum stipend of $350 a week before deductions.
Interns are responsible for their own travel, housing, food, and personal expenses. ASME will assist in making dormitory arrangements in New York and Washington, DC. Students who come from the area may, of course, live at home.
In 2007, a majority of the interns stayed in a New York University dormitory. The cost for a room in 2008 should be about $2,300 and must be paid in full before taking up residence.
The Magazine Publishers of America Foundation offers a limited number of university housing grants payable directly to the university for qualified students of color accepted into the ASME internship program. If you are interested in learning more about the housing grant program, please contact Shaunice Hawkins at (212) 872-3775.
Selection of Interns
Students are selected for the Magazine Internship Program on the basis of their complete application package. Strong consideration is given to heavy involvement in journalism and interest in magazine work.
NOTE: Applicants must have completed their junior year of college by June, 2008 and be entering their full senior year in the fall of 2008.
Journalism majors should have taken some courses in reporting, writing and editing. It helps if they have worked on the campus magazine, newspaper, or yearbook, preferably in a responsible editorial position. A summer job or internship in journalism is a good addition to the application.
LIberal arts majors MUST have held a senior position on the campus magazine, newspaper or yearbook and have had at least one summer job or internship in journalism.
Application Requirements
Each application must include the following elements:
1) THe application form, signed by the applicant and by a dean or department head. Unsigned applications will be returned.
2) A one-page cover letter from the applicant (addressed to Andrew Rhodes, Assistant Director, ASME) expanding on the application.
3) A supporting letter from a dean, department head or professor who personally knows the applicant's journalistic experience and academic ability.
4) Five samples of published articles, such as clips from the college magazine or newspaper, including name and date of publication.
5) A recent portrait photograph no smaller than 2.5x3.5 and no larger than 3.5x5.5. A passport photo will suffice. This photo is only for use in a promotional folder and is not used in the selection process.
6) A processing fee of $25. Please make checks payable to Magazine Publishers of America/ASME. Application fees are non-refundable.
Although not a requirement, a letter from a former ASME intern indicating the applicant's qualifications is a good addition to the application.
Applications that have glaring errors in grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, or are incomplete, will not be considered. Please do not mount or bind any of the application material.
Applications are to be mailed to Magazine Internship Program, American Society of Magazine Editors, 810 Seventh Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10019. They MUST be postmarked on or before November 15, 2007. Include all required material with the application. Applicants will be notified of the sleection committee's decision no later than February 15, 2008. NOTE: Application material will not be returned.
For more information about the program contact the American Society of Magazine Editors, 810 Seventh Avenue, 24th Floor, New York, NY 10019, Telephone: (212) 872-3700. E-mail: asme@magazine.org.