Internship Do's and Don'ts

It's spring break, so naturally the good people of the Intern Memo are off building houses in under'developed countries, but lucky for you, we've called in our reinforcements to keep your mind out of the dark gutters of spring break and on matters that are slightly more important. Today we check in with journalist and author Melissa Walker for some Do's and Don'ts on editorial internships.

Her newest book, Violet by Design, is in stores - both online and real - now, so check it out. In the meantime, here's what Melissa has to say about interning:

MW: Think a magazine internship resembles something like what Lauren and Whitney do on The Hills? "A real internship," says Teen Vogue Associate Photo Editor Mariel Osborn, "is the opposite of that." IE, you're going to be getting coffee, lugging fashion trunks, filing and possibly doing story research - if you're lucky.

Here are a few Do's and Don'ts for surviving and thriving while interning at the glossies:

DO treat every task seriously. "The interns that spell everything right, get all the info, and are focused on tasks-no matter how small-are the ones I trust to handle bigger projects down the road," says one Features Editor who prefers to remain anonymous.

DON'T roll your eyes. Ever! "One roll of one eye, and we will never forget," says Erin Meanley, Associate Editor at Seventeen. "Of course the work sucks-we did it, too. Even if all you get to do is Xerox or file, grin and bear it. Smile and volunteer to stay late and help. It's only temporary. Just do it."

DO ask questions. "Curiosity is the most important characteristic for an intern," says Spin Photo Director Michelle Egiziano. "You're here to learn and work hard, but it should also be a rewarding experience, leaving you with a lot of questions answered and a basic understanding of the process of putting out a monthly magazine."

DON'T be afraid of senior editors. "Many senior editors love to mentor but are time-deprived," says Gay Norton Edelman, Senior Editor at Family Circle. "Ask me, and we're both happy, but I don't always have time to seek you out. Being proactive is good."

DO show initiative and enthusiasm. One features editor notes that her current intern has made a great impression by staying later than scheduled to finish tasks and treating her internship as a job. Edelman adds that she loves to see enthusiasm for the magazine from interns who’ve read bunches of past issues.

We were thinking about running a "Do's and Don'ts" for Spring Break, but we thought this would be more helpful and we are somewhat interested in keeping our PG-13 rating.

Be safe and good luck getting into the swing of things back at school.

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