<p>I am an a good student (sophomore) at a top school and I am actively seeking an internship in editing, publishing, and similar areas. I'm editor of college paper, majoring in IR, minoring in communication studies, good writer, have a nice resume/cover letter, fluent in several languages. However, I am having a really hard time finding anything. I have tried contacting alumni (me + 30 others), visiting internship "fairs" at school, calling, sending clips, always following up, working through acquaintances (I have very few of them in this field, unfortunately). I've had a couple of interviews, but it always ends at that. Been to career counseling, worked on interviewing skills, etc. Still -- nothing. This is for a summer internship -- does not even have to be paid. </p>
<p>I'm getting really discouraged. I am seeing many less competent peers snag these types of internships quite easily, and I don't understand what I am doing wrong. I have been to the Career Center numerous times. There I was told that my resume and cover letter are fantastic for someone my age. </p>
<p>I was wondering if someone in the publishing industry might put in two cents about what they're seeking in an intern and how a competent person might stand out in a sea of others who have, apparently, ulterior connections. Any tips?</p>
<p>That's a shame. You should have gone to Northeastern instead of Tufts and you'd probably be pretty close to running the entire Boston Globe by now. ;)<br>
JK and good luck!</p>
<p>Don't be discouraged. Publishing is very hard to break in to. And like many fields, publishing is all about who you know. Truthfully, the numbers are against you. There are at least 50 candidates (just an estimate) lining up for any decent internship. And most of the interns I've met (I work at two magazines in New York) have been either rising seniors or recent graduates. Yes, even recent grads are working for very little or no money, just to get established.</p>
<p>Another thought: Don't just contact major media outlets. Those are overflowing with candidates. Instead, look to trade magazines, nonprofits, association newsletters, college alumni magazines. Perhaps one of your hobbies has a magazine for aficionados. That might be a place to try, and the editor will appreciate having someone with knowledge of the topic. </p>
<p>I would recommend keep working your connections as much as possible: your friends' parents; your parents' friends, professors, professors' friends, etc. It is possible to land a job on your own merits, but it isn't easy. Also, mediabistro.com has job listings and a pretty active BBS for advice. Best of luck!</p>