About the Internship

November 6, 2008

The American Society of Magazine Editors sponsors a ten-week summer internship program for college juniors each year.

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, D.C. for interns assigned there.

During the program there are weekly luncheons where interns meet and visit with a varied group of editors and other magazine professionals..

Each intern is asked to submit a written report by the final day of the internship on his/her specific work experience, suggestions for the program, and comments on journalism education.

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 2009 and be entering their full senior year in the fall of 2009.

• 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.
  
• 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. 
  

Assignments to Magazines

Students accepted into the program are assigned to publications based on their skills and the preferences of participating editors. It may not be possible to assign a magazine according to an applicant's preferences. If an applicant refuses his/her assignment, ASME will offer the spot to another applicant.

Because of the diversity and specialization of the magazine publishing business, internships will be offered by some magazines not well known to the applicants. Editors will write the intern assigned to them, acquainting the student with the magazine and its operations, prior to the start of the program.

Finances and Housing

Interns become temporary employees of the magazines to which they are assigned and are paid a minimum stipend of $350 a week before deductions. Interns must realize that the stipend they receive may not cover all their expenses and certainly will not contribute financially to their schooling.

Interns are responsible for their own travel, housing, food, and personal expenses. ASME will assist in making dormitory arrangements in New York and Washington, D.C. Students who come from the area may, of course, live at home.

A majority of the interns stay in a New York University dormitory.