Two of the bigger challenges of running a magazine are taking on interns and guiding the talent.

Interns:

Just about every publication takes on college interns; it’s a cheap or free way to keep things running while at the same time, training those interested in the industry or some aspect of it.

I have had quite a few of them roaming around and I can tell you that you get good ones and you get some who make your days long and frustrating.

It seems the key to a successful relationship with an intern, is talking to them upfront about their interests, where they would like to gain experience and then honing in on getting them there.  Sometimes it takes a lot of hand-holding and other times, it’s a walk in the park.  But, if you are not a patient person I don’t suggest working directly with the interns on staff as you have to train them, talk them through things, be flexible with their ever changing schedules (exams, term papers, professors) and lives (break-ups, break-downs, social lives) and just go with the flow.  If your company, like mine, is virtual and you have interns scattered about the country, whose faces you never really see…all of this is enough to make you question your own sanity at moments (“what was I thinking”) .

I have one intern in particular who has been with me for almost two years.  I affectionately call her ‘mini-me’.  She is someone I had the privilege of interviewing in person, who lives in my town and who, I knew from the moment she walked in the door, was going to be my “go-to” girl.  And I was so right! She has been steadfast and committed, reliable and giving and she has also become a friend.  She is nearly two decades younger than me, but we are such similar souls, it was inevitable.  We truly respect and enjoy one another as people.   She has been an editor, a writer, a creative assistant, etc.  She has yet to say no to a challenge; taking them on whilst taking a full course load and working two jobs.  She is, my superstar.

I want to somehow ensure this young woman, who desires to be a journalism teacher (which is something close to my heart as I had an incredible high school journalism teacher), has an immense tool-box to take with her when the day comes she actually says good-bye to us.  Although, I hope that never occurs as she is such a great asset.  She has proven that there are actually young people out there today who are hardworking and who do not feel entitled to things.  She is so much like me when I was her age and I have tried to share my wisdom with her in a manner that she finds useful and not intrusive.   This girl is the future and I know she will be successful at whatever she does in life as long as she stays focused on the prize.  When you are 20, that is sometimes difficult to do, but, I trust she will find her way without much guidance needed.  She is beautiful inside and out, intelligent, has work ethic and a great personality.  A winning combination in my eyes.

I wish all of our interns were as stellar as the above example; but alas, several of them were a bit of a pain in the rear.  They would disappear for weeks on end, not replying to emails or calls.  They would skirt responsibility for no apparent reason-or- would not take direction and turn in tandem items that I would personally end up redoing.  Not fun…not fun at all.

Talent:

I have heard all the excuses, or rather “reasons for work not being done,”  in the world…not just from our interns, but from our “adult” talent pool.  The writers can be just as trying.  Most of them are really great at meeting deadlines and turning around edits; though some provoke me to want to pull my hair and teeth out at times. (Don’t worry, I rarely get to that point!)  But, in the long run, it’s worth it as they really are talented and have a clear picture of the world around them!

I compare it to herding cats, and anyone who is creative, or in a creative field, will understand this comparison.  They do what they want and you have to tempt them with treats; bargain with them.  When you don’t get what you need, because they are too busy preening in the sunshine or taking catnaps, you just grab them by the tail and nudge them back a few step as they attempt to escape.  They get the hint.  Eventually.

Writers are sensitive souls unless they are hard-core journalists who only care about getting the story.  I don’t really take on the latter as it’s too cold for our audience and the warm, inviting environment I have worked hard to create.  Therefore I choose to tread lightly on criticism and freely give praise.  Besides, it feels better and is more productive to sing their praises and handout gentle, constructive criticism then to play Cruella DeVille, any day.

In all honesty, they are all great to work with despite any moments I feel like I am babysitting or want to reach through time zones and kick them into gear.  I will openly admit, it’s taught me a lot about myself and how to be the kind of “boss” I would want to have if I were in their position.  I do my best to be patient, flexible, relaxed and never jump to conclusions about them or their work.  I always respect their voices and if they need help getting motivated or are completely hating a piece they have started, I put on my editor’s hat and encourage, nurture and respect their efforts.  I am always honest with them:  If I think something isn’t working and they should scrap it or rework it or I think something has great potential and they should work through it (i.e. let go of it a bit in order to stay focused and finish what they started), I tell them so.

At the end of the day it’s all about working together to achieve a common goal.  Putting out the next great issue of the magazine, and doing so on time.

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Next installment: Avoiding burn out and getting reinvigorated.