Tips for Internships in Publishing

Internship Tips 

A few short, simple tips on what worked for me when managing tasks as a new intern: 

Positivity

Perhaps this is very obvious, but worth mentioning, regardless. Internships in publishing are often unpaid, though it’s my personal belief that as an intern you’re invariably repaid ‘in kind’. The experience you get is invaluable and so is the reference you’ll be supplied with. Bearing this in mind, it’s as well to take on every task with positivity. 

Note-taking on paper

Taking notes on everything (literally) helped me to learn and manage tasks, so keeping a notebook in the office is a good idea. Simple things like how to use a function on a computer, photocopier or printer – as well as instructions for more complicated jobs – can be immensely helpful to have to hand if you remember to write them down. 

Note-taking on screen

I kept a running list on MS Word of all the tasks I had done on each day of my internship. I added to the list each week to create a record of everything and anything I’d done, useful for me and for the people supplying my reference later. I saved this list for my reference at the end of my internship and it supplied me with a record of tasks I’d forgotten doing, very useful when updating my CV. 

Prioritise 

When workloads are heavy, look over everything and prioritise. Though it should generally be obvious, it’s as well to ask if you’re unsure! 

Everything brings insight 

Every job given is a job that needs doing by someone in the office. So all intern experience brings insight; all the challenging and fun tasks are best counterbalanced with the routine and necessary ones. Filing and copying, for instance, are integral to working life in a publishing office; I realised quickly that it’s as well to get to grips with everything and learn about publishing life from the bottom up. So it is good to get the right balance between the big and small tasks (all of equal importance!) during any internship experience.

Relax 

The friends and supervisors I’ve met so far in publishing have been exceptionally lovely and willing you on to succeed. So fret not, enjoy the time and ask for help if anything is uncertain.