It’s officially official. Mizzou is in the SEC, y’all! I took in my first football game on Saturday after Mizzou’s move to the Southeastern Conference earlier this year. That day seriously felt like Christmas. I’d been waiting for it since, … Continue reading
In college, I always imagined employment immediately following graduation. I thought that those unemployed college grads who were out of work was due to their lack of trying. Then, “funployment” (a term that will be used from here on out; unemployment sounds too harsh!) hit home. While I was fortunate enough to score a full-time freelancing job with Redbook for the summer, all good things eventually come to an end, and my gig unfortunately didn’t lead into a full-time in-house position. Enter my life as I know it: I’m now a full-time job hunter.
I had to move out of my college apartment last week, so rather than making the big move to NYC right away, I moved back with my parents (I know, I know…THE WORST!) to figure out what I really want to do with my life (well, that and save up some more money). Also, let it be known that this move is purely temporary. So for now, it’s job hunting/applying until I can’t job hunt/apply anymore, and then probably some more job hunting/applying. Easier said than done. At least funployment has allowed me more time to do the things I love, like baking, reading and watching the Olympics (which have only inspired me to want to quit the job hunt and become a full-time athlete…hmmm, new career path maybe?)
Resume tips are welcome/greatly appreciated. For other post-grads out there, what’s your advice for enduring funployment and finding a job?
One of my favorite things about summer is reading for fun. Curling up in bed or laying out by the pool with a great book that can hold your attention for hours is pure bliss. Throughout my college semesters, my … Continue reading
It’s been exactly a month since I graduated college. My, how time flies. During that month, I went home for some much-needed R&R and time with my family. I’ve been freelancing full-time for Redbook as a web editor, but because I’m working from home, even that job doesn’t exactly scream “real world.” No, I consider my first day in the real world today; that is, I had my first big kid job interview today!
To briefly backtrack: While freelancing for Redbook is wonderful and all, I can’t rely on it forever. For starters, I don’t really want to work remotely for the rest of my career. Although it’s nice to work from home (I mean in bed in my PJs), I do miss having that crucial office interaction. I also will need a job that includes health benefits sooner or later. (And by that, I mean when my parents cut me off for good. I’m dreading that day more than words can say!) So last week when the J-School’s career services adviser sent out an email detailing a magazine’s immediate opening for an editorial position, I jumped at the chance. I worked for two (long) nights straight updating my portfolio and resume and writing the perfect cover letter. After spell-checking each document and the email that housed them what seemed like 56 times, I finally sent it off — and received an email the very next morning from the editor-in-chief asking me to interview with her!
To fast-forward back to today: I woke up early, got ready and drove to the office. I was ready to wow them. Three of the top editors briefly interviewed me, and then I completed three lengthy writing and editing tests. After all was done, I felt pretty good about how I interviewed and performed on the tests. After all, they were no different from Jen Rowe’s infamous Mag Editing tests! Now while I’m not ready to disclose the name of the magazine for fear of jinxing my chances, I can tell you that it’s located in the city where I hope to eventually end up. (And if you know me, that shouldn’t be too hard to guess!) So that’s that so far for me in the real world. Keeping my fingers crossed!
My childhood can be traced back to memories of sitting in my grandparents’ kitchen smelling delicious scents wafting from my grandma’s oven. Let me just say this: my Grandma Miller was a phenomenal cook. Everything came out just right the first time, … Continue reading
Rather than try to sum up into words my four incredible years at Mizzou, I feel that this story is better told with pictures. In the last four years, I…
…began one chapter of my life. I said goodbye to my family, put my big girl pants on and moved into the Mark Twain Res Hall.
…participated in one of the many MU freshman traditions, painting the M.
…walked through the columns with the rest of the Class of 2012 to signify our entrance into the University.
…began my freshman year with our family’s tradition of attending the annual Mizzou/Illinois rivalry game in St. Louis.
…met some of the greatest friends anyone could ask for — Kristina Houser, Kerry Leary, Sara Johnson and Ali Cnockaert.
…was blessed with an awesome roommate that I’m still friends with today.
…attended my first Mizzou football game as a student.
…competed in the iLife film competition, MTV Cribs style.
…saw the future president Barack Obama speak in person.
…did silly, college-y things on the Quad.
…began a job at the Tiger Calling Club, where I worked my way up the ranks from caller to trainer to floor supervisor.
…began my sophomore year with what else? The annual Arch Rivalry game, of course!
…moved into my very first apartment at The Cottages.
…lived at that first apartment with my best friends.
…did a lot of tailgating.
…walked on Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium.
…met the most incredible guy who turned my world upside down. He has my heart.
…went to Columbia’s infamous Magic Tree for Carter’s and my first actual date, although technically our first one was studying together in the library during finals week.
…turned 21!
…celebrated my 21st with shots!
…started junior year by moving in with my best friend from high school, Sierra Lewis.
…met another friend that I know I’ll have forever, Michelle Klein.
…camped out with my friends for College Gameday.
…Did I mention we did a lot of tailgating?
…made a cross-country trip to Arizona on a bus with my dad to watch Mizzou play Iowa in the Insight Bowl.
…put my big girl pants on once again and spent the summer in between my junior and senior year in New York City interning for Redbook Magazine.
…met Mizzou friends in NYC that I might not have otherwise had the chance to meet.
…went to Vegas to celebrate my 22nd birthday.
…began senior year by going back to where it all began.
…moved in with these fabulous roomies, Sierra Lewis and Rachel Field, for our final year at school.
…worked as a department editor with this awesome staff at Vox Magazine.
…camped out in the cold and the rain once again for College Gameday, this time for basketball.
…witnessed Mizzou beating Kansas at home in a nail-biter.
…left the country for the first time and went on a cruise with my family to celebrate my pending graduation.
…walked back out the columns in the opposite direction with the same people as four years earlier to signify our exit from the University.
…enjoyed having this amazing co-worker and even better friend by my side at the TCC since we were freshmen.
…signed the TCC Golden Tiger wall for having raised more than $25,000 for MU.
…graduated from the Missouri School of Journalism and became a member of the Mizzou Mafia!
…celebrated the fact that we got through a little more than half of our undergrad years together.
…spent my graduation weekend surrounded by the people who have loved and supported me the whole way through.
…closed one chapter of my life. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger.
First and foremost, it’s been way too long since I’ve blogged. It’s embarrassing, really. As journalists, we’re supposed to be writing daily, but somehow I let the busyness of last semester get the best of me (and my writing skills). Rather than rant about the monotony that was last semester, I’ll catch you up to speed on what I’m doing now.
I’m a department editor at Vox Magazine for the Books and Endnotes sections. I’ve traded in my social life for one of a magazine editor. And I’m completely okay with that. I’m doing what I love, and I’m loving what I do. My life now consists of deadline after deadline, story pitches, macro- and micro-edits, hed and dek rewrites and production nights that last into the wee hours of the morning. Sounds stressful, right? Absolutely. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. Those past department editors who have since survived Vox have said it’s the single best (academic) college experience, and I’m beginning to discover how truly right they are.
If that weren’t enough on my plate, I’m also interning for Redbook Magazine again this semester. But really, I couldn’t be more thrilled that they asked me back. Because I work for the website and hence everything is done online, I am interning remotely right here in Columbia two days a week (Read: right here in my PJs in bed two days a week). I love the ability to work from home. I am very productive, yet still get to enjoy the comfort of my bed and comfy sweats. I’ve built off of my summer experience by tackling bigger projects, such as making extra quizzes, writing more blog posts and outlining/building landing pages. It is, of course, a wonderful experience so far, and I am counting down the days until I get to go work in the office again while on Mag Club’s NY trip. (It’s 34 days, in case you were wondering.)
This mag editor is now signing off to catch some zzzzzz’s while she can.
Yesterday, I did just that. Although I was excited to go back to my home state and see my friends and family, I was a little sad to leave the city I have become so fond of. I spent my last few days in the city exploring all I could in hopes to make the most of it. As a result, I got most everything crossed off my bucket list! I knew I wouldn’t get everything accomplished, but I was pretty proud of what all I got to do and see during my summer in the city.
Getting all my stuff home proved to be tougher than I imagined. After shipping 38 pounds (yes, you read that right) of stuff home, I thought I was doing pretty well with two suitcases and a tote bag. Wrong. I got to the airport and waited in line to have my bag checked only to find out it was 14 pounds over the 50-pound weight limit! So it was either pay the $90 overweight bag fee or rearrange my suitcases in the middle of crowded, bustling LaGuardia. Obviously, I chose the latter, and that was no small feat. Some towels became casualties along the way, but for the most part, everything made it home. Well, except for one entire suitcase. Delta conveniently forgot to put my checked bag on the plane and is currently overnighting it to me via Fed Ex. I’m just lucky my sister and I wear the same size clothing so I’m not out any clothes! Needless to say, next time I decide to move across the country, it most definitely won’t be by plane.
It’s a little odd being back in Missouri after spending two-plus months in New York City. A bit of culture shock, if you will. However, there’s no place like home. It’s so good to be back and be able to relax. I can breathe again. I’m not stressed out by the hustle and bustle of the city. I’m not suffocated by the mobs of people walking the streets every day. The only thing suffocating here is the heat. I’m not gonna lie though, I do miss New York City. It became my home for the summer just like Missouri is my home. New York City will forever hold a special place in my heart. One summer there gave me a lifetime of memories. I had the most incredible experience there, and I’m so glad I chose to go. This 911 memorial tile I found below pretty much sums up my feelings from this summer. Thanks for the memories, NYC. I’ll see you again someday.
Love this quote!
One of my journalism professors said this in my intermediate writing class one day and has since become one of my favorite quotes. Imagine wild success. Lately, that’s exactly what I’ve been doing. While interning for Redbook in New York City, I’ve been asked several times now “Are you moving back here to work after graduation?” Had you asked me this last year, I would’ve flat-out said no. Earlier this summer, I was a little hesitant. Today, I thought absolutely, if given an opportunity. Interning in NYC has made me not so scared to go chasing after big dreams anymore. Today was my last day at my internship, and it was extremely bittersweet. One one side, I’m excited to go home. On the other hand, I’m sad to leave the job that I fell in love with. My internship taught me that a magazine is the perfect place for me to work. I felt at home there since day one. Working at a magazine lets me use all of my talents–creativity, writing and editing.
The beautiful Hearst Tower
I had an amazing last day from start to finish. The weather was gorgeous and Fall-like this morning, so I hopped off the subway a stop early and walked the extra 15 blocks to work (and got some great photos of the Hearst Tower along the way!). By walking, I was able to soak in the streets and skyscrapers of the city. I’ve never felt more blessed to be living in this incredible city, walking to work on a beautiful day to end up in a swanky towering building at a national publication. I got to work early and was able to have a good chat with our social media editor, whom I don’t normally have the time to talk with. Redbook’s new web intern started today, so I spent all morning training her. It made me realize how much I had learned over the summer! Then my editor Val took me out to lunch at Cancun, a really good Mexican place (she already knows me so well!) right around the corner from the Hearst Tower. We had a great lunch, chatting about everything from girl stuff to career advice. Once we got back to the office, I began working on the last of my other projects to finish them up. Val stopped by my desk a little later and asked if I could take a break for a little while. I was apparently visibly confused, because she quickly said, “Don’t worry, I have a surprise for you.” Then she handed me a giant tote back and told me I’d need it since we were going to…THE BEAUTY CLOSET! I was so excited! The beauty closet is every intern’s dream of raiding at the end of the internship. We walked in, and it was literally floor-to-ceiling shelves of beauty products. She pointed out which shelves were up for grabs and instructed me to fill up my tote. I did just that. It was like Christmas morning. I came away with six bottles of perfume, more makeup than I can count and hair extensions. So even though I didn’t get paid in money this summer, I definitely made up for it in beauty products! Now the question is, how in the world am I going to get all this stuff home? I’ll figure that out when the time comes, aka this weekend. I then finished up all my projects and got ready to leave for the last time, but not without a hug and a super nice letter from Val. She wrote nothing but good things about me and my work ethic, and that made me so thankful to have had her as my editor. I learned a tremendous amount from her about skills, the industry and journalism in general. As I took my final steps out of the Hearst building, I did get a little sad. It’s hard to believe that it’s already over.
My desk at work
On that note, the end of my internship not only made me sad, but also fueled my desire to be back here in less than a year to work. One of these days I will return to the Hearst Tower, but next time it’ll be for pay rather than beauty products (but the beauty products don’t hurt either!) Taking an internship in NYC was the single best thing I could do for my career. I made a great contact and professional relationship with Val, I got the experience necessary to work at a national magazine and I gained even more passion and love for this industry. Do what you love, love what you do. That’s another one of my favorite quotes, and that’s exactly me with magazine journalism. I want to live and breathe it someday. Until then, I’m imagining wild success.
I just love this building!
That is, by far, the best compliment I’ve received in the city this summer. It came about while I was working at my part-time job at Cosi (I’m a barista there. Glamorous? Not at all. But it does pay the bills. It also reminds me why I’m in college and interning in the first place–so I never have to go back!). I always strike up conversation with customers as I prepare their complicated and overpriced yet delicious coffee beverages–something the native-New Yorker baristas don’t do. One lady was asking me about the shade of my nail polish, which spiraled into a longer conversation. She eventually asked me where I was from, and when I proudly replied “Missouri,” she exclaimed, “I KNEW you were from the Midwest! You’re way too friendly to be a New Yorker!” Little did she know, her comment made my day. I love that I can bring a little Midwest cheer to the city that is known for its cold, snooty people. I’d like to think I’m making an impact to show others (especially foreigners) that not everyone in America is unfriendly and uptight, but in actuality, we’re pretty open and friendly. Not a huge difference, I know, but hey, it’s comforting knowing I’m doing my part. I’ve got to be doing something right, because I’ve now received that same compliment several times!
Hearing this also has made me realize that New York hasn’t changed me one bit. I’m still the same old Kayla that stepped foot here two months ago. NYC didn’t get the best of me. I think you’d have to spend several more years here to become an actual New Yorker. This summer has only altered me in the sense that I’m a bit tougher. When I landed at LaGuardia in May, I was scared out of my mind. I had no idea what I was doing here alone. I thought the big city would swallow this small-town girl alive. But it didn’t, and because of that, I’m a much stronger person than I was two months ago. I’ve gained a new sense of independence and feel like I can take on anything life throws my way. It’s been an adventure to say the least, and although I couldn’t be more thrilled to be back home with my family and friends, I am a little sad to leave it all behind. I’ve had a wonderful experience here. I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world.
Since I only have a week left, I’ve been trying to cram as much as I can in attempt to finish my bucket list (Ok, I know I won’t finish everything, but I want to see and do as much as I can!). This last weekend, my friends and I traveled to Hoboken, NJ. It’s such a cute little town and is very quiet unlike the bustling Manhattan. We went to Carlo’s Bake Shop, aka Buddy’s bakery as seen in the hit TLC show Cake Boss. We waited an hour and a half out in the sweltering heat (and when I say heat, I mean it felt like hot, sticky Missouri heat!) and then another 30 minutes inside, but it was SO worth it–the cannolis and lobster tails were life changing. We ate our yummy confections in a Hoboken park that overlooked the East River and Manhattan. Gorgeous views, grass and baked goods…what’s not to love?
Carlo's Bake Shop
Cannoli and a lobster tail. Both absolutely amazing.
Saturday night, we ventured into Chinatown for a little shopping (aka bargaining) and then dinner in Little Italy. I know Little Italy is touristy, but the food was delicious. We ate at an adorable restaurant that was decorated like a vineyard and served incredibly large pasta dishes for not a lot of dough. Sunday, I spent my afternoon and evening exploring the streets of SoHo solo, sifting through cute yet waaaay overpriced boutiques.
Little Italy
Rachel, me and Christy at dinner
Today, it was back to the grind. It’s odd to think that I only have two more days left at Redbook and that’s it. Tomorrow, our new web intern starts, and my editor put me in charge of training her. I think it’s awesome that I know enough about our magazine and the swing of things to be able to train a newbie, but it’s also a little sad to think of her as my replacement. I’ve been blessed with an incredible internship, as it was an amazing experience to work for a national magazine. I’ve been getting a lot of bylines these past couple weeks too, so I’ll going home with a pretty good-looking portfolio!
7 days until the adventure ends. Time to think about packing and booking a shuttle back to LaGuardia.
