Honing writing skills through a virtual internship

This is a guest post by Stephanie Dolan, an online student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College. She is studying journalism and recently completed a virtual internship with {C} Magazine.

As a journalism and media studies major, an internship is integral to finding one’s niche as a writer. I’m thankful that writing allows me more freedom than being locked into one field of expertise; however, occasionally focusing on one area at a time can assist in narrowing down a writer’s strengths and preferences.

My first internship came during the winter semester. I was a newsletter writer focusing on news specific to one organization’s interests. This summer in my second internship, I was a contributing writer for an online entertainment publication, {C} Magazine.

Both of my internships have been virtual experiences, and – as an online student – maintaining a virtual presence was essential for me so that I wouldn’t have to upset my full-time work schedule. Working online has allowed me to complete projects in my own time and on time.

Going into the summer session, I remembered listening to the last intern for {C} giving her final presentation. I was expecting my experience to be just like hers. While she seemed to focus solely on entertainment news and celebrity interviews, however, I have been more interested in producing content for the magazine’s other pages on health, fashion, technology, travel, food, literature and current events.

Since becoming an online student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, I have found that I write editorials, commentary and features better than I write hard news. While SMWC has given me the tools to work as a news reporter, my interests lie elsewhere. My time at {C} has allowed me the fun and freedom to develop many of my own ideas in addition to accepting assignments. I’ve also had the opportunity to gain valuable experience working as a copy editor and a social media editor for the magazine.

One of the challenges for me came in accepting criticism. I’ve learned that developing a relationship with an editor takes time, and it really comes down to an editor and writer developing a rhythm that allows the editor to effectively edit while also allowing the writer to retain her unique voice.

{C} Magazine confirmed for me that I am on the correct career path as a journalist. As a writer, I crave more freedom than structure. My summer internship has allowed me to enjoy that while also honing my technical writing skills.

To read Stephanie’s blog about a previous virtual internship, please visit this link >> http://bit.ly/17YLfD2