Study Breaks Magazine Writing Internship, Remote
Finding an internship can be tough and super stressful, but totally necessary if you want an awesome job straight out of college. Study Breaks is an online and print magazine written by college students from different schools all over the country who are creative, funny and in need of experience (just like you). The website contains four different sections: culture, college, entertainment and opinion. Writers can talk about basically anything that interests them, from Donald Trump’s tweets to Harry Potter. Internships are available for the summer fall, and spring semesters, so you can definitely make time for it at some point in your college career. All communication is virtual so you can write from wherever you are (and business casual attire is not required, ever). If you’re interested in writing, and don’t really feel like going into an office every day, then the Study Breaks writing internship is the one for you.
What it’s actually like
The Study Breaks internship is hard work, but worth it. The website and magazine consist of pieces written entirely by college students who share their voices by discussing both serious issues and other topics that appeal to college students, like legalizing marijuana. “The most rewarding part of this whole process has definitely been watching my writing improve each week,” UC Santa Cruz student Lauren Deithelm said. “On the flip side, being accountable for something every week is hella stressful.” Even though the internship is remote, you still have to work. Sure, you can do most of your work from your bed, but responsibilities still exist. You’ll see your writing improve each week and become more confident with your own style of writing as the internship progresses.
Cool stuff you get to do
As an intern for Study Breaks, you’ll submit a weekly 1,000-word piece of your choosing for the website. In addition to that, you’ll also have the opportunity to write for the monthly print magazine (yes, an actual magazine). The magazine focuses on more long-form journalism while the website usually consists of shorter pieces. You’ll pitch ideas and stories to your editors, just like you would in a real writing gig. “The goals of Study Breaks are twofold: to improve the students as writers, and to help them build their portfolio,” Study Breaks Editor-in-Chief Mark Stenberg said.
What you’ll learn
Obviously, you’ll hone your writing and pitching skills. You’ll also have the opportunity to network with writers all over the country to further develop your communication skills. “You get to meet some great people and learn some cool stuff about writing,” Deithelm said. You’ll also learn more about remote freelancing (writing from home), which is becoming more and more popular. The feedback you’ll receive from your editors and other writers will not only help your writing skills improve, but it will give you an idea of what the professional writing process looks like after college.
How to prepare for your application
No experience is necessary, but it’s a good idea to have polished writing and communication skills. You just need to be creative and able to express yourself through your writing. “Study Breaks doesn’t care about what college you go to, what your major is, your level of experience, etc.–all we care about is your writing ability,” Stenberg said. So before you apply, you should have confidence with your writing abilities and be ready to learn. Being familiar with the journalistic process (researching, interviewing etc.) will also help you prepare.
Skills that impress them
After all, this is a writing internship, so it’s safe to say that strong writing skills will impress the staff. Creativity definitely wins you points when interning with Study Breaks, and the staff members look for someone eager to learn and willing to take criticism. You won’t be working in an office anywhere, so you should be disciplined and responsible for your own deadlines. Collaboration is an essential part of the internship, so work on your communication skills before you apply.
Cool perks
The monthly print magazine for Study Breaks is a great perk if you’re really interested in getting published. Plus, you can totally give tons of copies to your mom so she can brag about your article making it into an actual magazine. “I have tangible experience and a portfolio of decent writing to take with me into the world,” Diethelm said. The portfolio that you’ll build while interning with Study Breaks and the experience that you gain will benefit you later when you apply for jobs–trust me.
The deets
Interning with Study Breaks requires hard work, but you can do it. You communicate with other interns and editors virtually, but still form connections that can benefit your career later. “Study Breaks has produced friendships, business partners, romantic relationships, creative communities and a lot of phone numbers you can call on if you happen to be in a different city,” Stenberg said. If you need writing experience, something more to add to your resume or you just want an internship that would be cool, Study Breaks is the internship you’ve been looking for.
