Holly Osborn
“This is London" magazine
Part 1:
1. What are you observing about your work environment?
If you could, what are two things you would keep and two things you would
change?
My working environment has much more
freedom than I’m used to. Julie and Beth give us our tasks for the day and they
trust us to get them done. Because it is such a small company they have the
freedom to work from wherever, allowing them to be part of a lot of events they
put into the magazine. This allows for a more relaxed work environment. Don’t
get me wrong, it’s still a magazine on deadline, so things have to get done,
but it’s definitely a more tranquil atmosphere.
Two things that I would keep are the production
system, and the premier reputation that the magazine upholds. First, the
production; with just two people running most of the magazine they have
perfected a system (writing on Mondays, features and press viewings on Tuesdays,
editing on Wednesdays…etc.) It is very smart and ensures the magazine gets
distributed efficiently. Second, the leading reputation of the magazine. Whenever
we go to press viewings or plays, when we say we are from “This is London,”
magazine they light up and I can see just how great a relationship the magazine
has with those they work with. A lot of advertisers and event venues have been
loyal to the magazine for a number of years because of how great they do
business and communicate.
Two things I would change are the lack of
schedule and how they include information at the end of event information. First,
the schedule is very frustrating to follow. Most days we don’t know what we are
doing until 10am, which can be exciting, but also frustrating when attempting
to arrange a schedule. I would make the schedule more concrete and determined
in advance. Second, the way the magazine includes contact information. At the
end of concert, theatre, or exhibition information they include phone numbers
to contact the box office for tickets. They don’t want us including any
web-site information or how to get tickets online. I think that with the rise
of digital media people are more inclined to buy tickets online, and not have
to deal with people over the telephone, so I think it would be beneficial to
include website information.
2. How does your supervisor’s style work for you?
What would you want to be like as a supervisor in the future?
My supervisors are very relaxed in style.
When they go over our articles with us for corrections they always explain each
and every mistake by beginning saying, “It’s not a big deal,” or “you couldn’t
have known this,” which helps when you are first learning a certain style of
writing in a new country. I like their style, but don’t know if I’d be quite as
generous as a supervisor myself. In the future as a supervisor I would like to
be as encouraging as Beth and Julie but with a little more bite in my demeanor.
3. What are you learning about yourself through
this internship? What is one thing about yourself that you would like to
improve for your next job?
I am learning a lot about myself through this
internship. I have learned that I am a lot smarter than I give myself credit for.
For example, at the beginning when they told us about the different concert
venues we’d have to go pick up leaflets from I was freaking out thinking, “there
is no way I will be able to find all of those!” But now I feel like I could do
it in my sleep. My internship has given me the unique opportunity to explore
London, to really have experiences in the culture…then I get to write about
them, one of my favorite things to do. I have learned that I can do anything that
I set my mind to, no matter how daunting it may seem at first.
One thing that I would like to improve
about myself for my next job is confidence. I can sometimes be a little
hesitant about something I’ve written or an opinion I have towards an issue that
may help the company move forward. I think that this experience will help me
show confidence in the future.
4. What are two things you have learned how to do
or improved upon during this internship?
Two things that I have learned to do during
this internship are subbings and travel writing. First, subbings are a very
important part of the magazine. This is when we get sent long press-releases
that we have to cut down to interesting tidbits that tourists will find
enthralling. I had no idea what these were at first, but after your 30th
one, they become much easier. Second, travel writing is much different than the
journalistic style of writing that I’m used to. With journalism you are
expected to attend an event, report the facts, get interviews from key people,
and quickly get an article to the editor. This style of writing stresses having
experiences and telling readers what will make them feel like they are there
with you. This was a challenge at first, but after some practice I really came
to enjoy it.
5. After college…will you look for a company that
is similar to the one that you have interned with? Why?
After college I will look for a company that
is similar to the one I have been with here. I definitely would want a bigger
company where my schedule would be more solid and my role more established…don’t
get me wrong, I love my internship, but for a long-term job I would want more
of an established role within a company. I have enjoyed the style of writing in
the magazine and I love the feeling that I am getting readers excited to go out
and experience this city that I am experiencing myself alongside them.
Part 2: Updated Resume
Holly
Osborn
Objective To obtain a work placement related to communication studies
where I can apply my education and related skills: journalism, media relations,
and public relations.
Education
Bachelor of Arts Degree, Central College,
Pella, IA, May 2013 (anticipated)
·
Major: Communication Studies
Minor: Psychology
·
Related coursework in Communications and Journalism
·
Cumulative grade point average: 3.3 out of a 4.0 scale
·
Communication Studies Scholarship
Related
Experience Staff Writer, The Ray, Central College, Pella, IA (January 2010-present)
·
Inferred what is newsworthy on campus
·
Wrote regular articles for publication in campus newspaper
·
Conduct interviews with students and staff members to provide accurate
information
·
Provided photographs to compliment articles
Study Abroad, London, United Kingdom (January 2012-May 2012)
·
Immersion into British life, academics, and workplace
·
Learned to establish rapport quickly with individuals in an unfamiliar
environment
·
Traveled throughout Europe, observed culture and enhanced language and
intercultural communication skills
·
Awareness of global economic, political issues and realities
Intern, This is
London Magazine, London, United Kingdom (January 2012-May 2012)
·
Used international standing to infer what is beneficial for tourists
·
Wrote articles reviewing events, exhibitions, theatre performances, and
shopping venues for publication
·
Communicated with advertisers, venues, and curators to ensure the
continuing elitism of the magazine
·
Edited before printing and distribution
Work
Experience
Swim Instructor and Lifeguard, Cherry Hills Country Club, Englewood, CO, May
2009-August 2011
·
Instructed beginning level group swim lessons and conducted private
lessons for all skill levels
·
Protected the safety of the pool while creating positive experiences for
members and guests
·
Managed the coordination of numerous league swim meets
Activities Volleyball Player, Central College, Pella, IA, (2009-present)
Member, Eat Well, Get fit, Feel Great
Theme House, Central College, Pella, IA (August 2010-
present)
·
Promote a healthy lifestyle by hosting numerous activities and booths on
campus
Skills Proficient in
Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
Basic knowledge of
InDesign
Certified in First
Aid, CPR and AED
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