Internship Evaluations

What do our interns learn?

How do they evaluate their internship experience?

Here are a few comments…

Charlotte Cutter, Colby College '09

What professional skills did you learn during this internship that you feel will help you further in college and in your career?

I learned about the process of writing and publishing books and articles, right from the beginning stages to what steps to take after publishing.

More specifically, I learned how to research publications (both on my own and through databases), create an article ideas list (AIL), pitch article and book ideas to editors, write press releases, structure a book proposal, and correspond and communicate with business associates. I learned about the different types of book publishing and the pros and cons of each one.

I found out what editors and publishers are looking for when they evaluate proposals and pitches. Also, it was interesting to see the process from a writer’s perspective rather than a publisher’s perspective, because whether I work in publishing or write on my own, I should understand the process from the writer’s side.

I discovered the importance of communicating often and promptly, which reinforces an image of being reliable, interested, and on-top-of-things. Networking and maintaining contacts is the best way to establish connections that could benefit me down the road.

What career insights did you gain that you feel will help you be successful in your eventual career?

Before my internship, I thought the main reason for publishing was just to get ideas out there, but now I know that it can be a lot more useful. I learned the importance of marketing my expertise and thinking in terms of my target audience. In business, a publication’s success depends not on how much it sells but in who it reaches. To be successful, I need to take a proactive approach to positioning myself as a thoughtleader, both in publishing and speaking.

I realized that publishing can be an essential step to recognition and distinction in any profession. The most influential experts have all published, even if they’re heavily involved in other activities. I respect that entrepreneurs who don’t consider themselves writers understand the significance of publishing, and they take the time and effort in their busy lives to do so.

When I worked with a variety of articles and book proposals (from technical consulting to memoirs), I discovered that even business writing is a creative process, and that business publishing and creative publishing may share many rules and steps.

And of course, I gathered bits and pieces of business advice from the client materials and conversations, which I hopefully will remember when I venture into the working world again.

What did you NOT learn about that you wish you had?

I didn’t see a lot of the correspondence between an author and editor after a book proposal has been accepted, although I started to glimpse that by the end.

I would have liked to learn more about arranging speaking engagements for clients, although I did attend several speaking engagements and even contributed to them.

What aspects of the internship did you enjoy?

I liked that I worked in a progression of steps, starting out with a variety of projects and handling more challenging assignments as my experience grew. This way I felt like I was always learning. I worked on pretty much the primary level (rather than secondary projects) and understood why I was doing what I did. Once I finished a project I could bring it to the next step and develop it further, which was more satisfying than pouring my effort into something only to forget about it once it was done.

Creating articles for John McQuaig was a good place to start so that I could get an overview of the whole publishing process.

I also enjoyed writing my own article and getting feedback from clients based on their experiences. In addition to being able to correspond with those clients and benefit from their insight, I was able to participate in the same process that they had.

I especially enjoyed meeting clients, or other entrepreneurs who were like our clients. I observed firsthand how they interact, what issues they face, and how becoming a thoughtleader factors into that. In particular, I remember meeting clients like Vicki Donlan and Suzanne Bates, who were passionate about what they had written and why they needed to publish.

On a personal level, I found that I really enjoy editing (even when no one asks me to). I liked working with Finch’s proposal (a memoir), which was a change from the business material I was used to, so I would like to explore the creative side of publishing in the future.

Ken is a great supervisor: He checks up often, keeps his interns involved and informed, and expresses interest in how they benefit from the experience -- not just how they can help him get projects done quicker.

And let’s not forget the Concord field trips! :)

How could this internship be improved?

It actually exceeded my expectations. A lot of internships have the bad reputation of being “coffee-fetching” or observational, but I did a lot less grunt work or low-end tasks than I had expected (which is not a complaint!). I’m drawing a blank, yet I’m sure there is always room for improvement. As long as the interns stay involved in meaningful work and Ken remains receptive to feedback, it can continue to get better.

How could the “freezer” (room you worked in) be made over to improve its working environment?

Punch in a few windows and crank up the heat. Maybe sprinkle some sand on the floor to make it more feel more tropical.

In seriousness, I had plenty of space to myself and room to spread out. I have no major complaints. I suppose it could use better lighting and a bit more color: hang some posters, etc.

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