January 2008

When you’re in college, you have absolutely nothing to do during breaks.  So, I’ve had a lot of time to think about the next phase of my life.  One of my favorite Christmas presents this year was the book, Basic Black by the President of Hearst Magazines, Cathie Black.  I’m really excited to read it because she is a successful woman, offering career advice to all the little people out there.  Maybe she can give me some pointers on how to go about this whole job-hunt/successful career thing.  I’ll get back to you on that.

On Christmas Day, I decided it was time to reach out to my contacts in the working world.  I sent out seven e-mails all saying happy holidays, what I was up to and reiterating my upcoming graduation.  I sent messages to the Editor-in-Chief of Teen Vogue, an Account Manager at Google, a Senior Account Manager at Travel and Leisure, Conde Nast’s Corporate HR and Editorial HR, the SVP of Interactive at CBS and the online editor for Everyday With Rachel Ray.  Within a week, I received e-mails back from all of my contacts, encouraging me to stay in touch and reach out again closer to my graduation—a small victory!

When I got to college, no one I knew worked in communications.  Fortunately, Syracuse encourages students to make connections and gives them opportunities to do so.  The first major contacts I made were through an advertising conference in New York City called Advertising Women of New York (AWNY).  At the annual conference, business cards are given out along with job information and networking tips.  This is where I met Google Account Manager Rachel S, Senior Account Manager for Travel & Leisure magazine Justin B, and Christie H, an account manager for CBS Digital.

I’ve made other contacts through internships.  Tziona K is in charge of CBS’ campus representatives, and I know I could e-mail her with any questions at any time.

Julie H, the SVP of Interactive at CBS College Sports Network, was my Executive Director at Conde Nast this past summer.  I was quickly drawn to Julie by her motivational yet fun leadership style and her extensive knowledge of all things media.  She is the successful woman I someday hope to be, and I’ve made sure to keep in touch.

Diane D was my mentor at Conde Nast, and she also switched jobs.  She now works for Rachel Ray’s website.  During our summer together, Diane taught me about all aspects of the magazine business and introduced me to at least a dozen contacts in HR, editorial, online, ad sales and marketing.  We continue to chat via e-mail and I frequently turn to her for advice and guidance.  I was so fortunate to have her as a mentor and as a friend.  If I get a job at Conde Nast someday, it will be because of Julie and Diane.

Amy Astley is my most impressive contact.  She runs Teen Vogue and has always made time for me.  I mentioned earlier that I interviewed her for a magazine class paper, but now I’ll be more specific.  Sophomore year, I was given an assignment to write a 20-page paper on a magazine of my choice.  All of the magazines I loved were taken by classmates, so I decided to write about my favorite pre-teen companion, YM.  I quickly discovered that YM no longer existed, and its readership had been taken over by Teen Vogue, a magazine I had never heard of, much less read. Out of time and options, I decided the mysterious Eurpoean-size tween publication would have to suffice.

Part of the assignment was to interview one person who worked for the magazine.  Our professor instructed us to start at the top of the mast-head by sending a letter of correspondence.  I aimed high and sent a letter to both Amy Astley, the Editor-in-Chief, and Gina Sanders, the former VP/Publisher of Teen Vogue.  Before I got the chance to follow up, I received an e-mail from Amy.  She said she’d be happy to answer any questions I had—I was ecstatic.  This powerful woman who knew nothing about me was prepared to waste an hour of her time on a sophomore in college.  I caught a really lucky break.

Two weeks later I phoned Amy and spent 45 minutes discussing her personal life, career and publication.  After I wrote my paper, I sent her a copy with a thank-you note.  Since then, I have sent her one e-mail every semester to let her know I’m still around.  She always responds quickly, which is incredible given what a busy woman she is.

The highlight of my summer at Conde Nast was meeting Amy.  I walked into her posh corner office and sat with her for 45 minutes, face to face, discussing my future career goals, Teen Vogue, and how to be successful in the magazine world.  At the end of our meeting she gave me her business card (which I want to frame!) and said she could see my passion for the business.  She also told me to contact her in May about open positions at Teen Vogue.  Everyone says that part of your career path is luck.  I went from knowing nothing about Teen Vogue to becoming one of the luckiest sophomores in my class.

I have maintained contact with all of the professionals I’ve met via e-mail and, already, it has paid off.  Rachel, the Google Account Manager, was able to give me interview advice.  Justin B helped me secure an internship with Conde Nast by writing a letter of recommendation for me.

People who barely know me keep helping me get a foot in the door.  It’s truly amazing.  All of my contacts have offered me advice, replied to my e-mails, and have been genuine friends.  I met Rachel this past summer for drinks and asked her why she is so willing to help out students like me.  “It’s karma,” she explained.  “People mentored me when I was in college.  I was so grateful to have helpful contacts in the business.  Now, when I help other people, it’s like I’m repaying the favor.  Networking is how everyone in communications gets their first job.  Someday, you’ll help someone out too.”