My first job post-graduation was an internship for InStyle! It can be hard to keep interning or freelancing after you graduate, but it’s important to stay connected to your industry and gain experience in your field. Creating connections and contacts can eventually help you land a permanent position. 

I was a Journalism and Media Studies major in college and started interning while I was an undergrad. I knew after I graduated that I wanted to continue working in publishing. I started as a Beauty Assistant, was promoted to Assistant Editor and now serve as the Associate Beauty Editor. Some people may think Beauty Editors just play with lipstick all day, but there is a lot of hard work behind the glossy pages and pretty Instagram shots! The Beauty team at InStyle works hard to include a diverse array of women of all different ages and ethnicities—I hope anyone can pick up an issue and feel like she’s represented in our pages. For me, I love helping our readers feel more confident, even if that means simply helping her finding the right red lipstick.

I’m fortunate to work in an environment that values employee feedback. Even when I was an assistant, there were idea meetings held by Senior Editors in which I always felt heard. There is an abundant amount of talent here and there is always something new to learn!

I freelanced for a time while I was looking for a permanent job, but when I heard InStyle needed a Beauty Assistant, I applied immediately. Amy Synnott (former Beauty Director, now Executive Editor) called to offer me the job and I nearly screamed. This was right before the holidays, so it felt like the best Christmas present ever! I think my success goes back to creating good contacts from the very beginning during my time as an InStyle intern, so that the Beauty team already knew me. Since joining InStyle, our Editor Ariel Foxman has really continuously inspired me to create the best possible product for our reader. He often shares reader letters with the team so we can really understand who “she” is and what she wants.

Every day as an Associate Beauty Editor at InStyle is different, which is what I love about this job! Most days contain a mix of beauty events to find out about new product launches along with plenty of writing and reporting. I’ve basically become a specialist in tracking down celebrity makeup artists and hairstylists!

I’m attached to my iPhone, like most. I use my notes app and calendar to stay up-to-date and organized. I’m going to need a backup charger for my backup charger pretty soon!

Fortunately, I haven’t faced any major pitfalls yet—or so I think! I really can’t take full credit for my success, though. I’m lucky enough to have mentors who I’ve always been able to turn to for sound advice and guidance within InStyle.

Most days start with a press event or meeting a brand representative for breakfast. Beauty Editors often attend several events a day, so I’m usually running around the city hitting upcoming product launches. While I’m at the office, I’m interviewing sources for stories and writing articles. One of my favorite parts of the job is talking to knowledgeable experts and translating that to InStyle readers.

Most professions today are increasingly atypical to the 9 to 5 format and it’s important to be flexible while also maintaining some “me” time. It’s important to take a breather so you won’t end up feeling burnt out.

Some great advice I was given is to always use your vacation days. I love to travel and I usually come back from my trips feeling inspired and even more motivated than before. I’m also incredibly lucky to have a supportive husband who pushes me to continue excelling in my career and will often have dinner (or takeout) ready when I get home at night. I’m especially grateful on the nights I’m working late! Oh, and I try to put the phone down when I’m with friends and family.

Be persistent. I graduated with six internships under my belt, but it still took me a year and a half to land a full-time job after graduation. The process was hard and humbling, but it made me realize how much I wanted this career. It’s important to remember that no job is too small. There are days when it would be easier to give in to feeling overwhelmed or defeated, but stay focused on your goal.

There are so many places to find inspiration these days, especially with the explosion of social media. Everyone can be a content creator and even non-beauty-related posts can spark an idea or angle for a story.

It’s an exciting time for magazines because it’s no longer just about the print publication, but rather a brand with a 360-degree approach. I’m looking forward to expanding my talents and promoting InStyle on different platforms, partnerships and connecting with our readers in even more ways.