Interview with Michi Trota
English Program

English Career Guide

Name: Michi Trota Degrees: B.F.A. in Writing, Literature, and Publishing (Emerson College) and M.F.A. in Creative Writing (Roosevelt University, pending) Employer: Crain Communications Position: Part-time editorial assistant Long-term career plans: To continue in publishing and to teach English and Creative Writing at the Junior High level Interview Date: Fall 2007

 

How did you go about applying for this position?  Do you think that your background in English helped you get selected?

I found the job on Craig’s List under the category of creative writing.  I made sure my resume was specifically tailored for the job description, which involved editorial work and possibly writing articles.  I also made sure my resume highlighted any experiences I had in the publishing industry, my English degree, and internships I had that were relevant. I definitely think my background in English was extremely helpful in getting me this job, which ended up being an editorial assistant position.

What is a typical day like in your job?

In a typical day I proof at least three news articles, but the closer it gets to the actual production schedule when the whole issue needs to be ready, I usually get more articles to proofread.  I also do any additional tasks that the editors need me to do like updating their new website.  I usually have at least one story assignment, or I’m assisting the assistant editor on a story assignment every month.  There are three publications that I currently work for where I’m given responsibilities like setting up interviews, transcribing notes, and time management.  I’ve got three editors I work for and I get my own assignments for the manager, so I’ve got to prioritize.  The publications I work for are American Laundry News, American Coin-op, and American Drycleaner.

Would you suggest that other English students apply for jobs like yours?

I would most definitely suggest other English students apply for a job like mine.  Even though the publications are not focused on anything I’m interested in, I am working for a really big publication company.  It’s getting your foot in the door!  What I have right now is a part-time position, but the incentive was given that if they really like me after I’ve finished graduate school, they may hire me full time.  So don’t necessarily write off a job because it is part time, because they may want to see what you can handle.  If you can take initiative and take on a big workload they might be able to take you on full time.  If you want to be in publishing, don’t be too picky over what kind of magazine it is.  You can always use it to beef up your resume and move up to a position more suited to your interests.

Do you have any advice for students interested in getting a job/internship like yours?

If you want a job in publishing, take internships as much as possible.  I did a lot of internships in college, such as working for Art New England as an office gofer.  I spent a lot of time in the archive library and I was actually in the magazine working with ads and with proofing.  I also worked for The Republic of Letters.  Having several internships in publishing on my resume really strengthened the idea I wasn’t just another English student with no focus.  Working on the school newspaper is also great. 

How do you think your experience at this position is going to help you pursue your long-term career plans?

I really want to eventually teach, but the particular teaching position I want is not going to necessarily materialize right away.  However, with the experience I have, I could end up staying with the company.  I can use my experience to get a full time job elsewhere as an assistant editor.  I can also transition into another field related to publishing.  Being an editorial assistant, I give support to the design artists, publisher, and the other editors, so I get to deal with every aspect of publishing like marketing, sales, and production.  If one day I decide to get out of the editorial area I can segue into production or sales.  Being an editorial assistant keeps my options open.