Chances are, even if you don’t know Meagan you’ve seen her around campus. She was in the Vagina Monologues and is a member of Alpha Phi Omega. Last fall she studied in Rome, and now she’s the Director of Women’s Empowerment for Women’s Initiative. Whether it’s powering down the field during a rugby game or making your drink in the Dav, this girl does it all.
Did I mention she also landed a killer spring internship with The Washington Scene (a division of The Hill that covers all things social happening in here DC)? At her internship, Meg’s attended some elegant galas and even met a few celebs. She took some time out of her busy schedule to tell Her Campus AU all about her experience.
HCAU: So how did you get this internship?
I got my internship through my Reporting professor, Jane Hall. My supervisor is an AU alum and was looking for recommendations for spring interns. Professor Hall gave her my name!
HCAU: People are always stressing the importance of networking. There’s proof that it works. Can you tell us what the biggest perk of your internship has been so far?
The biggest perk is all of the hands on experience I get! I’ve been able to cover stories, take the photos, and write up the stories all on my own! Plus, getting to see John Legend perform live at the Kennedy Center and speak with him after wasn’t bad at all.
HCAU: That’s wild, but I know it can’t all be so glamorous. What’s a typical day for you like?
While some of the stuff I get to do is pretty swanky and interesting, most of it consists of basic intern duties like updating the social calendar, writing announcements about companies and events, and creeping through the website to make sure all of the photo captions are spelled properly and look professional.
HCAU: So how do you balance an interning at The Hill with your already packed schedule?
I work really hard to balance working with The Hill, working at the Davenport, and playing rugby. What really helps me make the most of my time is focusing on the task at hand. If I’m interning, my mind is completely centered on getting my job done well and efficiently so I can move on to the next task.
I find it really helpful to break up my day into sections of work and practice. Also, I work better and feel more awake if I go to bed early and get up extra early rather than trying to pull an all-nighter and being exhausted for the next two days!
HCAU: That’s a feeling I’m sure most of our readers are familiar with. Is there any advice you would give someone who is looking to intern or work for a magazine like The Hill?
My best advice to someone looking to work in online journalism is to be very detail orientated! Since your only connection with your audience is through a webpage, you need to present the best facts in a professional and engaging manner all of the time. Also, be flexible time-wise when covering events, and be outgoing and cheerful when interviewing people!
HCAU: So what are some of your goals for the future? Do you have a dream career?
My dream career is definitely to work with an organization like NPR in radio broadcasting, or to be a communications/first amendment constitutional lawyer! The jury’s still out as to which career path I’ll take!