By Nicole Ferrito
For those aspiring to enter the editorial world, speaking with professional writers can provide helpful insight into what it takes to enter the industry, along with the responsibilities and challenges that come with it.
Kristen Kubilus and Victoria Moorhouse, recent alumni of the College, are now working in the editorial industry. Kubilus currently holds a position as a copy writer for the jewelry section of Barneys.com, while Moorhouse is assistant web editor at OKmagazine.com. Both women answered a series of questions on the steps they took to make it after college.
Beginning with the very foundation of a writing profession, Kubilus and Moorhouse talked about which classes and activities they were involved in during college that contributed to their knowledge in the field.
While Kubilus said she has taken many journalism courses at the College, she enjoyed her other classes too. “I knew I had to do more than just earn A’s in my classes to get into the career that I wanted,” said Kubilus. She soon became active in Ed@TCNJ, a magazine club on campus that hosts events, such as touring magazine companies and networking with those is the industry. It is a branch of Ed2010, a networking group for aspiring magazine editors.
Kubilus explained, when she first tried to apply for an internship the summer after freshman year, “It was rough because I did not have a lot of experience.” She eventually landed her first internship at the Kessler Foundation for Disabilities where she worked “revamping” their website.
Knowing she had a passion for fashion, Kubilus started a “Campus Style” section in the school’s paper during her sophomore year. To further enhance her writing skills she wrote for a lot of websites and kept in touch with her editors. She eventually got an internship at Good Housekeeping Magazine.
Kubilus always had an affinity for jewelry and style. She attended Catholic school and always had to wear a uniform. “Jewelry is a medium to express yourself in Catholic school,” she said. She began making her own at a young age and selling them in her local stores.
Having a background in jewelry making, as well as her own line of accessories, helped her land the job as a copywriter for the jewelry department at Barneys.com.
Moorhouse transferred from community college to TCNJ during her junior year. “I always knew I wanted to be in magazine writing, but I didn’t know what I wanted to write,” said Moorhouse. She also understood the importance of networking, especially at a time when searching for internships. “That’s how you get jobs, making connections,” she said.
Her first internship was at South Jersey Magazine. “I was the only intern, so I had a lot of responsibilities,” said Moorhouse. She liked having to get out of her comfort zone and cover many stories.
Always having an interest in health and fitness, Moorhouse held an internship at Women’s Health, where they gave her a lot of opportunities and this position gave her the opportunity to gather many clips. “Clips were huge for me” she stressed.
Though Moorhouse loved fitness and health, she also had an interest in fashion. “I was always trying to figure out ways not to repeat outfits,” she said. Fashion was a hobby for her, “I’ve always loved it.” She took over writing for “Campus Style,” which was started by Kubilus.
Kubilus mentioned the importance of clips and writing samples, as well. She saved her clips from journalism classes and the campus newspaper.
Both agreed that their first internship was not their “top choice.” “You have to start somewhere,” said Kubilus, “Shooting for the stars just wasn’t ideal.”
Again, Kubilus and Moorhouse emphasized the importance of networking. Kubilus was a part of New York Women in Communications. “Get your foot in the door and get inspired,” said Kubilus when talking about how networking has helped her.
In addition to networking, simple writing practice is what helped the girls strengthen their talent. “Write as much as you possibly can and you will get better,” said Moorhouse. While she at times felt discouraged, she was persistent and took things upon herself to create opportunities.
Through networking, writing, working hard, and a passion for the subjects they cover, Kubilus and Moorhouse are confidently and successfully working in the editorial industry. Coupling their words of advice with your own motivation and drive will help you to get your dream job too!