Digital Editorial Intern

Hour Detroit magazine

During the summer of 2023, I interned with Hour Detroit magazine in Troy, MI as a Digital Editorial Intern. Hour Detroit serves the metro-Detroit area, reporting on lifestyle, community, news, business features, and fundraising events. I was responsible for writing profiles, news briefs, and listicles using AP style rules for both web and print; interviewing local business owners and developing profiles; attending weekly editorial staff meetings to pitch stories and update grids; and sharping skills in fact-checking, copy editing, web and print editing, news writing, AP style, and an understanding of SEO. 

I received assignments from my supervisor on a weekly basis, and my process was rooted in time sensitivity. I prioritized assignments with tighter turnarounds or upcoming deadlines. At the end of each work day, I sent my advisor a "check-out" email consisting of status updates on ongoing projects and attaching any completed assignments. This channel of communication, though slightly informal, was a way for me to self-manage deadlines and practice communication skills. I was awarded the independence of handling my own schedule as long as I communicated any and all updates accordingly. This process helped me practice knowing when to reach out for help or clarification, and when to navigate projects independently. 

My final project was to combine all of the skills I had been practicing: and I pitched a story to the Editor-In-Chief, coordinated an in-person interview, conducted research on the local business to prepare questions, executed the interview, and composed the article. I worked with my internship supervisor, Digital Editor Christina Clark, during the developmental editing process, and the EIC for final copy edits and fact-checking. This article appeared in the November 2023 print edition.

I was in-office three days a week and received class credit for completion of the internship. By the end of my three months with Hour, I had an established byline on their website, had written 20-30 stories, and appeared in print twice. This was my first journalistic experience, preparing me for future newsroom, technical writing, and editorial roles. 

First feature piece on Hamtramck Disneyland, featured in September 2023 print issue (pp. 50).

Final project for internship: pitched, interviewed, and composed the article on local restaurant owner.  Featured in November 2023 print (pp. 116).

Web feature on reptile  aquarium owner. Conducted an on-site interview and corresponded with PR team throughout composition.