How I Got My DREAM Internship At Cosmopolitan

The editor of Simply Oloni shares how she got an internship with Cosmopolitan…

One of my aims has always been to make sure I got as much experience as possible in the magazine industry. I’ve always wanted to write for magazines, and discovered it was a passion of mine when my dressing table magically became full of the latest issues of More, Look, Elle, Marie Claire, Black Beauty, Glamour, Company and of course, Cosmopolitan.

My dream however was to make sure that I worked within the Cosmopolitan offices. After a year and a half of rejected emails back from 2011, creating a portfolio, making a video CV and attending their Masterclasses, so I could rub shoulders with the writers for the magazine, I got tired. But I knew what my goals were, how I’d achieve it was another question.

So one fine afternoon after a job interview I had in the flagship store for Topshop, I decided to wonder the streets of West London. After a while I realised that the Hearst building (Cosmopolitan publication) was two minutes away. Luckily I had my resume with me, and practically knew the names of all staff who worked there.

I got to the reception and asked if they could call the PA to the editor of Cosmo for a brief minute so I could try and SELL myself. The guy there explained she was currently in a meeting and that I’d need an appointment.

With many people graduating each year, we have all read stories about those who are unable to get a job in their desired field so have done the unheard of to get a job. Holding signs with the name and level of their degree for example. Going that extra mile!

In August 2013, yes 2013. Instead of listening to the very nice man at the reception office. I decided I wouldn’t call for an appointment. No, instead I decided to go to the waiting area and squat on their lovely couches until I was able to see someone.

After 2 hours of waiting and a battery life on 10% I started to feel as if my dream was becoming a tad too pushy and perhaps too big. Who sits in the offices of Cosmopolitan without an appointment? Who!? The guy at reception even tried to persuade me to go and come back another day. He became a bit edgy and was wondering why on earth I was sat there for so long. Why was this young lady so desperate to talk to someone? After a few more minutes he decided to call again, and I’m almost positive he shared that I wasn’t leaving any time soon, till I saw and spoke to someone.

Another hour went past, but as I looked up the doors to the elevator opened and it was the PA I had been practically begging to see. At this point I had never been so nervous in my life, she thanked me for waiting so long (3 hours) and added that she was amazed by my persistence. Within the two minutes of speaking to her. This was my chance to sell myself and it worked.

A month later an e-mail was sent to me confirming when I’d start! She was still so shocked that my passion for Cosmopolitan made me pull such a stunt.

2014 has been one of my greatest years due to what has been achieved. When I tell this story to some, the reply I normally get is ‘That’s a great story to tell when you become an editor’.

Simply Oloni has been inspired by the likes of all the magazines my mother banned me from when I was 14 years old. I’m happy to see that my experience at one of my favourite magazines gave me the push to expand this great website!

We want Simply Oloni readers to learn from my experience and to go after whatever it is you want in 2015. No dream is ever too big, even if you have to wait for it in reception.