When I found out that I could become a writer for Odyssey I did not hesitate to sign up! I saw it as an opportunity to build a portfolio of professionally published work on a network that reaches millions. Right now the site is bringing in over 30 million views per month, meaning that the writers are receiving unparalleled exposure. As a biology major that is trying to pursue digital media, it was an opportunity that I could not pass up. I have had a great experience so far writing about various topics and expanding my comfort zone as a writer. I have written a “listicle” here and there, though thankfully no open letters, that oftentimes give Odyssey a bad reputation, but most of my articles have been work that I am proud to publish. The experience writing for Odyssey is whatever you are willing to make of it, and that is what makes the site so great!

In mid-January an email was sent out to all of the Odyssey writers, advertising the summer internship in NYC. I thought to myself that it would be awesome to participate in the internship, but, again, I didn’t really come from a digital media or communications background, so I thought my chances of getting selected would be slim. That being said, it’s a subject that I find exciting and that I want to immerse myself in, so I decided there was nothing to lose by applying. In my cover letter I focused on conveying my excitement and my desire to learn about the field, while being transparent about my lack of formal experience. Since the start of 2015 my interests started shifting from medicine to digital media, and I felt that I needed to fully commit if I wanted to pursue it as a career. An internship with Odyssey seemed like it could open the door for me, so I made sure my subsequent interviews embodied my enthusiasm. Luckily, it worked!

In early March, just a few days after my last interview, I found out that I had been selected as one of the summer interns, which I was/am pumped about! I had no expectations when I first applied. Obviously I applied with the intent of doing my best to get the internship, but I figured my lack of experience would disqualify me. The whole experience definitely served to reinforce the idea that you’ll never know until you try. Oftentimes companies are looking for employees with diverse academic backgrounds, so you should not disqualify yourself based on that. Now I get my chance to gain formal experience in the field, working for a company that is tearing through the internet and generating stimulating content. On top of that, I get to spend three months in the concrete jungle known as New York City! I am hoping that the internship serves as a launch pad, not just a stepping stone, for my future work. I look forward to learning a lot and to taking full advantage of any and all opportunities that Odyssey provides me this summer!