MPA – The Association of Magazine Media (formerly Magazine Publishers of America) - 2009 Career Insight Conference

2009 Career Insight Conference - Highlights

March 12, 2009

Now in its third year, MPA's Career Insight Conference is a one-of-a-kind event that introduces the exciting world of magazine publishing to college students, recent graduates and even mid-career professionals looking to transition into the industry. Attendees have a unique opportunity to meet and make connections with seasoned magazine professionals, who share insights, strategies and tools for successfully building and navigating a career in magazines.

This year's conference took place March 6, 2009, at the Time & Life Building in New York City. Click here for the program schedule. Following is a recap of the conference.

MPA Encourages Budding Magazine Professionals to Hone Tech Skills and Writing Ability

Article and photos by Sierra Brown

Chandra Turner, Ed2010

“The Devil Wears Prada days are over,” voiced keynote speaker Chandra Turner at the Magazine Publishers of America’s 3rd Anual “Find Yourself in Magazines” Career Insight Conference. These days, magazines require hands-on participation from the top to the bottom of the masthead. “Staffs will get leaner and meaner,” said Turner, as one of the many changes that will be felt as the industry shifts towards digital and ad spending contracts. “This is the time that you need people who can do everything…now you need to be a multi-specialist,” Turner said. As the founder of Ed2010, a popular website and organization that caters to budding magazine editorial professionals, Turner’s insight was particularly warranted while addressing the crowd of about 80 students, recent graduates and freelance journalists. “You’re going to have to be more qualified than the generation before you,” she said.

Nevertheless panelists agreed that the technological shifts are not as radical for those entering the business as it is for veteran journalists. “You think in Facebook, you think in Myspace,” said Nicole Raymond, Executive Editor of People en Espanõl, during the “Media 3.0: How to Build a Career in Magazines in the Digital Age” panel on the youth’s inherent advantage.

(l-r) Beth Ellard, Hearst Digital Media; Robbyn Footlick, Multi-Media ESPN; Lesley Pinckney, Essence Communications

But while journalists at all levels are responsible for mastering relevant technological interfaces, panelists insisted that attendees continue to build superior writing skills. “Be literate and understand the power of words,” said Beth Ellard, Content Director at Hearst Digital Media. She urged the audience to read books on their Kindles or iPods, in addition to becoming more familiar with search engine optimization, HTML, metadata and other frequented programs.

Between panels students networked with each other and met with Human Resource representatives at Time Inc., Time Out and other companies. “I couldn’t pass up this opportunity,” said Margaux Fimbres, as she stood on line to meet with a recruiter. A junior at Middlebury College in Vermont, Fimbres flew to New York just a few days after finding out about the conference. “The way the economy is, it’s important to meet people and pass around resumes,” she said in hopes of landing a summer internship.

“I’ve only been in New York two months, so I’m really trying to get out there,” said Ryan McDonald, a visiting student at New York University, who attended the event with fellow student, Todd Hanlon, both anxious to network. “I’m at a point where I need to build my portfolio,” said Hanlon about the recently launched NYChic website, a NYU fashion magazine, where he presides as web designer.

During the second panel, “Framework for a Successful Magazine Career During Changing Times,” the discussion segued away from the previous emphasis on industry-standard writing and technological proficiency to auxiliary skills that set attendees apart from other job applicants or coworkers. Learning a second or third language and a better understanding of math were cited as key assets. Even on the editorial side, it’s important to understand the bottom line, said Brad Young, Director of Integrated Marketing for Time Inc.’s Fortune/Money Group. “It’s critical to understand how the numbers come together and make a successful business.”

(l-r) Kevin Delaney, Newsweek; E.J. Morales-Gomez, Meredith Corp. Hispanic Ventures; Brad Young, Fortune/Money

E.J. Morales-Gomez, Account Manager at Meredith Corp. Hispanic Ventures, stressed the importance of taking risks, especially as traditional media transitions to the unknown, and the job market narrows. “Every day try to do something you wouldn’t normally do—it will pay off,” said Morales-Gomez, who added that attendees should, simultaneously, be well researched when suggesting change. “Always have your bullet points,” she said.

Although the magazine industry faces many changes, panelists insisted that a career in it remains worthwhile. “Print is not dead. Don’t listen to what the bloggers say,” said Elvira Perez, Vice President of Education Services for MPA. Others expressed a similar message. “As long as there are beds, bathrooms and beaches there will always be magazines,” Young said. But the ultimate format for 21st century magazines remains a wonder. Summers ahead may reveal beaches littered with women taking their Cosmo quizzes on a Plastic Logic E-Reader. “You have to invent the new magazine,” Robbyn Footlick, Executive Editor at ESPN the Magazine said, an ultimately rewarding charge for the optimistic attendees.

For more information on MPA’s educational programs and resources, check out www.magazine.org.

CAREER INSIGHT CONFERENCE 2009 PHOTO GALLERY

2008 Magazine Career Insight Conference - Recap