Can somebody tell me about magazine editorial?

Question

I'm young and still figuring out what i want to be. Magazine editorial looks interesting. Can somebody tell me the different job positions, requirements, what you need to go to school for and how long, etc. I dont know much so please be detailed. Thanks.

Answer 1

lol go work in a restaurant.

Answer 2

There are many editorial positions in each magazine, often the types of editorial positions are based on the genre of magazine you're considering.

If you look at the masthead (the section that lists the magazine employees near the start of any magazine) you can see what positions are held.

To have a chance at writing for a magazine, you will need to go to University.  Take writing and journalism classes - and get good grades.  Most magazines (including the one I work for) hire editorial interns each year.  These interns are generally unpaid and must be full-time university students who will receive school credit for interning.  The great thing about internships, is that you get a chance to see behind the scenes at a magazine as well as learn the ropes.  It will make it easier for you to get a job in the future.  Internships are posted at schools across the country, but be aware that most magazines are headquartered in New York, and therefore most intern jobs are there as well.  This is not to say you couldn't live elsewhere, but if you don't live in one of the major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco), your options for magazine work will be limited to much smaller publications.  As for schooling, a 2-year degree is nearly always mandatory these days unless you have plenty of experience - which is hard to get if you don't have a university degree.  A 4 year degree boosts your chances even more.

At the bottom line, however, you must be able to write.  If you don't enjoy writing on deadline, editorial work is not for you.