I began my two-month work placement with Tatler magazine inside the Adelphi building, tucked away in a corner office. Tatler is a magazine synonymous with glamour, class, and an “in-the-know” British lifestyle. From my very first day, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of magazine journalism.
My role was split between working at the digital desk on Wednesdays and the print desk on Thursdays.
Although the teams worked separately, the environment was incredibly collaborative and welcoming of each other’s ideas and perspectives. I was immediately embraced by a team that was eager to teach me.
From sitting in on and pitching at feature meetings to sifting through archival issues for my first print byline—a throwback feature for Tatler‘s July issue—every task offered valuable insight into the editorial process.
My main role at the digital desk was supporting the development of written pieces for publication on Tatler.com. I also assisted the social media team by writing Instagram captions and supporting the production of short-form video content. One of my favorite experiences at the digital desk was writing my first theater review on the Oscar Wilde adaptation, An Ideal Husband.
Throughout my Fashion Journalism and Editorial Direction MA program, I became well-versed in a variety of article formats, including interviews, op-eds, reviews, trend reports, and long-form features.
At Tatler, I was able to translate those academic skills into a professional editorial environment with a distinct style and tone. Refining my writing to align with Tatler‘s voice was both the most challenging and the most exciting aspect.
At the print desk, the pace and approach differed, as the team worked three months ahead of each issue. I conducted in-depth research into Tatler-esque events taking place around the publication date, from major fashion exhibitions and film or book releases to British socialites’ weddings.
Before beginning my fellowship with Tatler, I was prepared to do any kind of work and learn as much as I could about every aspect of how a magazine operates within the fashion industry and journalism more broadly. I was incredibly fortunate that the experience exceeded my expectations.
I can confidently say I now have a concrete understanding of how a magazine publication operates and how the fashion industry works in tandem with editorial publications. Working in this industry requires adaptability and a willingness to learn across a range of environments.
During my placement, I gained a newfound confidence in my writing. The continuous opportunities for feedback and constructive criticism significantly strengthened my editing skills and encouraged deeper reflection on my work.
I also realized I was interested in fashion styling and PR, which I had never considered before being exposed to those roles.
There are so many moving parts involved in producing a magazine issue, and I found it incredibly rewarding to be in the office and watch everything come together.
From sitting in meetings where ideas were first generated to watching those concepts come to life on a photo shoot was incredibly inspiring.
One of my favorite tasks was sourcing clothing imagery cutouts from major fashion brands and PR agencies for the trend pages of an upcoming issue.
Although it involved plenty of back-and-forth emailing, I enjoyed seeing the behind-the-scenes process of how those pages were brought together.
Having had the privilege of completing my work placement at Tatler has certainly shaped the trajectory of my career in the most positive way.
After being immersed in a magazine with such a rich history, a brilliant team, and the utmost professionalism, I feel well-equipped to take on challenging projects and reach beyond what I think I am capable of.
The insight I gained during my work placement assured me that there are many different roles within the fashion industry and that it is possible to be involved and build a fulfilling career without limiting yourself to a single path.
It also showed me that I could make a meaningful contribution in ways I had never previously considered, broadening my understanding of where my skills in journalism and fashion intersect and helping to launch my career in the industry.
