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Pair a professional editor who enjoys working with newcomers with two eager students majoring in English and you'll find a dynamic externship. Leanne Martin '03 and Jacqueline Goffney '03 spent time with Marilyn Balamaci '74, senior editor of Family Circle magazine in New York City.
“Both students 'got it,'” says Balamaci. “They did a great job cutting and fitting the story as well as understanding where the holes were. It was very perceptive of them.” Balamaci worked with Goffney and Martin in editing a story for an issue of Family Circle. They discussed changes that needed to be made and Balamaci explained to them why she agreed or disagreed with their changes.
“Both are bright, intelligent women who, surprisingly, understood the nuances of magazine editing,” says Balamaci. “I think that was so because they came from a strong English background and have a love of writing and reading. The surprising part to me was that they have no reporting experience. I was delighted that they were able to understand what changes to make without having been in the field.”
Balamaci says she loves working with students and new hires and that Lafayette's externship program is a great program. More than 160 Lafayette students had an opportunity to gain first-hand knowledge of the professional world during the January winter break. They served two- to five-day “externships” with alumni who are seasoned professionals in business, the arts, education, healthcare, law, engineering, science, government, non-profits, and other fields. The students shadowed the professionals at their workplaces, learning about careers they may consider entering after college, developing professional networking contacts, and building their resumes.
Goffney, an English major, decided to take part in this externship so she could explore career opportunities that focus on editing and writing.
“This externship gave me avenues I may pursue and have an interest in upon graduation,” says Goffney. “It built upon my experiences of being a writing assistant at Lafayette. Many of the techniques I use when suggesting and editing students' papers were also applicable in magazine editing.”
Goffney enjoyed seeing how a magazine was put together and she took particular interest in how a manuscript from a writer evolves into the completed story published in the magazine. “This externship provided me with the knowledge that I do want to pursue a career that integrates my love for both writing and reading,” says Goffney. “It also showed me that there are many different types of career opportunities available to an English major besides the standard teaching careers.”
Marilyn Balamaci '74 (left) works with Jacqueline Goffney '03 at Family Circle.