A day in the life of a seventeen intern!

Time to say E noho rā

2011-07-19T15:09:00.002+02:00

E noho rā is Maori (official language of New Zealand) for goodbye.

I think something the other intern girls learnt about me is that I'm totally obsessed and in love with Dan Carter –the hottest rugby player ever! FYI: he's from New Zealand hence my header – and the colour pink! I basically forced them to include him in our 'hot guys list' and just about everywhere possible. And as for pink, it's so amazing being surrounded by the colour everyday!

Yesterday, Zainab and I met with two members of White Collar Kiss and they were amazingly fun and friendly. Their guitarist is extremely cute (just a little fact I wanted to add)! His eyes even matched the colour of his t-shirt *girly screams* (Okay, I hope they don’t ever see this).

Anyway, I just want to write so much today about everything and everyone! But most importantly, a BIG thank you to the seventeam for choosing me as an intern. I really hope to come back one day (so, if there's ever a vacancy available, don't hesitate to call me! Tee hee)

Everyone was really amazing and super friendly and made my stay very memorable! It is really sad to leave though (especially when I heard that the seventeen offices are moving and they'll be getting a facelift for the office, which includes PINK chairs!)
But seriously, it really is sad to leave. seventeen has taught me a lot and definitely inspired me as a person, as well as my career in many ways!

Arohanui (Lots of Love)
Kelly

And so the end comes

2011-07-19T13:58:00.002+02:00

I can't believe it's our last day at seventeen.

These last seven days have gone by super quickly! We had another shoot today, but it was a stills shoot so it wasn't as hectic as the other day and I was clever enough to leave my heels at home this time.

A stills shoot is when the photographer takes photographs of the items alone, not on models. When we arrived at work, I unpacked everything again and then started steaming all the clothes. We thought we would be back at the office by 12, but with all the work that had to be done, we ended up finishing at the studio at about 2pm. We didn't mind, the photographer had brought lots of chocolate for us to have during the shoot.

Back at the office, we had the last farewell party as today is the last day for the 17 Academy. I remember having the party for the previous interns last Friday and I never thought our party would come by this quickly! I would definitely recommend that anyone who is interested in working at a magazine try out for the 17 Academy. I learnt so much in my seven days here and it was so much fun! I really wish I could stay here forever and I'm very jealous of the fashion assistant that is starting on Monday.

Hugs and stilettos
Tara

Laugh a lot day

2011-07-19T12:15:00.002+02:00

From the beginning until the end, there was never a dull moment with Megan, Kelly and myself.

I finished my photocopying job this morning and then I got assigned to get more images off the internet.

The most hilarious part of the day was when Kelly and I decided that it would be funny to push all the buttons in the elevator and stop on every single floor. What a productive 20 minutes!
Well, that is until I realized I still had tons of work to get through and a blog post to complete. So, after going crazy and laughing ourselves silly (probably because of all the sweets we got for the farewell) I got around to doing some work.

I took tons of photos so I will always remember the week I spent with the other crazy interns at seventeen and all the times that we shared.
Thank you seventeen for this amazing time.

I'll be just like you guys one day.

Pockets of love
Nicole

Bittersweet goodbyes

2011-07-19T11:13:00.003+02:00

I can't believe that it's my final day at seventeen!

Isn't it funny how time flies when you're having fun? The Habits Fashion show that I attended last night at the CTICC was so incredible. The whole experience and atmosphere at Cape Town Fashion Week was very electrifying and I am really glad that I got the opportunity to experience it.

The clothes that were being showcased at the Habits show were very bright and beautiful. I also got to see Joanne Strauss from Top Billing who was attending the Gavan Rajah show later on the night.

Although today was not as exciting as yesterday it was really nice to get out of the office and go to the stills shoot. Today we're having a farewell party for all the interns that are leaving, including me, it's kind of bittersweet.

I will not forget all the amazing people that I met at seventeen especially Tara, Nandi and Jacolette. This experience is one that I will always remember as it was my first working experience. Thanks to all the seventeen staff members and especially Taugheedah who gave me great insight into what it's like to be a fashion editor.

Love always
Mutale

The week that was

2011-07-19T10:16:00.003+02:00

Today is the last of my fab five days at seventeen mag.

It's been a wonderful week and I learned something new every day! This morning I felt a bit sad because no one has replied to my emails for my timeline. But Jessica has been really cool about it and gave me some useful tips/motivation.

I came in early today just like the past four days because it's good to get an early start. I had to type and check my sources – that is a very important part of the story and I had to get my pictures sorted. We also took some great pictures around the office today, which is always loads of fun.

All the other interns are so awesome. Today's most important lesson learned was that researching and getting in touch with people is the hardest part of the job. Before I forget, the best thing just happened: I got a ticket to go to Fashion Week! Omg! I'm so excited, I can’t wait. Thanks to Taugheedah, the fashion editor.

My week ended in the best way ever, I can’t believe it. This experience has been the best ever, it gave me a chance to see what my future will look like and I now know for sure that the magazine industry is where I want to be. I can't wait to get back to college to tell all my friends about my week as a seventeen intern. They're all journalism students so they are dying to know what working at a mag was like!

Ciao for now
Megan

No more glitter and sparkles

2011-07-19T09:06:00.003+02:00

Today was the last day of the 17 Academy!

Overall, the day was hectic. We started a photo shoot at 9am and only got back to the 17 head quarters at 3.45pm! It was a very interesting (and tiring) experience! After walking to the studio, I helped with setting up and then went to meet the first model.

I started setting up the outfits for the next shoots. I had to walk back to the 17 office to fetch the steamer for the clothes and walk back to the studio and steam the clothes (talk about hard labour, LOL).I helped with the models, the outfits, accessories and running around the photo shoot. It was a very interesting experience and I learnt a lot about how advertorials and photo shoots work.

We choreographed the in-the-studio and out-of-studio photo shoots, so a lot of back and forth walking was done. We went back to the studio, tidied up and packed all the clothes and equipment away. Then it was back to the office where we were welcomed by a goodbye party for the interns. The interns were given an awesome gift bag with great goodies inside!

It's very sad to think that this is the end of such a great experience. This week has just flown by and I learnt so much in such a short space of time. It has definitely helped guide me in the direction of what I want to study and choose as a career. (But it has also confused me a little further as this is such a great career choice to add to my list of possibilities!) .
I will miss all the glitter and sparkles at seventeen.

Love seventeen to infinity
Leah

No words can describe it

2011-07-15T16:47:00.003+02:00

Advice to all future fashion interns: Never wear heels on the days when you're shooting!

I decided to wear heels today because I was going straight to Fashion Week after work, but unless it's really necessary, I do not recommend wearing heels on a shoot.
After a very early start (I woke up at 04h45), I met Taugheedah at 07h00 and we packed all the outfits for the shoots and met two of the "real girls" (readers who model for the magazine). While we were packing I learnt how much planning goes into the shoots and how organized and dedicated you need to be.
I don't think people who read magazines realize how much planning goes into the fashion pages. Once we were ready we left the office to go to the studio where we would be shooting. As soon as we arrived I unpacked all the outfits and then Mutale arrived to help me from then on. In the first session the "real girls" modelled a few outfits and in the second session it was time for the professional models.

In between these sessions, Mutale and I had our hair and make-up done for our photographs that will be in the magazine with our date outfits. The outfits Taugheedah styled are all amazing, but you will have to wait until October to see them in the magazine.

Eight hours later we left the studio after packing up all the outfits, recording what each girl wore in every photo and re-attaching labels to all the clothes and accessories. After we dropped everything off at the office Taugheedah dropped me at the CTICC for the 6pm fashion show which included the Tart and Michelle Ludek Spring/Summer 2011/2012 collections.

It would be an understatement to say that the night was amazing. I will never forget my first real fashion show for the rest of my life. I really cannot believe that tomorrow is my last day as a fashion intern at seventeen. I hope to come back in the near future to help Taugheedah out again.

It really has been an incredible seven days!
Love, Tara

My second-last day... sniff sniff

2011-07-15T16:32:00.001+02:00

When Yumna, the Features Intern, arrived today, she gave me some pages that would feature in the September issue and I had to put it up on the Board (A cool wall where the seventeam put up finished pages of the mag to see how far along the issue is).

She explained to me how it should be done, but honestly I've forgotten and had no idea where I should put what! I just trusted my female instincts as to where to put them (we all do that when we don't know what to do and just hope it is right*hides*).

I started work really early this morning (before 8am!) because I had a million things to do (Okay, I know I'm exaggerating, but still). I immediately got to work and finished all my work in time. I have the interview with White Collar Kiss later this afternoon. Ooh... that reminds me – I have to finish typing up the questions. Guess I didn't finish all my work after all.

I better get back to finishing my work (ALL of my work this time) and then head off to the interview. Why does tomorrow have to be my last day? Why?!

Kelly, Entertainment Intern

A sunrise, a smoothie and a farewell

2011-07-15T16:03:00.001+02:00

I got to work at 7:30am because I wanted to watch the sunrise.

Isn't it just amazing that you can get to work and watch a sunrise? I headed up to the cafeteria on the 22nd floor, got myself a delicious Velvet Berry smoothie and a sat by the window looking out to the Waterfront.

With my very delicious smoothie in my one hand and my camera in the other (my camera goes everywhere with me, I want to capture all those amazing random moments), I took it all in. The sunrise was absolutely beautiful: what a great start to the day!

Today was quite chilled; all I had to do was research a band and a model and then just continue with yesterday's research. I also had to listen to White Collar Kiss's music, they are actually quite good.

Lovies...
Kelly, Entertainment Intern

"Seventeen, Nandi speaking hello"

2011-07-15T14:15:00.001+02:00

Today was a good day. We were all busy busy busy, that's how it usually is on Thursdays, the deadline villain with its breath of fire was staring all of us straight in the eye.

The fashion and entertainment interns were (as usual) out and about. And Nicole and I were taking some interesting pictures around the office.

Being an intern at seventeen magazine has grown on my identity, it's like I cant imagine myself doing anything else. This morning my mother called me on my cellphone, and I answered with "Seventeen ,Nandi speaking hello." My mother laughed, but I, knowing that I soon would be leaving this group of girls that I so admired was overwhelmed with sadness.

How am I going to leave here tomorrow?

Nandi

The glamorous life

2011-07-15T13:33:00.003+02:00

It's so sad, my time as part of seventeen magazine team is almost over!

Like every other day me and Tara organized the store room and packed clothing onto the rail. It was a miracle that we managed to fit all the clothes into the store room LOL.
Today we celebrated Anusha's birthday and it was really wonderful to experience what a warm loving family the seventeam is... OH...we also had yummy cupcakes which were super nice.

The highlight of my day was being able to style my own outfit which will appear in the October issue, can't wait till it comes out!! Even more exciting than getting to style my own outfit was receiving a ticket from Taugheedah for the CAPE TOWN FASHION WEEK!!! (Yes, you heard right...CT Fashion Week baby).

This will be the first Fashion show I have ever attended and I can hardly breathe from all the excitement!

Thanks so much Taugheedah!!
Mutale

Finally found my feet

2011-07-15T13:13:00.002+02:00

I'm feeling a lot more confident this morning.

This time when I got out of the car I told my mom she didn't have to come in (So what if my mom came inside with me on the first day? She just wanted to check the place out). You are never too old to have mom by your side!

When I got inside, I grabbed my camera and took pictures of my SPECIAL wall. I also took pictures of everything else around me, like this crazy computer that I have decided I'm going to make friends with since I am going to be using it for a few days.

I had my first meeting to discuss ideas that I have for the mag. It's super creepy hearing "my ideas will be used in the mag", but it's also uber cool. Most of the interns sat around and put a whole lot of super ideas together. I felt the need to Google everything because most of these girls knew way more than I did about some things, but they helped me out.

Some of them asked me to go out to lunch with them. When I got here, I kinda felt like they didn't like me. They were all so quiet and didn't really talk to me. Well, it turns out they were just really busy. We talked about it and then laughed about it...LOL

Pockets of love,
Nicole

seventeen salutes

2011-07-15T12:35:00.003+02:00

It's my second last day as an intern at seventeen magazine.

I don't want to leave, but as the saying goes 'all good things must came to an end'. I’ve enjoyed every minute of it so far and the skills I have learned will definitely help me. I came in early today as well because I wanted to get an early start.

I'm feeling a bit of a panic though because I have to compile a timeline and the ladies I e-mailed haven’t replied back yet, so fingers crossed that they reply by lunch time. I tried phoning them, but two didn’t answer and one of the ladies is out of the office.

I'm just hoping that they contact me before the end of the day. I had a meeting with Khwezi – OMG! My legs felt like jelly LOL. She gave me feedback on my article and she even gave me a compliment (SCORE).

The end of the day was creeping up and we all know what that means, our last day is almost here. I have had a wonderful time though and instead of crying about the end, I will celebrate what this has meant to me. Sometimes I felt like I was just going to mess everything up and I must say I'm actually very proud of myself for making it this far.

Megan - Features Intern

Fashion week, here we come

2011-07-15T12:04:00.003+02:00

More boxes of clothes and accessories greeted Mutale and I when we arrived at work this morning.

The storeroom is so full now I'm surprised we are still able to move around in there! You could get lost moving around all the clothes. We opened one of the boxes and found Dolce and Gabana and Prada sunglasses in it – we almost fainted right there and then.

The beauty intern helped us out with one of the boxes and we got to get to know her a bit better which was nice. In the afternoon Mutale and I planned our date outfits which were supposed to cost R150, but ended up being double that!

While we were planning our outfits, Taugheedah came in and told us she had two tickets for us for fashion week tomorrow night. I am so excited and definitely going shopping after work now. Tomorrow we have to try get to the offices at around 7am so it's going to be a very early morning for me, but it will be worth it as we're shooting tomorrow and I'm interested to see how the shoots work.

It's going to be a long, but extremely exciting day and I can’t wait!

Love, Tara

All in a day's work

2011-07-15T11:24:00.002+02:00

Today was such a busy day for me.

I wanted to finish up with my reviews, researching for the tips page, contacting the Beauty Smarties, researching information for the Beauty Buzz page and putting contacts and info together for what I found to be an interesting insert in the mag.

I had to put together beauty products for a photo shoot as well as organise and stock beauty products that were brought in. I then had to research hair styling tools to find out if they are available in South Africa, then call retail head offices to find out if they stock the tools (I'm going on and on right?).

I also put together outfits for one of tomorrows many photo shoots! (This got me very excited).

All in a day's work,
Leah Bester

The earliest worm...

2011-07-14T11:53:00.005+02:00

Being the brilliant intern that I am, I came in early today...as I have for the past three days.

My week at seventeen is almost at an end and so far it's been a great experience. It was Anusha's birthday and we all sang 'Happy Birthday' to her, which was fun. We surprised her and it was cool seeing her reaction.

She bought cupcakes for the entire office – what would a celebration at seventeen be without food LOL? I've learned lots while being here and I will most definitely apply it to my life. I would love working in the heart of Cape Town one day.

Sadly, I have two more days before I leave seventeen HQ...it's been a blast all the way and I will definitely make the most of my last couple of days. Being here, every day, has made me realise how lucky I am because an opportunity like this does not come around everyday.
Next week I'll be back at college, telling all my friends about my fab experience. I'm sure they can't wait to hear, as it's all I've been talking about since I was told that I will be interning here LOL .

Hugs and kisses,
Megan J (Features Intern)

'Being the press'

2011-07-14T10:15:00.002+02:00

Today I attended the Artscape Women's Festival Media Launch on behalf of Zainab because she couldn't make it.

When I arrived at the Artscape, I thought that I wouldn't stay for the entire programme... and guess what? I ended up staying until the end! It was really cool listening to the speakers and what they had to say about women and society in general. I really enjoyed it.

The talks ranged from empowering women and society, to creating respect through arts and culture. It just felt so real being around all these hotshots in the media industry and receiving press releases (I mean, being in PR, I'm the one who should be writing these press releases and issuing it to people).

The conference also made me realise that these are the kinds of things I will be doing one day: liaising with the media, writing press releases, organizing exhibitions and doing the other things PR people do.

So, it just looks like my stay here at seventeen just gets better and better every day. Oh, and tomorrow I have the interview with White Collar Kiss at Canal Walk*excited*

Kelly, Entertainment Intern

Such a chilled day...

2011-07-13T16:09:00.001+02:00

Today my tasks were simple and since I had already gotten a head start on them, there wasn't much left to do. I just had CDs that needed to be reviewed and then I had to confirm my ideas for layout with Zainab.

At lunch, we (interns) decided to soak up some sun and get to know each other a bit better and before we knew it, the hour that seemed so long, was over!

We headed back to the office and after much procrastination, I realised that my blog has to be in at 3pm and that I only had 5mins to write it! That serves me right for leaving things to the last minute. It wasn’t that much of a big deal though, because being in PR, I realised that I usually have so many things to do with so little time, but I get through.

Despite this, I still need to meet my deadlines and I may I say with great pride, I have not missed a deadline yet!

Kisses,
Kelly

What am I going to wear?!

2011-07-13T15:43:00.002+02:00

If there's one thing I've learnt, it's that you should always have a formal dress with you, ALWAYS!

Just when I was getting into the groove of coming in, doing my work, sending emails, making phone calls, Googling and eventually, writing - I received an email from Khwezi, with an invite to "A night with Kimora Lee Simmons" party.
I thought to myself, huh? Me? Aaaaaaaaaaah. WHAT AM I GONNA WEAR?!?! Then I calmed myself down, and tried to take it all in.

Let me try to explain in a more calmed down tone. Zainab, the Entertainment Editor and I will be going behind the scenes of the Kimora Lee cover party on Wednesday. We will be taking photos and asking her some questions. (A few loud screams)
Ok, I'm done with the screaming - Promise!

My biggest problem right now, is not my academic results which should be coming out soon, or my desperate need for a cell phone upgrade. My biggest problem right now is that I NEED TO FIND A DRESS! Pronto

#Excitedfordays,
Nandi

What a busy day!!

2011-07-13T14:26:00.002+02:00

I can't feel my feet! LOL

I've never worked so hard in my life! Between opening up boxes of clothing, shoes and accessories, organizing the racks of clothes in the storeroom and wrapping up goody parcels for the seventeen Style Counsel, today was a very long day.

I also had a meeting with my fellow seventeen interns to compile a list of our favourite things for the 'seventeen loves' page in the October issue. It is super exciting because I get to see my input in the magazine.

Loving every day at seventeen.

Mutale

Putting it all together

2011-07-13T13:56:00.002+02:00

Today was a quieter day compared to yesterday.

I did some filing and stocking and made many phone calls in preparation for the photo shoots. I also created a trend board for next season's hottest make-up and hair trends on the runway and the celeb world.

The interns are also going to be creating a page for the next issue, so some research and discussion on that is to be done. I also had other research and short-listing to do on stories that we are going to include in the next issue, which was enjoyable for me to do. The seventeam is great and friendly and I am really enjoying my internship thus far!

Leah

Once in a lifetime

2011-07-13T13:07:00.004+02:00

I came in early today to finish up the research I was doing yesterday.

17 HQ is starting to feel more and more like home for me. Maybe it's because I have a clear plan of my work now and I'm being very productive, which is great. The environment I'm in also helps, it's so fun and exciting and everyone is friendly and helpful. Even the meetings are filled with laughter.

Time is really flying past so I'm trying to enjoy every minute of it. Today I made sure I brought a camera along to take loads of pics. The interns had to come up with a list of our favourite things for the 17 loves page.

At lunch, I sat outside with Nicole and Kelly who are also interns at seventeen. It's easy to see why the magazine is so successful, it definitely reflects the way it is created and everyone seems to love what they do. It's almost the end of my second day as a seventeen features Intern, but as the saying goes all good things must come to an end.
Being here today just reminded me again how lucky I am and it truly is a once in a life time opportunity.

Megan (Features Intern)

17 loves and goodies

2011-07-13T12:39:00.005+02:00

Wow! I'm so happy to sit down!

We've been on our feet most of the day unpacking lots of boxes and wrapping up gifts for the Style Counsel girls. I was on time today so that made the whole day a lot better as I started off on a better note than yesterday.

We started off with unpacking boxes that came in with more clothes, shoes and accessories. The storeroom is extremely full now as you can see in the pic. After unpacking the boxes we worked with the other interns for the "seventeen loves" page.
You will have to wait for the October issue to see what the interns' love.

Love, Tara

Oh how I wish…

2011-07-13T11:39:00.001+02:00

The one thing that I have struggled with the most since starting my internship here at seventeen, is catching the 5:15pm bus home every day.

If I leave work at five, there's absolutely no reason for me to miss that bus. Well, that is if I leave work at 5. I mean seriously there aren't enough hours in the day to do all the things I have to do. Everywhere I've interned people tell me that overtime is nothing unusual in the journalism field, and now I have experienced it firsthand.

And I take it upon myself to inform you that no one likes a "nine to five".
I wish there were more hours in the day, I wish I didn't have to catch a bus, I wish I didn't have to cook supper and I wish it was tomorrow morning already, so I can come in here and do what I love, and hopefully get it done before five.

Till tomorrow,
Nandi

Fashionably late

2011-07-12T16:37:00.002+02:00

Today did not start off too well as I was late!

I ran from the Cape Town station so by the time I reached the seventeen offices I was hot and not in the best mood. I got to 17 HQ and as soon as I walked into the storeroom and saw Mutale unpacking boxes, my mood was instantly lifted!

For me, as long as I'm surrounded by fashion, I'm in a very good mood. Today we had the chance to meet the editor, Khwezi. It felt slightly strange seeing her in person. It felt like I was seeing a celebrity as I've only seen her in the magazine before.

After meeting Khwezi, the seventeam and the new interns, Mutale and I went back to unpacking boxes which is always fun and exciting but also quite tiring! One of our other tasks for the day was to plan a date outfit but the clothes, shoes and accessories had to cost R300 or less. This was a rather difficult task and let's just say that we weren't very successful with it.
As usual, it was a great day at seventeen HQ and I can't wait to come back tomorrow, hopefully on time!

Love, Tara

Not bad at all

2011-07-12T16:17:00.002+02:00

I was super nervous this morning. As I looked outside the passenger seat window, I said to my mom, "Oh my goodness, I do not believe I'm here. I don't think I want to get out of the car" (I was having one of those baby needs to grow up moments).

To make myself feel like less of a baby I convinced myself that this is totally new to me. I am only sixteen and I'm going to the fourth floor where all of the seventeen big shots work.
Truth be told, I actually had a different picture in my head to what I found.

As I walked in, I kept thinking, "I hope they like me, don't do anything stupid, play it cool Nicole, and don't say too much, smile and wave". To my relief, the people I found were anything but mean. I met a lot of really nice people and I learned a lot about the job and what has to get done before the whole – AMAZING – magazine gets put together.

I felt totally special here today, I was even given my own wall, where I could put pictures that inspire me. OMG I was also put in front of an Apple Mac computer and I had no idea how to use it. I had to put a disk into the SCREEN; to me that wasn't normal and I honestly thought the thing ate my disk.
Luckily, Sally, the art director was willing to assist my stupidity. Today was definitely a fun learning experience that I cannot wait to come back to.

I have a new found appreciation for people who work a 9 to 5 job, I'm pooped.

Pockets of love
Nicole

Monday blues…well not really

2011-07-12T16:06:00.003+02:00

Contrary to popular belief that Mondays are a drag, they are quite wonderful at seventeen.

Today was my first Monday at seventeen and much to my delight, I got to meet the editor Khwezi Magwaza and the other new interns at 17.
After our introductory meeting with Khwezi and the new interns it was straight into the orders of the day, which was the store room. There were several boxes full of clothes. It was exciting mostly because my favourite label Iron Fist was in one of the boxes.

This was particularly exciting because as fashion interns we get a preview of the clothes before they are sent to the stores. Whoever said a job in fashion was all glitz and glam was sadly mistaken, it also involves unpacking boxes and boxes of clothes – but then again anything worth achieving does not come easy.

Mutale

Don't rush Friday

2011-07-12T15:41:00.002+02:00

I didn't get much sleep last night because I was nervous, scared and of course, excited!

I finally landed an internship at seventeen magazine. The magazine I've been reading since I was in grade 9 – four whole years. I arrived at about 9:15am since I couldn't wait to get started. Walking into the seventeen HQ, I immediately fell in love with the brand all over again.

I met the Jessica, the Deputy Editor and she showed me to my desk and briefed me on my first task. I discovered that I would be writing an article for the mag (gulp)! I was freaking out a bit on the inside for like a minute and then calmed myself down and started with my research. At noon I had my first ever brief meeting (If that's what it's called?) and had to pitch my ideas to Jessica. Thankfully she liked them and gave me some tips.

My first day went by pretty fast and I enjoy every minute of it. This building is amazing and so is the canteen, which is on the 22nd floor with a view of the sea. I am dreading Friday because that's my last day here.

I feel so lucky to be here and can't wait to see what the rest of the week has in store for me (actually I want the time to go super slow).

xoxo
Megan

Beauty and the seventeam

2011-07-12T14:53:00.002+02:00

Today was my first day as a beauty intern at seventeen.

I was very nervous at first as I had no idea what to expect, but I quickly settled in and got straight to work. The other interns and I received a warm welcome in an introductory meeting. We were introduced to the seventeam and Khwezi, the editor of the mag.

I had to learn how to use the photocopy machine very quickly. My tasks also included sharing my input and ideas for advertorials; the next exciting issue and finding new looks and trends (exciting!). I really enjoyed doing research, brainstorming ideas, attending meetings to discuss the stories and layout and what is to be used, and what is to be scrapped (for now).

I had the privilege of learning the process of putting together an issue of seventeen, which I found interesting. The day unfortunately went by very quickly but I cannot wait to see what is in store for me tomorrow!

xoxo
Leah

Oh sweet Monday...

2011-07-12T14:02:00.002+02:00

Everyone is always dreading Mondays, but not me!

This was probably the first Monday morning I woke up to without thinking, "OMG, it's Monday again... Do I really have to get up?"
It would be really awesome to have that feeling every Monday morning! I woke up in such high spirits, knowing that I get to go to work and do something I enjoy. My task was to review CDs – how awesome is that?

I also had a meeting with Zainab to discuss my research for Friday's interview with White Collar Kiss. Today was also the first day I got introduced to the seventeam (formally) and Khwezi because she was away last week. We also had some new interns joining us. I still really can't get over how friendly everyone is over here. It's like a whole different world compared to say, an office full of engineers, no offence tee hee.

Lots of love
Kelly

All in a day's work

2011-07-12T13:51:00.002+02:00

Today was one of the most awesome days of my internship. Even though I was stressing about a whole lot of stuff that I had to do, today was a fabulous day!

Jacolette, Juanita, Kelly, Maroefah and I had to compile a list of hot celebrity boys! From Locnville to Jaden Smith, our list was endless! We each suggested a couple of boys, researched them and then met again later to talk about our favourites.

Now, just to make it clear, our understanding of a "hot boy" was someone (a boy of course) who was not only good look looking, but who has also made a name for himself. Someone who is talented and also works hard at his career. While compiling this list, we laughed, made fun of our specific tastes in guys and occasionally agreed on one or two things, but at the end, we finally completed our task.

What was great about today was that the girls and I sat down for almost two and a half hours, chatting about one of our favourite topics – boys!

At seventeen magazine, that's all in a day's work!.

Nandi

I wish I could stay here forever!

2011-07-11T15:51:00.003+02:00

We just had a farewell party for some of the other interns that are leaving today and all I can say is that I'm so glad I'm not one of them.

I still have another week and it feels great. When I arrived this morning Taugheedah told me that today we would be going to Canal Walk to source items for the upcoming shoots – how exciting.

I couldn't think of a better way to spend my day than browsing around shops and picking out all the best clothes, shoes and accessories. However it wasn't as simple as I thought it would be as some shops don't make it easy for you to take their clothes for shoots.

On the way to Canal Walk we had the chance to talk to Taugheedah. I was very happy about this as I had a few questions about the industry. After listening to her it made me even more certain that this is the career path that I want to follow once I've finished school.

In the car Taugheedah also mentioned to Mutale and I that we may be able to go to Cape Town Fashion Week next week (can I get a scream?). I was speechless. It felt like a dream. I still can't believe that I actually got the opportunity to intern here!

I was even slightly disappointed when we found out that we don't come to the office on Saturdays. I am just so grateful that I got this opportunity to be an intern and I hope that one day I am lucky enough to work in the seventeen fashion department.

Keep it stylin'
Tara - Fashion Intern

Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!

2011-07-11T15:26:00.002+02:00

Sourcing was the name of the game today as Tara, Taugheedah and I browsed through the mall at Canal Walk.

Being a first timer in Cape Town I was blown away by all the beautiful shops that Canal Walk had to offer. Sourcing is when you find clothes to be featured in the magazine.

Our day got even better when Taugheedah told us that we would have the pleasure of selecting some of the clothing from Jay Jays to fill up the seventeen closet with.

This was the highlight of my day. I also loved sorting out the closet and calling models for their email addresses, but this was by far the best thing I have done.

The fabulous life of a seventeen intern.

Mutale

Wish upon a 17 star

2011-07-11T14:34:00.004+02:00

So, this year Charlie Keegan (hot guy and up-and-coming actor) sat next to me at the Jammie Stop; Brian Chaplin said I have a nice name and I finally got work at seventeen magazine. Can you say, the stuff dreams are made of?

Today I killed the Deadline villain. And we (Nandi, Juanita, Jacolette and Kelly) had a meeting about hot guys for the magazine – you can envy me now! We had to come up with a list of hot guys and then research them. Of course that spells F.U.N! While we were chatting, I got to know the girls a bit better and they are super! They even called me 'Google' because I just happened to know some not-so-average-general knowledge about stuff.

Later on, the seventeam threw a farewell party for me, Juanita and Jacolette because today was our last day! It was so unexpected. I doubt any other magazine would do that for their interns. It's been so awesome here. I don’t think they know how much I appreciate them replying to all my nagging. They have all helped me achieve my most important dream which was writing for seventeen.

And the sun was all out today! I'm guessing this means I might have a bright future in magazine journalism. I hope I do.
All that's left to say is never let anything hold you back! Just keep pushing until you reach your destination.

Sunshine, happiness, chocolate hugs and strawberry kisses!
Maroefah

It's over, but it's far from over

2011-07-11T14:01:00.003+02:00

I knew this day would come eventually so I guess there's no real reason to be sad.

Quite honestly, just the mere fact that I got this opportunity makes me extremely happy. Sure I'd love to spend my life working amongst these amazing people, but they made a week mean the world to me!

So what changed in me in the past week, you may ask?
Well, I became confident, interested in the business world, a better person in some way and for the most part INSPIRED.

Seeing these young people around me, getting so involved in creating and publishing an inspirational and awesome magazine was amazing. It was great seeing all the other interns who came in, because we all have one thing in common, we want to do something big with our lives!

Even though my last day has come and this is all over now, it's only the beginning of my career. It is my mission to do something big in this industry and for the past week, that's what seventeen has inspired me to do.
The seventeam had a little party for the three interns that were leaving today, it was really sweet. We received certificates and hampers as a little 'congratulations' and 'thank you' and all that stuff.

Thank You seventeen!
You rock my world!

Love and Hugs
Juanita

The show must go on!

2011-07-11T12:14:00.003+02:00

I can't believe my last day has arrived!

Being at seventeen has made me SUPER motivated to get back to University and finish the last six months of my Media and Journalism Degree. I know I will end up at seventeen again one day! It has been the most fun I have had in a long time!

Studying is a privilege and you should grab it with both hands! Don't study something that you won't LOVE doing for at least the next 40 years of your life! Deciding what you're going to study is a big deal. Think hard about it and be brave to explore! Through my exploring I landed an awesome interning opportunity that's meant the world to me!
Get out there and live!

Jacolette (Beauty intern)

Where's the good in saying in goodbye?

2011-07-11T09:02:00.003+02:00

Today is my last day at the seventeen Intern Academy.

Well I can't really call it a day, I have to leave early to get back to Joburg on time (epic sigh). This has truly been one of the most amazing weeks ever, I've learnt so much about magazines and I've met so many cool people!

I want to give a BIG shout out to the whole Digi team, they are the sweetest girls ever, and I can only hope to work with people like them one day. Jen, Kerry, Roxanne, Anusha and Tabs, thank you for an incredible week!

And of course I need to thank the rest of the seventeam, especially Khwezi and Jess, for giving me this opportunity. The Digi team gave me my own little farewell party, which was so cute! I got a certificate and a goody bag (oh yeah), which included a DVD copy of Employee of the month... how did they know that's one of my favourite movies?

I’m looking so forward to reading the next issue knowing how much work the girls do to put together my fave glossy mag, this experience will stay with me forever!

Farewell, seventeen, thanks for letting me live my dream.

Love & Lipgloss
Sarah

Random facts and a story

2011-07-08T12:44:00.003+02:00

Have I ever mentioned that I want to learn Spanish? LOL, random fact number one.

This morning I sat with Judi, the art intern and she was doing some page layout. She taught me a lot about it and how they actually design each page of the magazine. It looked really hard, but I guess if you love doing something, it's always fun to spend hours doing it. I'd like to be a graphic designer one day, random fact number two.

I spoke to Maroefah about writing blog posts and she feels the same as I do. When it comes to blog time, what can you write? It's quite difficult after a long day of thinking and sitting in front of a computer screen performing the fun tasks the seventeam have dished out. I love searching for pictures - random fact number three.

While on the seventeen blog searching for some inspiration, I saw that Sarah called me awesome (BIG smile), she is an awesome girl too.
So it's day four and it's really sad that the week went by so fast, yet super awesome that I got the opportunity to be here.

Ciao Amigos (I'm obsessed with all things Spanish - especially their soccer players) – another random fact.

Hugs and kisses
Juanita

Ooh la la. . .

2011-07-08T12:39:00.001+02:00

I spent today on the computer, still trying to defeat the "deadline villain".

I think I've done pretty well though. I worked hard on my feature and I've interviewed some great girls who volunteer to help the community.

My voice tends to sound funny on the phone so I don't like calling people. Today I crawled out of my shell and called them. Jessica told me calling would work better as I would get to interact with the girls and it gets people to say things they wouldn't normally tell in an email interview.

That’s why I want to go ahead with this article, so that I can showcase the amazing work of other people and in the process touch the lives of those who read my work.
Some new interns came in today, this office just constantly sees people coming and going. It's almost like a train station LOL. Sadly, it is almost time for the train to arrive at my stop and it has been one amazing ride filled with amazing memories.

Ciao bella,
Maroefah

Hunks and scenery

2011-07-08T12:30:00.005+02:00

After doing my hair, nails and the million other things we girls do to get ready, I was finally ready for my first day as a seventeen intern.

I got here early just to get lost in the lifts... (Like, who does that?). Then again, knowing me, anything is possible! Then it struck me:- I should have taken the lift on the other side and not the one that goes right up to the 22nd floor*light bulb*.

I finally got to seventeen and immediately got my list of tasks to do. I'm a busy bee so I didn't complain. My day was awesome, I mean, who gets to research hunks and rising stars for a living?
I got to research a band that I would be interviewing with Zainab, looked up artists we can have in the mag and I even got a glimpse of the new Twilight movie.
The beauty of working in this building is that at lunch time, my biggest worry is whether to eat with the view of the Waterfront or Table Mountain...*smirk*

I haven't even been here for a full day yet, but I already feel that this is where I belong!

Kisses
Kelly

A first day for the fashion pages

2011-07-08T12:18:00.006+02:00

I cannot believe that this day has finally arrived!

My first day as a fashion intern at seventeen magazine. I was two hours early, gosh! I spent those hours drinking cup after cup of coffee until I finally headed up to the offices.
I met the Fashion Editor, Taugheedah and the other fashion intern, Mutale. Our first task was to unpack and sort out all the clothing and accessories that had arrived. We felt like we were Lauren and Whitney from The Hills!

It took up quite a lot of time and before we knew it, it was lunch time. For lunch, Mutale and I went up to the 22nd floor and we were both speechless when we saw the view of the harbour.
After lunch we had another very exciting task along with the beauty intern, Jacolette. We had to walk around the streets of Cape Town and take pictures of the stylish girls that we saw. This was not as easy as we thought it would be and we even got completely ignored by some people*rude*!

We then struggled to find our way back to the office, hee hee, but by the time we got back we were dead!

Let's do it again tomorrow.
Love Tara

Oh boy...

2011-07-08T10:02:00.002+02:00

Its 4:30pm and I almost completely forgot I had to write this blog post! I’ve been pretty busy today, working on quizzes, gossip articles, answering reader questions and reviewing past magazines – work overload! But I’m still loving it here. This morning I answered some reader questions from the Dude Decoder section of the website. They were tough! Boys are so confusing – can’t live with them, can’t live without them. (Sigh)

It’s going to be so weird reading the next issue of seventeen knowing how much work goes into it, and being able to put a face to all the girls who write and design the features. It’s especially going to be weird asking questions on the seventeen SA Facebook page knowing that Kerry is behind the screen! Maybe I’ll bombard her with some extra-hard queries and complaints once in a while *evil laugh*. seventeen has changed my perspective on the world of print media. It’s not all glitz and glamour, you need to work hard and be focused in order to meet the deadlines.

I can’t believe how fast this week went by. I’m convinced now that time really does fly when you’re having fun. I thought working from 10-5 would exhaust me, I normally can’t even get through a day of school without falling asleep in one of my lessons, but at seventeen there’s never a dull moment! So, I don’t have to worry about being bored or spending countless hours staring impatiently at the clock!

I know I’ve said this before, but I’m SO grateful to have been given this amazing opportunity, it’s sad to think it’s almost over, but I’m so excited to start my university studies next year, knowing that places like seventeen await me once I’m done.

Remember my name; soon I’ll be taking the media world by storm!
Teehee
Sarah
xoxo

Forever seventeen

2011-07-08T09:46:00.002+02:00

Today when I arrived at seventeen HQ, the weather was beautiful!

I could finally wear something a bit cooler and not worry that I am going to freeze to death! Today is my second last day; I can’t believe time flew like this! I wish I could stay forever seventeen! This is really my dream job and I would love to work at a magazine. This is the reason I’m studying Journalism and Media Studies.

Learning how to produce a magazine is challenging and fun, which makes the job so worthwhile! I never thought that it takes this much effort and work, but I know I could do this forever!

Being an intern is FUN! After lunch me and two new fashion interns went out to hunt down some STREET STYLE ! Beware: we may be coming to a street near you.

Stay forever seventeen
Jacolette (Beauty Intern)

The day in pictures

2011-07-07T13:21:00.004+02:00

I got to work and I was sitting around on Facebook waiting to start my work for the day. Then Sally the Art Director came to me and said that Sarah and I should go to all the floors and take random pics.

That seemed so exciting, especially because I LOVE photography with a passion.
As the floor exploring began, we were a bit upset to find that almost all the floors were in some way “under construction”. We managed to find floors that were fully done and I have to say that they looked pretty AMAZING!

It was a little awkward because we were going up and down elevators with people busy at work and we were snapping away. Taking pictures with Sarah was so much fun and she is a pretty cool person too.

We were so excited about the photos we had taken. Sally said it would be great if I actually did something with the pictures we took, so I started making a slideshow of all the pictures and stuff that I took. That was a lot of fun, because I love slideshows.

Bye for now
J

A villain called DEADLINE!

2011-07-07T13:19:00.002+02:00

It’s the middle of the week and I am hating this whole eight-hour day. I guess it’s all part of growing up and becoming an ‘adult’.

I am seriously tired because I get up at 05.30 am and go to bed at midnight.
The pressure is definitely on! The deadline is hanging over my head like a guilty conscience, but I think I can pull it off. When it started to feel like the walls were caving in on me, I decided to go for a walk in sunny Cape Town. I just love to bake in the sun, it’s fun. You should try it sometime.

And for extra inspiration, I have the Locnville issue on my desk, which of course helps when you’re feeling a little down.
Deadline! The villain. Maroefah! The superhero! I will conquer.

Chocolate hugs and strawberry kisses
Maroefah.

Emails make the world go round

2011-07-07T13:16:00.002+02:00

You know that saying “money makes the world go round” – it is so WRONG. Emails make the world go round.

When I got into the magazine business, no one told me I would be sending hundreds of emails daily, true story. Being on my 98th email today, I feel like I accomplished a lot. It becomes you and it’s what you do.

I have had to learn that every time you get frustrated with people, you have to calm yourself down, and say what you need to say, as politely as possible. Stuff does last forever on the net. When I opened my emails today, I was pretty impressed to see that four of the people I had requested things from, actually replied!

The thing about being a journalist is that for the most part, you rely on the computer in front of you and the telephone to your right. It’s so much easier (and more efficient) when people just reply to your emails, or answer their phones *angry tone*. This is the digital (and almost paperless) age, and people in all industries should get with the times. Plus, one of the things I love the most about my job is saying “You’re speaking to Nandipha from seventeen magazine!” on the phone – ha ha, it’s priceless.

Emails do make the world go round, but if you don’t reply, my world stops turning. People who reply to emails (soon) are the fabulous darlings who make my work so much easier!

xoxo
Nandi

Let’s go Lift Surfing!

2011-07-07T09:53:00.004+02:00

This morning didn’t start off on a good note, I burnt my finger with my hair straightener (so sore!) and I couldn’t find my boots that I’m pretty sure I packed in Joburg... so frustrating! But after seeing the ‘always smiling’ seventeam girls when I walked into the offices, I knew my day could only get better!

My first assignment for the day was to go with Juanita , one of the interns,(she's awesome!) and take inspirational photos of various objects anywhere inside the 22-story building. We got a lot of weird looks from passer-bys while we randomly snapped pics of chairs, flowers and even walls (yes, walls can be inspiring). Lift surfing was fun, I wouldn’t be surprised if one of those lifts is out of order tomorrow morning because we pressed too many of the buttons at the same time!

I finished my first quiz with the headline ‘Are you heading for a break-up?’ (Hit seventeen.mobi on your cell to read it!), which I spent forever trying to compile; I’m not exactly an expert on that topic! But Kerry said it was perfect (yay!). I love how the seventeam is so nice; it makes this whole experience tons more enjoyable.

I had some spare time, and I was in a “writing mood” so I decided to write another blog post for my blog, Sarahndippity, but I kept getting distracted by everything going on in the office! I managed to get a sneak peek at the next issue by looking over my shoulder at what Judi, the design intern, was doing on the computer, she’s so creative! That inspired me to go take some more photos of the interns for the 17 blog, fun!

Interning at seventeen has been so amazing, I can only hope I get to work at a magazine like this once I’ve finished my studies *hint hint* :P. Looking forward to day 4!

Sarah xoxo

Two is a charm!

2011-07-07T09:48:00.002+02:00

My second day at seventeen started with me being stuck in Cape Town traffic. They told me the traffic here is bad, but I didn’t think it was this bad. Bumper to bumper as far as I could see. . . I thought I knew hectic traffic because I am from Bloemfontein but hey, there is no comparison!

Today I was much more relaxed and at ease, but still super excited to get to work. Working with Genevieve, the Beauty Editor is so much fun! I am learning so much from her. She asked me to answer a few beauty questions from our readers and I got to do some research about beauty products (so cool!). Now I am working on concepts for an advertorial! I can’t even see my desk under all the magazines!

I am having the time of my life. I can’t thank seventeen enough for this opportunity!

Jacolette (Beauty Intern)

Seventeen perks

2011-07-06T14:16:00.001+02:00

Today was like any other Tuesday, except I was surrounded by awesome people.
I came in super early this morning (09h15 to be exact), who knows why? During my research on celebrities, I found some pretty ugly pics of them, just when I thought they were perfect. Believe it or not, they also have imperfections.

I found out that they attend at least 3 events a week, demanding lifestyle. You gotta do it if you wanna be on people’s minds. Oh well, back to me! I am having a fantastic time and the long hours are so worth it.

The seventeam is all in all an amazing bunch of girls who have fun and put together an amazing magazine. All the hard work is definitely NOT putting me off wanting to be in the business one bit.
I know that this experience will not go to waste and will be one of those things that I remember for a long time to come.

Love, J

Goodbye is the hardest word...

2011-07-06T14:11:00.004+02:00

LOL that sounds like an old love song I know.

I am trying to finish up my last task and the pressure is on. I can’t believe today is my last day. I have gotten so comfortable and used to everything at seventeen . Chanel and I both have writer’s block so I can’t think of the right things to say because ‘I hate goodbyes’...*another cheesy love song*.

I’ve completed my final rough draft for the gamer quiz and my timeline feature. I’ll be meeting with Zainab later to round everything up. At lunch, Chanel and I went to explore the city a bit. On our way back, we bumped into one of Chanel’s friends. She is also an intern at another magazine – whose name I won’t mention, (it’s apparently very boring there and they give her all the “not so nice work” to do). She says she regrets not applying to seventeen instead.

I am so happy that I applied to seventeen and got the opportunity to work with the most amazing group of mentors and friends. This experience got me excited for my future in media – whether it is print, online or broadcasting.
Interning at seventeen has opened my eyes to all the opportunities out there. This is not the last you’ll hear from me but for now this is goodbye.

Juanita (entertainment intern)

As the feature grows, so does the writer

2011-07-06T14:06:00.004+02:00

I’m working on my feature and it’s like taking care of a baby kitten for the first time.

You’re excited about it, you absolutely love it and it fills you with so much pride to see it grow even though it frustrates you at times. No matter how many times your fury bundle of joy pees on your carpet, you would never give it away!
Announcement: listen carefully because you don’t want to miss this. I am happy to announce that my first feature for seventeen magazine looks promising. To quote my editor Khwezi ,“It’s going somewhere.” Yay!!!

Writing for seventeen magazine and getting guidance from the editor, and the deputy editor Jess is amazing. The experience is priceless and you get to work with the loveliest people.
When learning to write for seventeen, you learn how to talk seventeen and how to be fabulously seventeen! No seriously, it’s a valuable writing experience that you will never forget.

At school and varsity, you learn how to write a particular way, or you choose to stick to a certain way of writing. Interning at seventeen is like going to a new school, where you’re taught another style of writing, (one which I can say is totally O.T.H or off the hook).
Most importantly though, you learn how to take critique and make yourself a better writer.

I guess my experience here links to the feature I’m writing about alternatives to going to the traditional university. One of the alternatives is doing an internship, at a workplace where you would like to see yourself one day.

Doing my internship here is not only teaching me how to write features, it’s also teaching me about fashion, design and using social media for research.
Watching my feature develop is amazing, but watching myself develop as a magazine journalist is a one in a million experience.
xoxo
Nandi

Smitten by the glam

2011-07-06T10:18:00.002+02:00

They say the first day is always the hardest.

Everything is new, you don’t know where to go, who to talk to or what to say. That’s all true, but I also know that the first day is necessary and that only good things will follow.

Today was my first day as a seventeen beauty intern. I started my day by unpacking luscious new beauty products and sorting them into categories, I can get used to this. I love working with pretty things.

I also did some filing and attended my first ever seventeen staff meeting (such fun).
Tomorrow is my second day and I hope it will be just as much fun as today was –duh, of course it will be because I am at SEVENTEEN!

Jacolette

Say goodbye...

2011-07-06T10:09:00.003+02:00

I can't believe this day has actually arrived...
I don't want to say goodbye to this awesome seventeam. I am so going to miss Taugheedah's saying, " Chanel another box has arrived". I get so excited then because I get to unpack it. It can be anything from Guess and Tomato watches, Sissy boy and Levis shoes to dresses and skirts.

Juanita and I had our lunch break on the 22nd floor canteen, took pictures on the pretty 12th floor and explored the CBD.

I have made so many memories and had the experience of a Iife time. Nandi, Belinda, Carmen, Juanita and Charne were the best intern friends I have ever had and I will never forget all the fun times I had with them – love you guys!

I have really learnt so much in the past seven days while working at seventeen magazine. I am now ready to start my career in fashion.

I salute you seventeen Magazine
Love and Hugs
Chanel

Stats and Supersistas

2011-07-06T10:02:00.003+02:00

My second day at the seventeen offices is almost over; I still can’t believe how fast the days go by here! Today I met Roxanne, the Assistant Digital Editor, and she showed me how the stats for the seventeen website work. It was surprisingly really interesting!

We had a ‘stats meeting’ in the afternoon and spoke about the website’s traffic and what makes the readers want to come onto the site. Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez articles are the most popular – being the huge Belieber that I am, I think the majority of those clicks were probably from me *embarrassed face*.

When I was told I would be interning with the Digital Editor, my first thought was “Huh?” I had no idea that digital editors even existed, but now that I’ve seen all the hard work they put in to attract attention to the mag, I realise they play a VERY important role in the magazine biz.

While I was updating the blog, I saw that one of the interns Nandi, called me a supersista! Woohoo thanks Nandi! It’s weird that I haven’t had a chance to have a proper convo with the other interns yet, but they seem really cool! The seventeen offices, despite my expectations, are quiet and calm for the majority of the time. There’s no screaming and shouting and throwing around of papers! But then again, that stuff usually only happens during deadline week.
I wrote two gossip articles, one was on Taylor Momsen ,who I really can’t stand, but I managed to put aside my ‘differences’ and write a lightly toned story about her and her new beau. One of the sources said “They're well-matched given their joint love of black eyeliner." That made me LOL.

I’m quite upset that my second day is already over, that means I only have three days left here! *tear*. But I’m definitely going to make the most of them, looking forward to tomorrow!

Love & Lipgloss
Sarah :)
xx

The September Issue

2011-07-06T09:57:00.002+02:00

Yet, another day in the life of a seventeen intern! Today, we (the interns) got to sit in on the production meeting for The September Issue of Seventeen but ,unlike (what I’m guessing) is a very tense meeting with Anna Wintour, the lovely ladies of Seventeen were cracking jokes and having a ball! While in a meeting! If ever I had a doubt about working at seventeen, they are all gone and I am sold!

I think above all, I absolutely love the fact that everyone here is so super polite and helpful. Which, of course kills those insane notions that women in the magazine industry are snobbish and only care about selling their preconcieved ideas of perfection to the well, not so perfect. And at the end of the day, that is what sets seventeen apart from the rest.

Speaking of September, the weather today was better than yesterday. The beautiful sun came out and blessed us with happiness. And I got to wear my sandals! (Yay!) It’s kind of funny, how the right weather or the right outfit changes your mood. But, that does not mean that you have to be sad on a rainy day. It’s all in your mind. Make the sun shine on your own time. There’s no stopping you.

Wishing you lots of sunshine and happiness,
Maroefah!

New week, new interns

2011-07-05T13:10:00.003+02:00

So it’s the second week of my internship here at seventeen.
This week I’m busy with my blog posts and somehow I feel like I have been staring at this particular one for way too long. Every time I come back from lunch or the bathroom, I find something wrong with it. I still like to believe that it’s a perfect piece of writing, LOL.

This week’s interns arrived today, they seem nice, but too quiet and reserved. I miss Belz, Milly and Charne, but I can’t wait to get to know the other interns – they also seem pretty cool.

The one girl Sarah landed in Cape Town this morning from Joburg and came straight to work – talk about being a supersista!
I love being here; I love the people I get to work with. But most importantly- I love the fact that I still get to wake up every morning and work for seventeen the most awesome mag in the land!

Until tomorrow
Nandi

Am I still dreaming??

2011-07-05T10:51:00.003+02:00

It was 3:30am when I heard the dreaded sound of my phone’s alarm go off, waking me from my sweet dream about Ian Somerhalder (sigh). Instead of hitting the snooze button and immersing myself back into a slumber, I jumped out of bed and felt immediately ready to begin the epic journey to Cape Town for my week-long internship at my favourite magazine. I had to pinch myself to make sure I wasn’t still dreaming!

Walking in to seventeen magazine HQ this morning, I must admit I felt a bit like Ugly Betty, mostly because I probably looked like a mess after sitting on an airplane for two hours and trudging through cold winds to get to the offices. But nevertheless, after my confusing trip up the elevator, I was greeted by a bunch of smiling faces, and after a couple of friendly introductions, all my nerves disappeared and I felt like I’d finally found where I was meant to be – cheesy I know, but true!

Khwezi, the editor of seventeen, gave her ‘opening speech’ and introduced the rest of the seventeam to the new interns. Meeting Khwezi was like meeting a real-life celebrity. I’d seen her picture in the front of every issue of seventeen, but seeing her standing in front of me... I felt completely star-struck! Anna Wintour had me thinking that all magazine editors were, well, bitchy, but Khwezi definitely shattered that stereotype!

The awesome digital editing team, including Kerry and Jennifer , told me about the digi side of the mag. Kerry showed me how the website worked, and how to update this wonderful blog. I had to write my first gossip article, on Mr Hotness himself Zac Efron, which was so much fun! I spend way too much of my time online, and I’m celebrity crazed, so I had no complaints on putting together a gossip quickie, I can’t wait to write more!

Being in Matric this year, I’m hoping this experience will help me decide what I should study next year. I’ve always wanted to work in the media, but I’ve never had the chance to find out if working in the fast-paced world of print media is really for me, so I’m so extremely grateful to be presented with this amazing opportunity! I really can’t wait to get a good night’s sleep and wake up, not at 3:30am, tomorrow morning ready for another day living my dream!

Love & Lipgloss
Sarah

Je m'appelle Maroefah!

2011-07-05T10:46:00.003+02:00

This means my name is Maroefah in French, a language that I want to learn. I still can’t believe I am working at seventeen magazine.
I applied for this internship about a million times (Just kidding! I think it was three times).

I was starting to believe that it was simply not meant to be. And then I remembered what my wise grandmother always used to tell me, “try and try again”. And I guess persistence is the key to success because here I am.

I was nervous when I came here because (to me) damp and windy weather always signifies doom. And I’d hate to think that the career I have dreamt about my whole life was doomed before it even began.

That had me questioning a lot of things, like am I making the right choice by becoming a magazine journalist? Well, that thought didn’t last very long after I got to seventeen HQ. I had to do some research (weird, because I actually love researching) for a story to pitch in my first features meeting.

All in all, it was a fantastic day! I got to meet the entire seventeam and I was so excited that I think I arrived way too early. But, what can I say; you can’t stop an eager beaver.

Au revoir mon amie ,
Maroefah

A gloomy day in 17 land

2011-07-05T10:18:00.003+02:00

I was so sad not to see Carmen, Belinda and Charne’s faces when I got to the office this morning.
They finished up their internships on Friday and now it’s just Chanel, Nandi and I. The new interns started today, but we still miss the others.

I have just finished my career timeline drafts: I had to sort and download the pictures because they were sent in individual emails (not cool!) and now I have to get cracking on my MacGyver Knife interview.

Taugheedah, the fashion editor, has been doing castings for future shoots all morning, which means models have been in and out of seventeen HQ. Feeling guilty about the way I have been eating, I decided to buy a takeaway salad and a slice of bread for lunch. Ha ha!

It’s quite gloomy outside today and I can’t help looking to my left and being the tiniest bit sad that Belinda and Carmen aren’t sitting next to me. Today is my second last day at the seventeen academy intern, so maybe the way I feel is having an effect on the weather because it certainly looks like it.
I still got love mad for seventeeners.

Love
Juanita (entertainment)

All I can say is WOW!

2011-07-05T10:02:00.005+02:00

My first day was scary, but fun at the same time. I didn't have a clue what to expect and the whole environment was all very new to me.

I spent some time on my own throwing bits and pieces together to create a collage and get inspired. And then I spent more time after lunch with the art intern, Judi. She told me about how each page of the magazine is carefully designed to fit the many techniques and rules for the mag.

It was really a great experience and I thoroughly enjoyed everything. It has helped me be more decisive about where I'm going in the near future, and I have definitely learnt a lot.

Love
Juanita Nunes

All good things come to an end

2011-07-04T16:26:00.003+02:00

My last post for my last day at seventeen magazine, it was the most awesome one by far.

Taugheedah and I went to the Cape Town Fashion Council (CTFC) and I had such a great time there. We judged the new face for AFI who will also walk the catwalk at the SA Fashion Week. The event was graced by the most beautiful models I had ever seen.

There was a particular model that caught our eye; her name was Akuol De Mabior. Unfortunately she could not be chosen because she was not South African. I also met the lovely Tatum Keshwar (Miss South Africa 2008). She is the friendliest person ever and so down to earth.

I have made so many contacts and met so many people in this amazing industry while working at seventeen and I wish it didn’t have to end. With that in my pocket, I will forever be grateful for this opportunity and I just can’t wait to start my career.

It’s time to say goodbye to my intern friend Carmen, I love this girl and we‘ve had so much fun together, but we will definitely keep in touch.

Just when I was about to send my blog post in, Khwezi called us to the boardroom. They had arranged a little farewell party for us...it was so sad.

I loved every moment as a seventeen intern and I can’t believe it’s already over.

Kiss kiss,
Chanel

No Hoorays for Friday!

2011-07-04T15:06:00.004+02:00

I came in to work at 9am today because I had quite a lot to wrap up.

I still had to write my article on MacGyver Knife. I had recorded the interview so that I don’t get any facts wrong. As easy as it might seem, getting the article done was quite a process.

I worked on a rough draft which I had to send to Zainab by the end of the day. I was feeling the pressure of my deadlines, but it was a good kind of pressure. I can’t wait for the article to get published, I worked so hard on it and it feels really good.

I also worked on my timelines and researched a gaming quiz that I would be doing. The aim of the quiz was to find out what type of video gamer you are. I also researched the latest games out there to tie in to the quiz as well*so exciting*. My deadline for that is Monday so I’ll have the entire weekend to do it – it’s like homework, only so much cooler!

Friday was also Carmen and Belinda’s last day with us at the seventeen Academy. I can’t believe it’s been a week already, the time has just flown by.

I hated seeing them go. The little farewell party for them was such a sweet thing to do *sniff sniff* *sad eyes*

Ta ta for now...
Juanita

And the Award goes to...

2011-07-04T14:46:00.002+02:00

This is our last day of our internship at seventeen We have enjoyed ourselves here and we are more fabulous than when we went in. To honour people who made my time here as memorable as it has been, I felt it worthy to give a few awards.

In that spirit…

The award for the best sense of humour goes to…
Charne – She is that girl that always makes you laugh, but doesn’t know it.

Earliest girl at work...
Carmen – interns have to report to work at 10am...this girl has been coming to work at 9:25 for 4 days in a row. Don’t believe me; check the register at the office.

The Lunchtime award
Carmen – She is our lunch bell. She never fails to remind us that it’s lunch time.

The “Stripes, flowers and lace” fashion award –
Chanel – The fashion intern that dresses the part, like Khwezi said at the farewell party, with a name like Chanel, what else can she do?

The Flawless make-up award goes to...
Belinda – She is always on point with her make-up.

The storyteller award-
Thabz – The girl is a rock star at lunch time. She’ll have us asking- who? What? Where? With the stories she has to tell.

The most enchanting smile...
Juanita – If you forget everything else about this week, you will remember her smile.

The Editors award
Belinda – One day is one day. This girl was made for what she wants to do - I mean, just look at her!

Well there you have it... to the lovely ladies I got to meet this week, may our paths cross again soon, and may there be stripes, lace and lots of make-up LOL!

Till we meet again,
Nandi

Magazine Fast Lane

2011-07-04T12:59:00.005+02:00

What looked like a terrible morning when I opened my bedroom curtains, turned out to be the most fun and beautiful day of my week!

Thinking it was going to be cold and wet, I walked out in my boots and winter coat. I nervously awaited a, "Sorry, we won't ride the Vespas today, the weather's too gloomy", but instead I was greeted with sunny skies and smiling faces and the opportunity to test drive the cutest little scooter in town – The Vespa.

Jessica and I went to the Vespa showroom and were greeted by their employees who bombarded us with every piece of Vespa 411 in the manual! From engine capacity to price ranges and manufacturing – by the time we left, we were pros!
Enough with the theory, let's ride. Needless to say, it was like flying (well, flying really slowly. It was my first time after all!). It was surprisingly easy to ride and handle and makes one feel incredibly cool and sexy! It's DEFINITELY a must-have for your Christmas list!

It was back to the office and when we got there, there was a party thrown for the interns who were leaving. We all received cute little goodie bags and a pink certificate for our hard work as seventeen's 2011 interns.
In my week here, I have learned so much in terms of realising the path that I'm on and if it's the right one. I learnt that maybe I want to work as a feature editor as opposed to having always wanted to be a fashion editor. It always sounded "cool" LOL.

I also appreciate the value of a magazine a lot more now that I've actually worked for one! Next time I even think about putting a pair of scissors to a magazine, I will most DEFINITELY think twice!

Now to send my SHOUT OUTS.

I would like to say a huuuuge THANK YOU to Jess Manim, Khwezi Magwaza, my fellow interns and the entire seventeam for making this experience so worthwhile and fun. I truly respect what they do here and really hope to be a permanent part of the industry one day *hint to the editors*!

Lots of Love,
Queen Bee

WORK! WORK! WORK...and Wine gums

2011-07-01T16:31:00.006+02:00

I can’t believe that my last day at seventeen is almost here *sad face*. This week flew past so incredibly fast. I am a little sad that it’s almost over. Seventeen HQ has been home, and I’ve grown comfortable here during these past few days. Everyone is so friendly and they answer all our never-ending questions. I have learned so much in such a short space of time.

Running a magazine is difficult, I can’t imagine how much work poor Khwezi has to do. Wow! I’ve decided that regardless of that, I still really want her job LOL...that’s why I’m here I guess!

In my time here, I got first-hand experience of what an Editor has to do, a nice break from my unrealistic rose-coloured goals of being the next Meryl Streep! The work was fairly less stressful than yesterday I must admit. My interviewees have all pulled through (You rock guys!) and things seem to be falling into place.

Yesterday I felt as if everything was scattered on the ground and I’m glad it’s finally coming together! My time as a seventeen intern is coming to an end and I am truly grateful for the opportunity...I’ll go through all the “thank yous” and “goodbyes” tomorrow in my last blog post. Not everyone gets opportunities like this and it’s amazing that I’m one of the girls that did.

Mwah...
Belinda

In My Element

2011-07-01T16:08:00.007+02:00

9.30am: I got to the seventeen office – it seems like all the interns arrive earlier and earlier everyday. I guess we enjoy what we are doing that much*rolling eyes*!

I decided to make a change today, instead of writing my blog post late like I usually do, I started at 10am. I keep forgetting that little thing called a deadline that creeps up at 3pm, but not today. My list of tasks for the day was...well, quite lengthy I must say.

I spent most of my day stressing about my feature on successful South Africans. It’s a lot harder than I thought!

3.05pm: I got back from my interview with the band MacGyver Knife...Yay. They are the most chilled out guys I know...listen to me talking like we’ve been friends for years. They are so full of jokes and I couldn’t help laughing at the punches they were cracking out at each other.

Zainab and I recorded the interview, so now I just needed to turn it into an article.

In typical celebrity style, the entertainment industry big shots I contacted yesterday either chickened out or were way too busy to reply to my questions (so uncool!). But no worries because we have backups!

On a different note: I got some light reading to take home, Meg Cabot’s (the same author that graced us with The Princess Diaries series) brand new trilogy. I read the first chapter, but didn’t really enjoy it because I think it was a little too dark and twisted for me. Then again, I’m the girl who had nightmares for six months after my 13th birthday party which had a scary theme.

I had an awesome time interviewing MacGyver Knife and I think the media bug just bit me. I even love the writing side of it.

Peace, love and sparkles...
Juanita, entertainment intern

Fabulous interns, for a fabulous magazine!

2011-07-01T14:25:00.001+02:00

If I could describe my day in one word it would be, inspiring. I can actually imagine how people get so caught up in their work, that they forget what amazing people they are working with.

For the first time, me and my colleagues huddled together to work on a mini assignment that we were given. We had to make a list about the things we love (link to seventeen loves), that we think seventeen readers would love too. From 500 days of Summer, to the latest mascara, to lip tint, our list could have gone on for days. What I loved about this assignment was that it taught me so much about my colleagues, who I previously knew very little about. I’m going to be brave, and write my thoughts down. I might be wrong and make them hate me forever, but on the other hand, I might be right and we could all be friends forever! So here goes…

Let me start with Carmen. Carmen is little Miss Creative, she likes taking pictures and making things pretty, she’s also really shy but very warm with an inviting smile. She’s the kind of girl, who not only wants to be the part, but she also wants to look the part (and she does). She’s the kind of girl who waits to take everyone up to lunch- and then takes a picture of them.

Belinda on the other hand, is Miss Fabulosity! She’s the kind of girl who has her hair, make up, and nails done to the T. She is as tall as a palm tree and has the kind of voice that makes you listen. While we were all talking about the fabulous things we love, mentioning things like our favourite albums, and favourite places to hang out, she whipped out the largest mascara stick I have ever seen in my life, I mean that thing was huge, and was like, “This is my favourite thing at the moment.” Lol you’ve got to love seventeen girls!

Then there’s the sweetest blonde among us, Chanel. You can’t miss Chanel; she has the blondest hair, and the broadest smile. And if I remember nothing else from my time here, the one thing I won’t forget is that, “Stripes and lace, are in this season… stripes and lace are in.”

Now I don’t know all the interns at the academy…. yet. But knowing me, we’ll all have nicknames for each other, by the end of the week.

Being an intern at seventeen magazine is about much more than working on the magazine, it’s also about meeting fabulous people who make you love working on the magazine a whole lot more.

Till tomorrow
Nandi

Designing a masterpiece

2011-07-01T14:12:00.004+02:00

Oh how time flies when you are having fun.

On my fourth day, I had to create a banner in Adobe Indesign. My design knowledge wasn’t that great because we still have to get formal training on that at varsity. I have had a few tutorials on Indesign though and that helped to put my masterpiece together.I did have to ask Sally, our art director to help me at one stage.

I also sat down with Judi Winzker who is also an intern and she gave me some tips on working with Indesign. I worked on the seventeen Diary for next year which is so cool. I can insert my own designs and that just made my day.

Thursday was awesome!

Hugs & Kisses

Carmen

And then a tear rolls down my cheek...

2011-07-01T10:43:00.006+02:00

Today is Thursday, meaning tomorrow is Friday, which means I’m a day away from saying goodbye to the seventeam (tear rolls down cheek). I have been seventeenified, so I’m allowed to be dramatic, okay! LOL.

This experience has given me extra motivation to complete my studies, not that I was considering dropping out. I guess it’s just shown me what I’m working towards, what awaits me on the other side. And so far, I like what I see. It has reassured me that I have chosen the right courses to study, BA in Film, Media and Screenwriting. I am dead sure that the media industry is where I belong.

And although my time here is almost over, I feel inspired, motivated and content thanks to the seventeam. In one word, I am happy..”

I found a little poster at the PC on my desk that reads, “do what makes you oh-so happy
I will carry this wisdom with me from here on out.

Smiles and tears,
Charne :)

End of week blues

2011-07-01T08:49:00.003+02:00

Fourth day at seventeen, my time here is almost up and I’m really sad about it*sad face*.

I spent the day doing research on teen celebrities like Biebs and his GF Selena Gomez. I researched their fashion styles ,hair and make-up and I also looked at the hottest trends on the catwalk for spring.

I get to do the most fabulous things ever, I check which colours suit which skin tones and why. I got so caught up in my research that I couldn’t stop reading.

Friday will be so sad for the other girls and I, two of our friends will leave the seventeam and it seems like time is flying past.
We are sure going to miss them! I’m still looking forward to the rest of my internship.

Kiss Kiss
Chanel [fashion intern]

Great experiences

2011-06-30T17:04:00.003+02:00

Today was my third day at seventeen and yes I am enjoying every single second that I am here! I’m going to miss the office so much when my time is done.

Today I came in early again just to settle in before I start working. After settling in I began working on the project I was assigned to yesterday, I ended my search for the images I found in issues of seventeen. I then had to use those images to create five different types of banners for a subscription offer. After my first banner, I went for lunch with the other interns. We had a nice chat and after lunch we took some pictures.

When came back to the office, Khwezi was being filmed for an interview so we sat down and listened. After the interview I carried on with the banners, I am learning so much from Sally –I’m really loving this experience!

Hugs & Kisses
Carmen

Be Nice....

2011-06-30T15:25:00.009+02:00

I’ve heard people, females in particular, saying things along the lines of, ‘You need to be a bitch to make it to the top.’ The funny thing though, is that those people are usually nowhere near ‘the top’. I have reason to believe that this is because you need to, in fact, be nice in order to get ahead in life. And as I sit in the seventeen offices, this theory is, once again, proving to be correct.

Anna Wintour, the editor in chief of America Vogue, has nothing on our lady Khwezi; she is elegant in the most humble manner. She is easy-going, and ‘cool’ by definition. She is successful and I think it’s safe to say she is right at ‘the top’ of the game. But above all, she is nice, yes; this magazine editor is one of the nicest people ever. I reckon she has risen to the top not only because of her big brain and hard work, but also because of her personality.

People prefer those who are nice, and when working in the media industry, where people depend on each other, it pays to be nice. Not fake, but genuinely nice. Treat people with respect, be kind and friendly. And together with hard work, you will surely make a success of yourself.

On that note, the other 17 Academy girls are the sweetest little bunch. Today I got to know them a bit better and boy, are they cute. We ate lunch together on the 22nd floor, and took a few pictures on our way back.

Stay sweet,
Charné!

Third day’s charm

2011-06-30T14:23:00.009+02:00

My third day as fashion intern at seventeen and it was definitely one to remember. Taugheedah, the fashion editor, and I attended the Calvin Klein jewellery and watch collection launch in Bantry Bay where we looked at their new accessory range. It was all so beautiful!

I got to meet and hang out with so many different kinds of people at the launch – working for a magazine is so cool, you get to meet A-listers and go to great launches.

When we got back to the office (with our fab Calvin Klein hampers, of course), Taugheedah and I had a meeting with Khwezi, the editor, and Sally, the art director, to discuss the fashion pages for the October issue.

I also had to present my ideas for my pages to them. Then all the interns received an email saying that we get to be part of the seventeen loves page that will appear in the October issue (exciting)!

You guys better not miss it because you will get to see what we love. I have made such great friends in the past three days. Carmen, Juanita, Belinda and Nandi are the funniest girls ever! The whole seventeam is so kind and lovely that you just can't help loving them. I'm looking forward to the rest of the week.

Hugs
Chanel

Lights, Camera, Action

2011-06-30T13:42:00.005+02:00

It was gloomy all morning and the sun only started to shine at 3:34 pm. Fashionably late, she showed her glorious self, which was still a nice way to end the day, I think.

I got to the seventeen offices and had an early meeting with Zainab to discuss my interview questions for MacGyver Knife, the band I will be interviewing. I’m feeling a bit nervous because this is my first band interview (Eek!).

Jessica, the deputy editor, emailed us tips on compiling a list of random things we absolutely love at the moment. While the rest of the seventeam sat quietly at work, all the interns formed a little circle of chairs chatting away about ideas ranging from favourite music to restaurants.

I had a meeting with Khwezi and Zainab regarding the October Careers issue’s Scene section. During our lunch break, the girls and I took the lift to the canteen. We are almost veterans at moving around the building without getting lost now.

On our way up, the doors opened and we saw the most magical foyer with colourful retro chairs and wallpaper. We had landed on an interior decorating magazine’s floor and we just had to go and introduce ourselves. They said we could explore the funky furniture, so with our camera ready, we went exploring and took some really cool pics.

We got back to the office after our ‘photo shoot’ only to find Khwezi in a television interview. There was a camera crew in our workspaces so we had to be patient. After what felt like forever, I sent off my careers (link to career of the month) interview emails to some South African A-listers (2 out of 3 have replied so far… yay!).

So it was a pretty productive day for me.

Juanita, entertainment intern

seventeen loves... an impromptu photo session

2011-06-30T13:14:00.007+02:00

Being the good intern that I am, I decided to go to the office a few minutes earlier than usual yesterday. I wanted to get a head-start on my assignments as deadlines were creeping in fast!

The weather in Cape Town was slightly depressing on our third day at Seventeen HQ, it was raining in the morning and the sun was nowhere to be seen. Thank heavens for seventeen, with so much to do, who has time to worry about the weather?

Although it was still fun, Wednesday wasn't as eventful as the previous days in terms of meetings and cheese sculptures (LOL).

One of the most exciting things that we had to do was contribute to the 'seventeen loves’ page of the mag. That was cool because all the interns got a chance to get together and chat about the stuff we like. We shared experiences of bands, shops, make-up and music. It was great to hear what the other girls find interesting and fun to do.

The girls and I spent a good part of lunch time snapping cute shots for this blog and had a great time taking pics outside the Home department on the 20th floor. We found the cutest little ‘knitted’ chair that we thought would make a GREAT prop for a more ‘modern’ photo shoot. People walked past us taking random photos of ourselves in the canteen as well as on the 20th floor and could immediately tell that we were interns...*blush*.

xoxo,
Belinda

Fish, Nik Naks and cheese

2011-06-29T14:40:00.004+02:00

I hopped on to the train this morning to get to work. It smelled like fish and Nik Naks but I carried on. Got to seventeen HQ, made myself some tea and got ready for the day.

We had a quick production meeting to track the progress of the September issue, it was great to sit in and absorb the planning that goes towards creating the glossy mag. We see it on the shelves, but never realise how much work actually goes into creating it and now I am a part of that.

Then the most random thing happened; Khwezi was sent a huge sculpture of her head made out of cheese I think she was crowned dairy queen of the year. There was talk of having a fondue get-together, which I personally think is rather freaky but really funny at the same time because she had to pose for photos and say ‘CHEESE’!

Then it was back to work, I had to empty and sort out a whole stack of job bags, not so nice! Zainab, link to career profile the entertainment editor, gave me some CDs to review which was great. Who doesn’t love listening to music right? Then I had to do some more research on a local band MacGyver Knife who I’m going to be interviewing on Thursday*sweet*.

I also added some finished magazine content to the dummy board and we are all franticly working on our features and articles for the October careers issue.

At lunch the other girls and I discussed ideas for our tasks and our plans for the rest of the year. All I can say is that we are so happy to be some of the lucky few to be part of the seventeen academy for 2011. It is the most amazing opportunity and I urge every girl who is interested in the mag business to be brave, put yourself out there and make the effort to apply.

Kisses,
Juanita

A pathway to opportunity

2011-06-29T12:55:00.005+02:00

My second day was as always, better than the first. I figured out a short way to walk to get to work – so I was here pretty early, and this time my hair and face were still in one piece.

Struggling with the lifts is a thing of the past and I can get to the bathrooms without pausing and looking left and right. I’m calling my colleagues by their right names and I’ve even added some of them on Facebook, *impressive stuff*.

So you could say I got everything I wanted out of day number two. Well, almost everything. I spent the day working on an article that had me captivated in a conversation with myself all day.

I researched alternatives that Matrics could take, instead of going to university. I was like what? You can’t be serious! Over the years I have deemed myself a chief advocate of varsity education, and now you want me to write an article about alternatives?

I couldn’t understand why someone wouldn’t go to university if they could afford to? This is what generations and generations of young ladies fought for, and now 21st century ladies are considering alternatives?

Don’t get me wrong, if it is impossible for you to go varsity for some reason – I won’t judge, but if you’re young and can go there, then you should try by any means possible to go to university.

Varsity isn’t just the pathway to riches of the earth, but it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. We live in a world where the best stuff is locked up, and unfortunately, the key to the door is in universities.

You can be successful without a university degree, but having it will open up so many channels to success. I sit here with my beautiful fellow seventeen magazine interns, we don’t have university degrees yet (and we’re still fabulous), but we’re all pursuing them. And for most of us, that’s the reason we’re here. For us, university isn’t everything, but it definitely is a pathway to opportunity.

Smooches,
Nandi

Getting closer to my goal

2011-06-29T11:15:00.004+02:00

Words can't describe the unbelievable experience that I'm having at seventeen magazine. When we arrived this morning we all had a production meeting where we discussed the September issue. Afterwards the work started and I'm working on my own fashion page for the October issue, which I'm very excited about. This is an opportunity to be creative in my own way and choose my own trends to showcase – so watch this space girls!

I am working on some references for classic lace and antique fabric styles for my fashion page, which I have to present to the fashion editor and editor tomorrow.

Taugheedah and I will be attending a Calvin Klein watch and jewellery collection launch in Bantry Bay tomorrow, which I'm really looking forward to. Every day at seventeen is a day closer to my goal and I’m loving it!

bows and hearts,
Chanel

Picking up the pace!

2011-06-29T10:27:00.004+02:00

So I survived my first day as a seventeen magazine intern. And then Tuesday came, it was a bit more draining than the first day with deadlines creeping up by the hour.
I'll admit, seeing my first real deadline was...err, well it had me on the edge. I’m starting to realise that researching articles and finding the perfect interviewee is NOT an easy job!

I sat for hours trying to find the right person to interview for an article but it proved to be more difficult than I thought. And it seemed like time was intentionally running faster just to spite me.

We had a production meeting in the morning, how professional LOL. The seventeam discussed the progress of the mag thus far, what’s done, what isn’t and why, that kind of stuff. In typical intern style, we just sat there and listened.
After the meeting, we returned to our busy deadline chasing selves. Whilst everyone was “hard at work”, Khwezi receives a little present: A sculpture of her face made entirely of...cheese.It was awkward to say the least but still extremely hilarious, especially when she exclaimed, “I’m not gonna eat my face!”.

On our lunch break, the other interns and I decided to check if our blogs had been posted yet. We were amazed to see how fast they had been put up and how long some were (cough cough – *blush*). In my defence though, I was told to make it lengthy just in case you liked what I was saying or something!
And with that said, I think I’ll stop now.

Hugs and kisses,
Belinda

Still fighting the nerves

2011-06-29T08:50:00.002+02:00

My second day at seventeen and so far it’s been so good. I actually have no idea why I get so nervous because there is nothing to be nervous about but yet I am. I guess it’s because it’s still hard to believe that I am interning at seventeen. I arrived at work at 9:30 am although we only start at 10 am; I wanted to be early to try and find my way around and settle in.

Today I experienced my first production meeting, where they discussed how far they are in the magazine and what still needs to be done. It was nice to get a feel of how things run at seventeen. After the meeting I was sitting next to Sally,the art director, watching her work and while she was working I asked questions and she gave me advice.

I was then assigned to do deep-etching and worked my magic in Photoshop. I took my lunch break with my new friends and we went to the cafeteria on the 22nd floor. Coming back from lunch I went through old seventeen magazines looking for images that can be used in marketing to promote the brand. Time really flew today, but I had an awesome time!

Hugs & kisses
Carmen

20 going on Seventeen

2011-06-28T16:32:00.003+02:00

"Find something you love to do, and you'll never work a day in your life" – Harvey MacKay.

Well said sir, and also so true. Day two is well underway, and I can’t say I’ve been working hard because being online all day is something of a dream come true for me. If anything, this experience has shown me that studying to become something you’d love to be is worth every grey hair grown in the process. As opposed to working because you need to, at seventeen we work because we love it. Wow, look at me so much wiser and it’s only but the second day. Seventeen has a wonderful effect on me to say the least.

Today I wrote two gossip articles and then Kerry, the content producer,showed me how to update this blog, so I will be uploading my own blog posts as well as all the other girls’ posts from now on. Learning how to do something, and then getting what you learned right is probably one of the best feelings in the world. I have a sneaky suspicion I will be feeling it quite often this week.

Amped for the rest of my days at Seventeen.

Love and Light,
Charne

Introducing Entertainment 101

2011-06-28T15:29:00.003+02:00

Last night I set my alarm for 6 am but ended up waking up at 5 am – I was so excited about my first day of interning at seventeen. I couldn't handle having to wait another hour!

After we arrived at the offices, we were each assigned a desk and then waited for the rest of the girls to arrive before being huddled into one of the aisles for a little ‘meet and greet’ with the rest of the girls and the seventeam. After that we were each given our individual tasks for the day: lots of research for me! I have to think of ideas we can use for October’s entertainment section of the mag – known as Scene to all of you. Later today, I’ll be meeting with Zainab , the entertainment editor, to discuss these ideas then we’ll have a meeting with Khwezi the editor, where we’ll decide what will work for the issue.

I’ve been at work all morning doing research on people that have successful careers. I need to create a timeline about their journey on becoming who they are today and this includes how they built their career, what they studied and what steps they took to get to the top. All of this will tie together for a possible careers feature in the October issue.

One thing I can say about being an intern or part of the seventeam in general, is that it takes a lot of hard work, dedication and passion to create such an amazing magazine. According to Zainab, there are definitely perks such as CD launches, VIP events, interviews with celebs and sneak peeks with all sorts of entertainment brands. But what really adds to the coolness of it all is that by writing, we interact with all the seventeen readers. I’m definitely ready to learn and soak up everything I can while I’m here.

Love & Lipgloss
Jaunita

One seventeen issue at a time

2011-06-28T14:29:00.004+02:00

I feel like I need a name change, something like ‘SuperNandi’ or ‘SuperSista’. As I stood under a huge tree, trying to catch my breath after running from one end of the world to the other; pushing everyone out of the way; through the hooting and swearing of cab drivers’; a runny nose; and an irritating dry cough I had made it to my first day as an intern at seventeen magazine.

My first stop, as always, was the bathroom. To my horror, the somewhat stylish ‘phoof’ thing I did with my hair was destroyed. The pieces that I had framed perfectly around my face were anything but stylish, but fortunately – as always – the scarf in my handbag came to my rescue. After applying my trusted Vaseline on my lips, I was ready for what everyone had told me, would be one of the best internship experience of my life.

I don’t really consider myself a shy person, but everyone – even the other interns Yumna and Judi – looked like they belonged here. They looked like they had been working here forever, so a slight sense of insecurity followed me around for most of the morning. After the brief meeting where we introduced ourselves, I found out that I would be working with Khwezi , the editor – what? Can someone shoot me? Like now! Khwezi is the kind of person my friends and I stalk – LOL. For real though, journalism students stalk ex-journalism students, it’s what we do, so don’t judge me. Anyway, after a long chat in her office about what I would be doing, I concluded that she is, in fact, human so I carried on with the rest of the day.

I absolutely loved the fact that there were a whole lot of other interns here with me, and that we all sit close to each other. We share a herd mentality – following each other to the canteen, asking lots of questions and smiling (more than what is necessary), but hey, we’re interns so we’re at the bottom of the food chain and smiling goes a long way.

I also love the fact that I get to work with a big bunch of girls, not in a creepy way, but in a ‘me and my sistas’ kinda way. Everyone knows what they’re doing, and they look fabulous while doing their jobs. It’s like a kind of a sorority in a way, but a really, really cool one, where no one goes home with gum in their hair

As I pack my bags, and switch off my computer, not only do I feel like a young journalist getting ready to earn another stripe, but I also feel like a young girl being accepted into a family of girls, who run the world, one seventeen issue at a time.

xoxo
Nandipha Pantsi

Getting creative

2011-06-28T13:09:00.003+02:00

I was so nervous to start at seventeen and I did not know what to expect. I arrived here and was introduced to all the staff and the other interns; everybody that works here is so friendly and makes you feel right at home.

I met Sally, the Art Director, and she assigned me tasks to do. I had to use magazines and cut out pictures that inspire me, and help me with my experience at seventeen magazine. After finishing my assignment I deep-etched some pictures.

Although I've been busy, I've also made a couple friends. I am loving this experience so much!

Kisses,
Carmen

Learning all about fashion

2011-06-28T12:00:00.003+02:00

Today was my first day as a fashion intern at seventeen, and already all I can think is 'WOW'! What an experience it was! I work alongside Taugheedah, the fashion editor, doing all sorts of things for her. Some of the things I had to do was unpack a box of shoes and check that everything was in the box (it was so much fun); I also had to mark PDFs for Sass Diva so that they can see which products we've featured in the magazine; and I had to get references on spring fashion for the October issue.

Taugheedah is so helpful and friendly I've really learned so much from her today especially about what goes into the layout of the fashion pages, references and searching for models to be in the magazine.

Being a fashion intern for seventeen is the biggest honour ever! I'm so excited to be part of the seventeam and can't wait for the rest of the week. Watch this space, there's definitely more to come!

Chanel Bene
xx

Question marks and the Bieber

2011-06-28T10:05:00.003+02:00

After watching The Devil Wears Prada and The September Issue the magazine world seems daunting, but my first day at the 17 Academy dispelled any assumptions I might have had about magazine women!

They are a polite and friendly bunch. One similarity is that they are extremely polished and well dressed ladies, I feel like I should watch a few episodes of Gossip Girl before entering the office again. They were all very welcoming and sweet.

I got right to work upon entering the office, I had many question throughout the day, all of which were answered (except for how Prince Harry and Chelsea Davy met?). I now know how the polls we love so much get made (I have got to admit, I feel somewhat enlightened). I also had the privilege of writing my first ever gossip article on none other than Justin Bieber! Who better to write a first gossip article on, right?

I went lift surfing in this magical building and eventually found my way back to the seventeen office. The day went by so quickly, I can hardly wait to discover more little jewels of knowledge tomorrow.

Love and kisses,
Charné

Features Intern Belinda is Ready to Start

2011-06-27T17:32:00.002+02:00

I arrived at the seventeen Magazine offices at 9:50am, ready to start my eight-hour day as a seventeen intern. My heart was racing with excitement as the cab dropped me off outside the Naspers Building in Cape Town. Not knowing what to expect, I walked through the glass doors that opened up to the seventeen offices and beyond those doors, I was faced with an average-sized office space of little cubicles and desks where the various contributors to the magazine sat, busily working their magic. I knew from the moment I walked through those doors that this is where I wanted to be. Following a warm and friendly greeting by the magazine's deputy editor, Jessica Manim, I, along with the other interns, was introduced to the rest of the team and seventeen's editor, Khwezi Magwaza.

The walls are adorned with posters of previous seventeen covers and being in the middle of Cape Town's CBD, the view is a city lover's dream. After the introductions, we were assigned working spaces and then given assignments for the day, such as this blog, as well as for the end of the week/internship, which include various articles and little tit-bits that we have to write for the magazine.

We then had a meeting with Khwezi (the editor) where we were briefed on our assignments as features interns. We were given a breakdown of what we had to do for the magazine and we spent some time discussing issues of seventeen from other countries such as Malaysia, USA and Mexico. It was interesting to see how other countries interpret the same magazine. We also discussed how the South African version competes with the rest in terms of style, covers and content.

After getting briefed on our assignments, we were sent to lunch and then back to work for the rest of the day. The office grew quiet as people began furiously typing and clicking away at their computers.

I've done job-shadowing and work-experience before but this is my first internship and although it's only the first day, I love it! I like being given responsibility instead of sitting around watching people do their jobs and I’m loving being able to intern for a magazine that’s whole image is about fun, laughter, youth and just living and loving life. I think that most of the people who work in the magazine also embody that image which makes the whole interning experience worthwhile. I'm keen to see where the next four days will take me and what I will learn from being a part of the seventeam for a week.

A Cup of Last Day Laughs with a Spoonful of Fashion

2010-07-26T11:51:00.007+02:00

To be honest, I don’t know to start this blog today. If I say this is my second last day here I would be acknowledging that Monday is my last day, and by doing that I would be acknowledging that I won’t be coming into work any more, and by doing that I would be acknowledging that this internship is over. And I simply don’t want to do that.
So instead, lets start like this. Oh, what a day I had. I finished my Voice Out, which I had a lot of fun writing. During lunch Shakirah, Donae and I sat outside in the sun (which failed at its attempt at being hot). Then we went into the furniture store and took some really cool but random pictures. And that, I think, sums up my day.
I must admit that I’m so looking forward to the Beauty Sale on Monday!All the products that have been sent to seventeen, the ones advertised in the magazine, have been piling up on the shelf so they’re selling it all. I wonder what they’re going to do with all the money. Perhaps they’re starting to save up so that they can hire me after I graduate next year… (That was a major hint if you didn’t get that.)
Another weekend. I know I complain a lot about Mondays. I even sometimes sing that song by The Boomtown Rats that goes, “Tell me why I don’t like Monday’s… I want to shoot the whole day down.” But this Monday will be different. Perhaps I should go look for songs that are all about loving Mondays because trust me, this coming Monday – the 26th of July 2010 – there won’t be anything that I don’t like. In fact, coming to work will no doubt be the highlight of my week.
Hurry up weekend! I can’t wait for Monday to come☺
– ¬Rutendo, Editor intern

I had a great last day here. I was here much earlier than usual because we were shootingat 9:30 at DIY studios and we had to get everything ready and packed to get there and prep. Before we went to the studio, we stopped at a secondhand store in Long Street called Second Time Around to pick up some skirts for the shoot.
When we arrived I hung out and steamed all the clothing, cut off tags and wiped the glasses clean. Then we shot all the sling handbags, the shoes and finally the outfits and jewellery. The whole thing took just over two hours and it was great to experience it.
Once we got back, I unpacked everything and made some photocopies of slips, filled them in and went on lunch. The rest of the day was chilled: we just packed clothing up to be sent back.
The last two weeks have been a real learning experience for myself: not only about the magazine industry, but about people’s different personalitiesand about myself and who I am as a person. For that fact alone its been well worth it. I will always carry this experience with me and it will help to develop me as a person and make my character stronger. I love growing, learning and gaining experience and I’m glad I could do a little of that here at seventeen magazine.
– Angie*, Fashion intern

It’s the last Friday that I’ll be here at seventeen! Sad day it is indeed. >sniff< It was BEAUTIFUL! The hot days and the rainy days I came and I sat in front of my pc working towards deadline. And deadline has come. And gone.
I just finished my Voice Out. I do hope it is good. Not much to say today, but Monday will be my last day here and I’ll be saying farewell to the team, Donae, Rutendo and Angelique! Had a good picture day today where we went all over the 17 offices and took random pics of well… EVERYTHING! Haha… it was fun! Aahh… memories indeed. I’ll be looking at those pics when I’m all grey and frail…
Looking forward to my last day at 17!
– Shakirah, Editorial intern

Today wasn’t much hard work. Stacey gave me a crash course on what an advertorial is and how it is created. She then briefed me about the advertorial for Young Solution. I then had to source images that could be used for the ad: images that depicted a problem-solvingscenario.
As I write this, I am filled with gratitude and much contentment for having an opportunity to get a taste of what always seemed to be a dream: interning at a magazine. Sadness fills me too, though, that everything must end some or other time. But this is not the end. When I complete my last year in graphic design, I will keep on doing internships such as this, apply wherever I can and just press on. Leaving home (East London) and college for two weeks was a tough decision to make. Firstly, only my mom supported my decision to take on this internship and only she listened to the voice deep within me other than the one that actually spoke, and secondly, I have missed out on a lot at college during these two weeks and will be chucked into the deep end when I get back. But it’s all right: I followed my heart and inner voice. So thanks mom, you encouraged my decision and I don’t regret it one bit because of what I leave with from here: memories, skills and experience. Because of this, I have moved a step further up to reaching my goals in life. Thanx 17.
– Donae, Art Director intern

BEHIND THE SCENES WITH FASHION INTERN, ANGIE:

One of the shots from our fashion opener shoot... Sssh!

Our gorge model getting hair and make-up done.

Steam it up!

Clothes, clothes, clothes... Don't you wish THIS was YOUR closet?

These days are almost over...

2010-07-23T16:00:00.006+02:00

To say that the last two days have been hectic would be a major understatement.
Yesterday we did the shorts shoot and it was amazing to be on set and experience the way it all happens. Although it was a long day because we have to do ten outfits it all turned out amazingly! And the model was a stunner!

Today we did some more sourcing. Man alive I’m tired. It is definitely hectic working on the fashion side of things but also really fun! Then when we eventually arrived back at the office it was time to get every thing ready for our still shoot tomorrow with an emphasis on budget shopping. It was a long day but I’m excited for tomorrow and to see how well our shoot goes!
-Angelique, Fashion intern

Two more days left at 17 (sniff sniff), heading back home is going to feel so weird. Why is life like that? Just when you getting comfy and enjoying yourself, it’s time to pack up and go. Oh well, it was a crazy experience nonetheless and hopefully one sweet day I can come back and work for 17 magazine . Today I conceptualised ideas for the monthly openers, layout and chose pics to go in the seventeen 2011 diary. Just a pity I cannot stay longer to actually put it all together; that would have been a ball! But at least seeing my idea on the diary next year will be so fulfilling. Oh, and Stacey liked it=)

Don, art director intern

Wow what a busy day indeed! Working towards deadline day, which is tomorrow! So stressed out! Lol well at least I managed to finish my transcription of the interview with Axene!

It was definite hard work I tell you! Rutendo, Donnae and I never even managed to go for lunch which we normally do, so basically the whole day was spent in the office doing some work for the October issue and deadline day!

Ciao…tomorrow will be my last Friday at seventeen. What a sad reality!
- Shaakirah, editorial intern

Seeing as tomorrow is deadline day for all our writing pieces the interns and myself took full advantage of every second of the day to finish up our tasks. We didn’t even take a lunch break but we did, of course, eat in the office. I felt like my head was ‘spinning right round baby right round.’ (good song ☺)

While typing up my voice out, I had a little bit of a ‘writers block.’ I just sat for a good hour or so typing and erasing and typing and erasing my work. I finally got my groove back after the mini break I took. I guess some times in order to work you actually need to stop working, take a break and start again.

I can only imagine what it’s like actually working and having intense deadlines . And in this industry once they put the issue to bed that’s it. No more editing or last minute writing. If you miss that deadline then, as my friends would say, “It’s late for you!”

-Rutendo Nyamuda, editor's intern

17 Academy: The TV Show

2010-07-22T12:00:00.004+02:00

What a day. Had an early start with Stacey checking out my lay out and tweaking a few things and finally signing that section off. At lunch today, the intern gals and I got snap-happy taking loads of pics, had ice cream (for lunch) and just had plain girly fun in the sun.
Thereafter, Stacey let me PDF the September issue of 17. So cool: I get to see what’s in my fave mag before any other 17ers (my friends especially) in SA (don’t be jealous now, it’ll be out soon).
As far as I know, tomorrow will be loads of fun once again. Angie and I will be scouting the streets for fashionistas (sisters with style) which will be featured in the October issue. That should call for an interesting task. Can’t wait. Yay!
– Donae, Art Director intern

SO day 8 has come to an end and what can I say?! It’s another day closer to the end of my time here!
Today, not much was done except for the fact that I had to transcribe my interview with Axene, which was quite a challenge! Woo hoo… It’s NOT fun at all to play and rewind all the time! But lunch was cool today: Rutendo, Donae and I went out and took some really cool pics in the heart of the Mother City. What a beautiful day it’s been so far! The sun is out and it’s BURNING outside! I had fun today with my new friends… the ice cream was fun too!
– Shakirah, Editorial intern

So yesterday on “Academy 17: I the Intern” (oh, that’s just the name I gave to my fake series) Jessica, the beauty intern, left us. She’s been on photo shoots for the past two days so we never actually got a chance to say goodbye. But she left with a bang, having witnessed both the hair makeovers and the best boyfriend photo shoots.
Today on “Academy 17: I the Intern”: I touched up on my writing pieces then Shakirah, Donae and myself went on a mini photo shoot of our own. Well, actually it was just lunch but we took quite a few photos so it might as well have been a photo shoot. After that I got started on my Voice Out. For now, it’s called “I Never Got the Memo”. It’s quite exciting. It’s all about fashion and how it’s constantly changing to the point where now we’re not sure what’s in or out of fashion so people are following their own trends. But I’m not going to give too much away. You must read it ☺
Tomorrow is the final countdown. 4 interns. 3 days left. 2 are always late (hehe) but there can be only one winner on “Academy 17 – I the Intern”.
– Rutendo, Editor intern

Pose. Pout. It's photo shoot time.

Goodie Bags and Launches

2010-07-21T11:26:00.007+02:00

Launches, goodie bags and fashion shoots, the life of a seventeen intern isn’t all work behind a desk – there’s also tons of fun things to do during the 9 to 5! Today we said good bye to our Beauty Ed intern, Jess, but not before she had a chance to experience a life on shoot!

Leaping down the road!

What a lovely, sunny day. A for the beach, a mocktail and my polka dot bikini, but since life’s not a beach as it seems to be on the movies (I tend to dream a lot), there is work to be done.

I spent most of today laying out the Health/Body Peace section. I could do this forever aaah…all these fonts, pictures and colours remind me of being in a candy store, you just don’t know what to choose. There are so many questions and possibilities: Which colour? What picture? What font? It’s all so much fun, except I must admit, sitting behind a desk on this lovely sunny day is just sad. If I had things my way (there I go day dreaming again), I would be on the beach, chilling with my laptop, laying out and designing, sipping on a mocktail.

Ciao,
Donae, Art director intern

This morning Taugheedah, the fashion editor, asked if I wanted to take her place at the Clicks launch today. I said no thanks… Just kidding of course I said yes! Who in their right mind would say no to going to a launch?!

Bianca, assistant to the fashion editor, Angelique, fashion intern, and I went to the launch at the Clicks head office. It was amazing. We got to see the various new brands and packages they have for the December holidays. There were quite a few media companies there. After the presentation we got to see the products. Then we walked out of the show room into the foyer and there, awaiting our appetites, were the most amazing food dishes ever, decorated with rose petals. Believe me when I say there is an art to eating ‘finger foods’ in front of people. All those years of etiquette learning are not for nothing. On our way out we received gift boxes, which is filled with amazing goodies. ☺ I, like most girls I know, LOVE goodie bags.

After the amazing launch we went to Canal Walk. Every time I go there the shops still amaze me. It reminds me of the movie Confessions of a Shopahollic. We went to source some clothing for Bianca and Angelique’s tasks.

Then it was back to the office where I did some work and before I knew it, it was reflection time aka writing my blog time.

-Rutendo Nyamuda, editor’s intern

Feeling fashion inspired

Another day closer to the end of my time here at 17….soooo sad. I cannot believe that it’s been seven days since I started. Time seems to be flying so fast! But while I’m still here I plan on making the most out of this opportunity.

So today I finalised my GGL for the October issue and I’m ready to move on to my Voice Out. Gosh it’s quite challenging to actually put pen to paper or rather fingers on the keypad! I plan on writing about something that not only inspires me as a teen, but all those seventeeners out there as well.

Really excited to see all these things get published in October!!!

- Shaakirah, editorial intern

The best was saved for last.
Today was so much fun! We spent all day in studio at DIS studios in Bree Street shooting ‘The Seven Day Hair Guide’ and five of the couples that will be used in our ‘Best Boyfriends’ story.

The model we used for the seven different hairstyles was Sasha Lee from Boss Models. She worked really well with the camera because she was very confident, yet comfortable. My favourite look was the one we’re using for Saturday. Sasha wore a green and pink tie-dye vest and her hair was straight with a few waves in the front and a really cute hippy headband. After Sasha Lee, we began working with the couples. The boys were thoroughly disgusted when they were told they had to wear makeup (it was only foundation and powder ok?!) but the girls looked like they were really enjoying themselves. All the couples seemed really nervous at first when they stepped in front of the camera but then loosened up as they got used to being in the spotlight. It’s so adorable how each girl suits her boyfriend and vice versa – you could tell who belonged to whom so easily. Just as our second last couple finished, I had to leave. Genevieve gave me my Seventeen goodie bag filled with all sorts of makeup, sunglasses, earrings and lots more and gave me a big hug as we said goodbye.

Working at seventeen was truly one of the most amazing and worthwhile experiences in my life so far. I’ve learnt so much about the magazine industry and had a real fun time doing so! I am so unbelievably grateful to have had the opportunity to work with such a great team of strong and inspiring women as well as a bunch of awesome interns and I’m really going to miss the dynamic buzz of the Seventeen offices. However, this isn’t the last Seventeen will see of me – I’ll be back there on Monday for the beauty sale and then my shoot on Tuesday, and who knows, maybe I’ll even be working there one day? Here’s hoping!
- Jess, beauty intern

Enjoying the sun

Taking a lunchtime stroll

Le Tour de Seventeen

2010-07-20T10:15:00.003+02:00

Hanging out with Axene at 17 HQ!

Feels like the last lap of this four week race that’s I’ve been doing. It’s like a ‘Tour de Seventeen.’
I had a very chilled and relaxed day, working on my pieces as usual. The office was actually fairly quiet and empty today. No fashion department and intern present and no beauty department and intern present, but we still survived.
The three interns that were in the office today were Shakirah, Donnae and myself. We’re all working pretty hard to get all our things done by our deadline this Friday. I’m sure we’ll have it done.
Highlight of the day: we just met Axene. She’s a singer – homegrown right here in South Africa. She’s a very bubbly, down-to-earth and has an amazing personality. Axene seems to have the whole balance between stardom and being a normal girl, sort of like a Hanna Montana: Best of both Worlds vibe ☺
Who wants to be famous? Pick me Pick me!
-Rutendo, Editor intern

Time surely is flying by… I don’t want this to end, but I guess that all good things come to an end. This has definitely been a good thing so far. In fact, an awesome thing! One that I’ll never forget.
Today, of course, I did some more design and lay out work, and tomorrow I’ll be moving on to a new page which is quite exciting. I can’t wait to get to it. I absolutely love what I’m doing here even though it’s hard work and time-consuming. It’s my passion and it doesn’t feel like work at all.
Rutendo and I decided to take a walk to go have lunch. It’s a beautiful day in Cape Town and it would really be a waste not to spend some of the time with nature, even if it’s just five minutes.
The highlight of the day had to be meeting Axene, a South African pop\rock singer and SAMA winner. I know this sounds so clichéD but she is really down to earth, so easy to talk to and a typical 17-er! It’s so inspiring for me when I meet people from different walks of life, young or old, because we all have our own stories to tell. Wishing her all the best, she’s well on her way to the top!
– Donae, Art Director intern

Friday was a chilled day. We did some work around the office, unpacked stock, made photocopies and did a bit of filing.
Monday, on the other hand, was hectic. Right from the morning and throughout the day, we did sourcing. In other words, a LOT of shopping. It was great fun but also very tiring and, by the end of the day, my back was aching. However, it was a great experience and is a great part of the job. We only did Long street and Canal Walk and it took the entire day. That should tell you how many stores we went to and how much clothing and accessories we came back with.
What a great day!
– Angie, Fashion intern

Another Week Gone

2010-07-19T13:51:00.005+02:00

As another week draws to a close, the new batch of interns in the 17 Intern Academy reflect on the week that was and look ahead to their final week at the intern academy! Here's what they have to say:

Short day for me today as I am off to M1 agency for an interview. I worked on laying out the Health pages. Stacey, the art director, told me to change a few things and then rechecked it and according to her, “I am almost there”, so that’s great! Khwezi told us that we will be meeting with 17-year-old singer Axine who has sung with Loyiso and Lira (one of my favourite SA singers). I will be laying out that story, soooo exciting! That should be interesting, can’t wait.
Till then,
Donae, Art Director Intern

Donae, looking pretty at her desk.

No matter how good or bad your week is going it’ll always get better by uttering three simple words. It. Is. Friday.
As much as I LOVE coming to work everyday, there is something so sweet about sleeping on a Friday night knowing that you can wake up after 10:00 look at the clock and go back to sleep.
I can honestly say today must have been my most productive day and I didn’t even have my morning coffee fix. I finally finished the two pieces I have been working on, I finished part one of the things I needed to do for the Media24 Excellence Awards, I sent out e-mails, I received some and I even took a break. Wow. I think it’s because I wrote down everything I needed to, in a handwriting I could read and all in the same place.
We also had a meeting earlier on today about which categories we were going to enter for the Media24 Excellence Awards. What was supposed to be a three man meeting with Khwezi, Jessica and I turned out to be an all the editors and me meeting ☺. It was cool. Everyone giving their opinions and ‘chilling’. I felt so cool. Maybe someday I’ll be one of the editors. How does Rutendo Nyamuda Internship Editor sound?
I can’t believe I only have one week left of interning. It feels like just yesterday I got the message that I got in. Well I need to take full advantage of next week. I really can’t wait.
So I’m off to have a great weekend. I’m going to be super busy sleeping. Do not disturb!!
-Rutendo, Editor’s Intern

Wow the weather is soooo cold outside! Gosh, luckily the Seventeen offices are warm to the max!
So this morning I arrived late, again! But I made up for it by doing a coffee run with Angie (Fashion Intern).
Khwezi the Editor of 17, came up to me and asked me, to do a FAB interview next week. It is with Axene, the youngest SAMA winner. It’ll be taking place on Monday, so I got homework for this weekend! I’m really excited for this because it’s an experience I will definitely not forget as it is my first professional interview.
Day 5 is almost done, just finishing my work and proof reading my article! Awesome, man!
- Shaakirah, Editorial Intern

Shakirah, chilling at the office.

A Dull Day? Never!

2010-07-16T15:08:00.007+02:00

I can now count my days left working at seventeen on one hand… I can’t believe my internship is almost over! It makes me sad to think that very soon, I won’t be walking through the door of 8 Ink Media, passing the giant Taylor Lautner poster, climbing the clangy metal stairs and greeting the ever-friendly seventeam every morning. These past two weeks have been such an incredible, insightful and energizing experience and I don’t want to have to leave.
So about that heavy box of beauty products I mentioned yesterday… I got very brave and thought I’d try lifting it today. Wow! That did not go down well – I almost dropped it! I spent most of the morning sorting out the products into different piles of lipstick, hair products, skincare, eye shadows, etc. and then putting them into separate boxes.
The next hour or so, was spent with my ear to the phone as I tried my best to get hold of the last few couples for the “Best Boyfriend” feature and the girls who are getting their hair made over tomorrow. Needless to say, I failed miserably. No answer. No voicemail. No nothing.
One good thing though: I got another half day today because Genevieve has a launch this afternoon – on a yacht (lucky her!) ☺

The awesome seventeen Beauty cupboard... Wish I could have one of these at home!

The day started out really great. Firstly, writing my learner’s exam was NOT fun at all but passing it was awesome! I really didn’t think I would actually make it, but I did and VOILA! Yours truly is now a learner driver haha!
I didn’t really expect the day to get any better after that, but was I in for a real treat. Later on in the day Jess, Rutendo and I attended the iPod Touch launch at the V&A Waterfront. It was AWESOME!
We were greeted by Taryn from the iPod team and asked to join the quiz that was about to take place. We were also given a Demo iPod Touch and it was exciting to use the apps, although we kept struggling to make them work! Lol… However, Jess, Rutendo and I ended up coming 2nd in the competition with 46 points! Whoo hoo!
– Shakirah, editorial intern

Jess and Rutendo testing out the new iPod Touch

Today I did quite a lot of research for the fashion pages for the October issue. I also helped pack out clothes that had arrived from different companies and that we’ll be using in the shoots next week. I went along to source at Lipsy for the metallic shoot and there were there some beautiful garments.
Today was a little quieter than usual but just as different and interesting as any other!
– Angie, fashion intern

All these beautiful clothes... Sigh!

Today started off slow with not much to do. I get here first and leave here last (gosh, is that how much I love this place?) haha! Stacey gave me some more work to lay out. I’m currently laying out the health pages, giving it my personal touch but obviously sticking to the seventeen house style and trying my best not to get carried away. It’s just the health section after all. At lunch I decided to take a walk into town. Looked for some more celeb pictures too: to find a really good or appropriate one is kinda difficult. One can actually spend the whole day doing this but I enjoy it… the life of a graphic designer… Aah!
– Donae, art director intern

Donae with the new GIANT poster of the July/August issue cover

Random mo's, shoots and making the most of it all

2010-07-15T10:42:00.006+02:00

Hey! So it’s day 3 of my 17 internship and so far, so good. My friends and family all keep telling me to make the most of the opportunity and I intend on doing just that with my time here. The experience in the office has been unlike any I’ve experienced before. I have not, as yet, gone out into the field. However, tomorrow we will do just that.
What a rainy and COLD day it was indeed. I was a TINY bit late… okay, it was by a half an hour! But with good reason: I was drenched!
My tasks for the day were to complete my piece for the GGL and to look up some ideas for my VOICE OUT article that Jess wants me to write for October’s issue. I’m excited but haven’t come up with a very good idea yet.
I took some cool pics in the office today with Donnae (another intern). Random moments are always the best (SMILE and say CHEESE!) hehe…
– Shakirah, editorial intern

Gearing up for a BIG day at the seventeen offices.

What a day! Full, new and really interesting. I went with the fashion team to a still shoot at Digital Image Studios in Cape Town where we did a shoot on what one could take along in their hand bag on their first day at a new job. It was great to see how the process works, what the studios look like, how the photographer operates as well as how meticulous the fashion team is about how they lay out the products to make sure its photographed perfectly.
Later on in the day the fashion team and I attended an event by Poetry for their new spring/summer range. That was a great experience. It was interesting too see how the fashion team is spoilt when they go to events: treats and goody bags are one of the perks of the job. Poetry’s new range is also really stunning with a very Grecian, luxurious and relaxed feel to their range.
I learnt a lot today and again it hasn’t been anything like the first two days, which is wonderful because I’m experiencing something new each day!
– Angie, fashion intern

Laying it all out... it's close-up time!

Yikes, today was freezing! Luckily, the Seventeen offices are so nice and warm. I had to strip down half my layers when I arrived this morning.
After a very relaxing day off, I was put straight back to work and spent most of the morning sorting out more products for the beauty sale. The box is overflowing and I don’t even want to try picking it up – not that I’ll be able to!
I did some phoning around for Genevieve and then filed some press releases of new products as well as all the z-cards of models that have come for castings over the past few months. Wow, some of those girls are really beautiful!
Lunch was spent at my desk (well, Rutendo’s desk seeing that I don’t have one anymore and she wasn’t here today), browsing Facebook because it was too cold to go outside! Afterwards, Gen asked me to do some photocopying for her and then to phone all the couples we’ll be using in the “Best Boyfriend” special (coming up in the October issue) to confirm that they’re available for their photo shoot on Tuesday. They all sound really excited – even the boys!
– Jess, beauty intern

Studi0 time... hope those hotties are ready to be photographed ;)

Finally I got to see how a ‘still shoot’ is done. Taugheedah (the fashion ed), Bianca ( the fashion assistant), Angie (the fashion intern) and I headed down to the studios to get some shots of what a girl needs to have in her bag. Angie and I helped with carting the products that were photographed, cut off tags from them and also gave our input on what could be shifted here or there. It didn’t take very long to do and everything ran smoothly. Afterwards, the photographer showed us what the spread will more or less look like once published and (being a visual person) I could already picture the published result.
Tried getting some more pictures to use in the mag and then got down to business… MY business: design and layout. I layed out the health section and it was fun playing around with colour and text, and placing of images. I just hoping my layout will impress Stacey and that it’s used =)
Tomorrow we’re off to the iPhone launch but that’s a whole other story to tell…
– Donae, art director intern

Oooh... get me some of those goodies for my bag!

The New Kids... :)

2010-07-14T12:54:00.005+02:00

17 Intern Academy Introduces some new faces...

“A wise man once said: ‘Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in you life again’ and that’s exactly what I am doing. That’s right, I’m at 17 magazine HQ, South Africa, and it is absolutely awesome to be here. Not only is that awesome but to see where the magic happens is amazing.
I will be here for two weeks working with the art director, Stacey, putting together the October issue. My task for the day was to get images that’ll be used in the mag, page through other countries issues of 17 to get some visual stimulation and a good feel for this industry.
The girls interning with me are really friendly and fit into the seventeam quite well… who knows, we could be the ones taking over next haha. With that said, being here (is it real? pinch me!!) just makes me realise that nothing’s impossible and I feel like I am a step closer to where I really wanna be: the fashion and magazine industry.
Can’t wait for tomorrow and the next day and the next…
Looking forward to the time I will be spending here, the experience, the friendships to be made… in a nutshell: the memories.”
– Donae, Art Director intern

“You know what I love most about Tuesdays? Nothing really. I think it’s just there so Monday won’t feel so close to Wednesday.
I’m in the final stages of finishing the careers flow chart, unofficially titled Road… Chart after school and the careers spread sheet, unofficially titled My Career is better that yours. I’m so excited to see the end product, but more excited to ‘put them to bed’ (just a little journalism lingo).
Tonight I’m going to go through my second batch of Seventeen Magazines that I’m reading through for the Media24 Magazines Excellence awards. I must admit I’ve never been able to say that I had to read through magazines as my job… I do that for fun ☺
I also spent more time with the new girls today, who by the end of the week I’ll stop addressing them as the new girls. They all seem like nice people. I must admit that I do miss the others. Would’ve been cool to all be here at once, 10interns one time☺
But such is life that we can’t control change, we can only embrace it.”
– Rutendo, Editor intern

“Well I'm almost nearing the end of Day 2, and it's been quite an experience. Yesterday I met Deputy Editor Jessica Manim, the person I will be reporting to and interning under for the next two weeks.
The day started off slow and easy as I took the first strides up Somerset Road in Green Point, looking for the 8 ink media offices of seventeen magazine for my 17 Intern Academy Programme. I entered the seventeen offices and was greeted by a lovely receptionist who immediately made me feel at home. The vibe here at seventeen is awesome. Not what I expected, but it will most definitely pick up.
My first assignment for the day included searching through past copies of seventeen and checking out the HOTTEST fashions. Well, I can tell you one thing... I am overwhelmed by the beauty products they have right here!!!! Like a mini cosmetics department(every girls heaven) lol...
My last assignment for the day was to come up with an idea that will be used in the October Issue, "17's Girls Guide to Life".
So day 2 has come to an end and it has been a blast! I met the rest of the team today in what was also my first meeting here at the magazine. I also met the Editor Khwezi Magwaza in the process of it all and I just love her way of doing things. Working on my feature for the October issue of seventeen went better than expected. I came with some cool ideas for the GGL section. It has been quite a slow day though, however I bet tomorrow will bring more surprises and more fun!”
– Shaakirah, Editorial intern

So Long, Farewell...

2010-07-12T10:24:00.005+02:00

Having to say goodbye is always emotional on some level. Whether you’ve known someone your whole life, a week or just one day, some emotional heartfelt pain always follows the words “goodbye”.
Four of the interns, Kayla, Lezanne, Ashleigh, Jodi and, my partner in crime, Danelle, are leaving the 17 Internship Academy today. I’m going to miss our lunches, joking around and random photo sessions. It’s amazing how quickly you become friends with people you never thought you’d ever meet. Thank goodness for e-mail and Facebook. ☺
There were actually two farewells today. The one was for two employees that also work in the building and the other was for the 17 interns. We went down stairs and had some really good snacks. Then we came up and bid the four girls farewell.
On the work front: Danelle edited my work and I did hers. She’s a really talented, witty writer. Next week is looking up. There’s an iPod Touch launch that Jessica Manim (the deputy ed) has invited another girl and I to. Then there might be a potential car launch that I might go to (but I don’t have my driver’s so I might not). Mom, you were right I should’ve gotten it when I was still young ☺ hehe
Danielle gave all of us a farewell present but she also bought me a bottle of Evian water. It’s an inside joke but trust that I’ll use it well.
I’m planning on having an amazingly restful weekend. Next week we’re also getting a few more additions to the 17 Intern Academy. It should be fun. They should make this into a series and call it “The Academy”.
– Rutendo, Editor intern

The last day… A day of mixed emotions… I came in a bit earlier this morning to put the finishing touches on my article. Reading it for the last time was quite nerve wrecking… Will they like it? Will they think it’s horrible? The thing is, there’s really nothing more you can do about it. I’ve worked really hard on it and I gave it my best shot, so all I can do is hope for the best.
I got each of my fellow intern-lunch-buddies of the past week and a half a mini Lindt box of chocolates and wrote them each a note. I can’t believe how close we’ve become in just a week and half! I’m going to miss goofing off with them! I spent the morning finding pictures to go with my article and editing Rutendo’s career piece. It’s really good: I think you guys will love it. Then we had our “goodbye” party. :’( We had cupcakes and other nice snacks and then we each got a goodie bag! It was really sad saying goodbye to the seventeam and the other interns.
I decided to look through all of the photos of the past week and a half…
Trying to put my experience into words is like trying to nail jelly to a tree: impossible. It’s really been AH-mazing. I can’t believe today was my last day. I’ve learnt so much about the whole magazine industry and what this job really is about. Working with Zainab, Jess and Khwezi has been one great learning experience.
Great friends, writing, photos, lots of laughs, research and learning: I’m taking incredible memories back home with me. I came here with the idea that I might want to work as a journalist one day, and I can honestly say I’m leaving here knowing that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.
– Danelle, Editorial intern

It’s my last day… AAW!!! I’m so sad to have to leave here. But I put on my happy face and carried on through the day. I started out with a search for more celebrity pictures and after that we had a goodbye meeting with lots of snacks and treats. Then we came upstairs to receive our certificates and amazing goody bags. I feel so lucky words can’t even begin to describe it! After that we held a mini photo shoot and got some awesome pictures out of it that will make brilliant reminders of my experience here. Choking back tears, I headed back to my desk to search for pictures one last time before saying goodbye to this unforgettable experience. Thank you to everyone involved and to those that I met during my stay here at Seventeen. You’ll all hold a special place in my heart forever…
– Kayla, Art Director intern

I spent most of the morning looking for more references for our hair makeovers piece and sorting more beauty products that Genevieve received – every different kind of hair accessory you could think of from Cosmic Options was there! I also read through Danelle’s piece on TV careers, which is really well done and interesting. It’s crazy how over-glamourised TV shows are nowadays.
At lunchtime, the whole office (including the NG Kids and NG Traveller teams that share the offices with seventeen) gathered round to say goodbye to two of the staff members. We had lots of yummy snacks like cupcakes and sweeties and then went upstairs to say goodbye to the interns who were leaving. They each got given a goodie bag (can’t wait for mine!) and we took some more photos! I am so sad to see them go.
Now it’s the weekend, and while the Seventeen are off for some team-building, I’m off for some R&R! ☺
– Jess, Beauty intern

So, today is my last day interning here at seventeen. I’m going to miss it so much especially lunch with Rutendo, Danelle, Jess and Kayla. Aww (tear, tear)
The interview yesterday went really well except for me being exceptionally nervous. I have really enjoyed working with everyone here at seventeen especially Delene, the entertainment editor.
Oh how I’d love to stay, but unfortunately I gotta go ☹ We got awesome goodie bags ( I haven’t looked in mine yet) If they offer another internship next year, I would encourage everyone to apply. It is sooo much fun and you get to meet really interesting people. Just one thing to remember: Don’t be late on your first day!! (Like I was) lol
I will really miss it here ☹
– Lezanne, Entertainment intern

Almost over….

2010-07-09T10:39:00.002+02:00

It’s hard to believe that our first group of interns in the seventeen Intern Academy will soon be leaving us! It feels like it was yesterday we were all sitting in the boardroom, getting to know one another over breakfast. But although the time is almost over – there’s still work to be done!

Ah...to be an editor!

“I couldn’t get out of bed this morning and because of that I was 10 minutes late for work. I didn’t get into trouble or anything. But if there’s one thing I hate, it’s being late. (Rhyme ☺)

I thought the rest of my day would be down hill from there, but then I remembered where I am interning and I figured it wouldn’t be possible to have a bad day here. I just need to add a few more things to the careers spread sheet and my flow chart needs a little more flow. Jessica Manim, the deputy editor, and I are still having problems with Vodacom Color. Well the average person would find it weird that when we type in ‘Vodacom Color’ a German website pops up… Every year seventeen enters the ‘Media24 Magazines Excellence Awards’. This year Khwezi has asked Jessica Manim and me, yes me, to go through the past magazines to see which issues we will enter and what categories we will enter for. I am so excited. I am really enjoying these tasks.

We just voted for hot boys that will feature in the magazine. Let me just admit that there are some really fine boys out there. Why can’t I find just one for me… “Can any body find me… a hot boy to love?” Tomorrow is the last day of the 17 Academy for most of the girls here, besides Jess Stromin, the beauty intern, and myself. It’s going to be pretty sad to see the others go.
- Rutendo, editor intern

“Last night I finally received an e-mail from a Forensic Anthropologist. After being all stalkerish and sending e-mails to half of the world's Forensic Anthropologist asking them if they would answer a few questions for my article, all the trouble suddenly seemed worth it. I can't believe I'm almost done with my article. I can't believe I'm almost done interning... I can't believe I got to write my own article!
We started off the day with a meeting where we all got the chance to tell everyone what we're busy with. Khwezi asked Rutendo and me to stay and chat with her after the meeting... Ta dum ta dum ta dum... Haha! Okay, I was a little nervous, but it wasn't that bad at all. She read both our articles and just basically told us what's good about it and what she thinks would improve it. Tomorrow, Rutendo and I are going to be editing each other's work, because Khwezi wants us to see what the editing process is like. After all, that's why we're interning in the editorial department!
I'm really going to miss my fellow interns. We had the best lunch today- we went to a little cafe called Menu, and just sat there and chilled and laughed a bit. I can't believe I'm made such great friends in such a short time! After that, we all went straight back to work. We had a hottie meeting at the end of the day where we got to vote for who the hottest and the nottest SA and international celebs are. It was so much fun, I just stared at the pictures of guys the whole time - they're all soooo HOT! It was really difficult giving them each a rating out of ten - I thought all of them deserved "full marks" hehe. Oh, and we each got to keep one picture... of course I took Matt (Liam in 90210!) home with me.
Well, this has been quite an exciting and eventful day. Now I just got to put that finish touches on my article... wish me luck!!
- Danelle, editorial intern

Kayla hard at work

“I can’t believe my journey is nearly over! It feels like just yesterday I had started here. I guess the saying is true then: time flies when your having fun.
Today started with some eye candy for me as searched for more Justin Bieber pictures. I then sat in on a meeting for the interns to see how far we all are with our projects. It was announced that we have a half-day tomorrow and a breakfast to see us off. I’m so excited but also sad at the sad to say goodbye.
Then I had a break and chatted with the other interns before heading back to the office to search for more pictures. This time I had to find pictures of celebrities which was so much fun to do. Afterwards we had another meeting to vote who was hot or not for an up-coming issue. It was so much fun and I even got a picture of Taylor Lautner out of it. It’s so going up on my bedroom wall☺
And that was the end of my busiest day here at seventeen. But even though I was busy, I still had a blast…”
- Kayla, art director intern

“My day started off great, ready to do some work. Nothing new, I started off answering some oh boy questions. Like I said before, I feel like Dr.Phil! Haha. Later on, after finishing all that, it was time for lunch - walking down Somerset Road makes one feel as one is in New York City with crowds of people walking up and down. All six of the interns, including me, felt like we were the next Sex and The City girls, the way we walked to the shops and how we dress for work - it’s so much fun!! After some yummy lunch it was time to start working again. Did you know there will be a Mean Girls 2? I didn’t now I’m supa excited. Before home time we had a meeting with Khwezi and the ladies discussing all the overseas hotties and the local ones! Having a laugh with all of them really does make me happy to be here. It’s been amazing here and I’m very sad to be leaving tomorrow but I will never forget any of the wonderful people I met. Chat tomorrow.”
- Ashleigh, digital intern

Posing around the seventeen office!

Sourcing products for shoots is not always simple!

Midweek Madness: Photoshoots & Taylor Lautner

2010-07-08T10:12:00.005+02:00

It’s halfway through the week and it’s hard to believe there are only a few days left of the first part of the 17 Intern Academy! The girls have been busily working on their articles, but that doesn’t mean there hasn’t been time for some fun too!

Getting together to pose!

“I’m back from my day off and am rearing to go…
Today started off with me pitching my idea for next year’s diary to Stacey, the art director. So I pulled up a chair and went to fetch my notes only to discover that my notes had disappeared! Luckily I remembered most of my ideas and could pitch them to Stacey off the top of my head. She seemed to like my idea, yay me☺, and now I can’t wait to see if she actually uses it.
My next task for the day, and this is for all those future Mrs Biebers out there, was to find images for next month’s story on Justin Bieber. I also had to find a runway picture of a mint green and candy floss pink summery outfit. But after the amount of pictures I had to go through before I could find them, you’d expect that I was searching for a picture of a one-eyed man riding on the back of the Loch Ness Monster!
After that search ended, I had to write a review on the July/August issue. Yes, that’s right, I got a free copy of the latest issue. It’s so awesome! Then we had a mini photoshoot of all the interns. It was pretty fun; sneaking around the office to try and get a picture by the editor’s desk. I felt like a little kid again and a famous one at that what with all the camera flashes going on☺”
- Kayla, art director intern

"Wow. So today I am super amped! This morning I was really tired and I just wanted to sleep. I dislike waking up early, but the minute I walked into the seventeen offices, I was wide awake. I walked past the huge Taylor Lautner cover on the wall, up the stairs and to my desk and I was warmly greeted by Rutendo and Danelle, my fellow interns. Oh, how I love it here. So this morning Delene, the enterainment ed, called me to her desk and told me that I will be interviewing a celeb. A real celebrity. I’m super excited. The interview is tomorrow. I won’t say who it is just yet. Gotta wait till my next blog ☺
At lunch, I had the most delicious sandwich. Yummy! The other girls and I love our lunch break because we get to chat (not that we don’t do it in the office) lol. Whenever we want to take a group picture of all of us interns, one person is missing. Today we FINALLY had everyone. We took many pictures with many different cameras. It was so much fun ☺ it’s almost time for me to leave. Each day seems to get better and better. I love it here. Until tomorrow peeps."
- Lezanne, entertainment intern

Jodie and Ashleigh

"So today I am kitted out in the colours of the Spanish flag as I back my team in the semi-finals tonight. Today has been quite busy so far. This morning I have been contacting more Urban Scouts, even though many of the girls’ phones go straight to voicemail, in order to get their addresses for their gifts. I also did a video recording for Kerry telling Media24 why I love seventeen and why I chose to be an intern here. I was really nervous but I thoroughly enjoyed it all. I was even told I was a natural. At lunchtime Ashleigh and I went out to Spar to get some sweet (and savoury) snacks. After having my lunch, I was about to get down to business when the other interns came down to take group photos. Taking the photos was great fun and upon returning to my desk, I can officially say that my jaws are sore from smiling. But it was all worth it.
It is almost 3pm already! I have no idea where the time has gone! I am now going to be working on a cover letter that will be sent out via email, to the seventeen clientele. I am also excited because I will be getting a sneak peak at the July/August issue. Definite perks to being an intern."
- Jodie, PR intern

This morning I woke up so amped to get to work. Got here on time and Jennifer, the group digital editor, came to me with loads of work to do today. I started off doing some gossip stories and managed to find out some great new celeb juice! After all that fun, I then had to do some love doctor questions. I felt like Dr. Phil It’s like Ugly Betty here, everyone is running around doing their job and I’m running around too as I have so much to do! After having some lunch with Jodie, I went back to work and a little while later the interns from upstairs came down to take some group pictures. I’m going to miss it here. Look at me standing by Taylor Launter poster lol so cool hey. It was so much fun taking pictures with the girls back to work. Chat soon keep smiling ☺
- Ashleigh, Digi Ed intern

We're def Team Jacob!

Hot Guys, Lunch and... Netherlands to Win?

2010-07-07T11:31:00.005+02:00

“Today has been quite busy, as I have been working on our newsletter. I am really excited to see how it will turn out! Since I walked in this morning I have been busy typing away and putting together a possible format for the newsletter. Ashleigh and I had a quick lunch together. I can’t believe that I have just 2 more hours left at seventeen today. Time really does fly when you are kept busy and having fun. Well, now to find a place where we can get foliage or vines. Hope it won’t take me TOO long.”
– Jodie, PR intern

“The weather this morning was really bad, but it was warmer in the office. We had a meeting this morning where we looked at pictures of boys (their girlfriends too though) for an article. It was sooo much fun :D
This day seemed like it went by so quickly. Maybe it’s because we end work at 14:30 today because the game is in Cape Town. I’d say work was pretty cool today. I love saying work ☺ I work now ☺ lol. This is all going to be over soon and I will miss it, especially lunch will my fellow interns ☹ aww I wish it wouldn’t end.”
– Lezanne, Entertainment intern

Checking out a few pics of some hotties ;)

“Holland! Wooohooo! Okay, apart from being totally SUPER EXCITED about tonight’s soccer match, today was really great. I walked into the offices (wearing my orange Netherland’s T-shirt of course!), greeted the other interns and started working on my article. I’m really excited about it, I think all the research was actually worth it (not to mention a lot more exciting than doing research for a school task). We also had a mini meeting about the boy’s talk section, which was really cool, because we got to look at all the pictures and decide which guys are hot enough (okay, not really, the answers are also important), and some of those guys were really good looking, hehe. This afternoon we each got a free issue of Seventeen, which was quite cool, and the rest of the day we all just worked on our articles. But for now I’m off to go and watch Netherlands win… until tomorrow, tot ziens!! “
– Danelle, Editorial intern

“I don’t really feel like staring this with the usual “Today I…” or “Today was a good day…” or even “I am happy…” I want to take a different approach so I’m going to start with this.
Dear person reading this blog. If there is one thing I’ve learnt about being a journalist it is that you have to find different ways of saying the same thing. If you think about it, there are only a few ways to say one thing, unless of course you can say it in a different language.
I’m virtually finished with my careers spread sheet. I’m giving myself till the end of Wednesday to draw a close to it (my first deadline). Other wise, as “intern editor”, I’ll fire myself. (Not really)
We went through the ‘best boyfriend’ feature earlier on today... It’s really nice to see a feature begin to take shape. Some of the guys and girls that live in Cape Town will be coming to the Seventeen offices to do a mini photo shoot for the feature. I’m quite excited because hopefully my friends will be able to come through.
Another thing I’m working on is a report back for Vodacom’s new Color feature for phones. I’m not totally sure what it’s about yet.
Today we’re finishing a lot earlier because of the World Cup game happening today. This means two hours less of ‘Seventeen time’ ☹ “
– Rutendo, Editor intern

Lunch anyone?

A day in the life of a seventeen intern!

Time to say E noho rā

And so the end comes

Laugh a lot day

Bittersweet goodbyes

The week that was

No more glitter and sparkles

No words can describe it

My second-last day... *sniff sniff*

A sunrise, a smoothie and a farewell

"Seventeen, Nandi speaking hello"

The glamorous life

Finally found my feet

seventeen salutes

Fashion week, here we come

All in a day's work

The earliest worm...

'Being the press'

Such a chilled day...

What am I going to wear?!

What a busy day!!

Putting it all together

Once in a lifetime

17 loves and goodies

Oh how I wish…

Fashionably late

Not bad at all

Monday blues…well not really

Don't rush Friday

Beauty and the seventeam

Oh sweet Monday...

All in a day's work

I wish I could stay here forever!

Shopping! Shopping! Shopping!

Wish upon a 17 star

It's over, but it's far from over

The show must go on!

Where's the good in saying in goodbye?

Random facts and a story

Ooh la la. . .

Hunks and scenery

A first day for the fashion pages

Oh boy...

Forever seventeen

The day in pictures

A villain called DEADLINE!

Emails make the world go round

Let’s go Lift Surfing!

Two is a charm!

Seventeen perks

Goodbye is the hardest word...

As the feature grows, so does the writer

Smitten by the glam

Say goodbye...

Stats and Supersistas

The September Issue

New week, new interns

Am I still dreaming??

Je m'appelle Maroefah!

A gloomy day in 17 land

All I can say is WOW!

All good things come to an end

No Hoorays for Friday!

And the Award goes to...

Magazine Fast Lane

WORK! WORK! WORK...and Wine gums

In My Element

Fabulous interns, for a fabulous magazine!

Designing a masterpiece

And then a tear rolls down my cheek...

End of week blues

Great experiences

Be Nice....

Third day’s charm

Lights, Camera, Action

seventeen loves... an impromptu photo session

Fish, Nik Naks and cheese

A pathway to opportunity

Getting closer to my goal

Picking up the pace!

My second-last day... sniff sniff