17 Academy - Editorial Department

Fazlin Terblanche, 19, is a 2nd year BA student at UCT. She’s passionate about the media, our beautiful country, politics and Country Road handbags!

29 June
After waiting three agonising weeks, my 17 Academy internship had finally begun! Entering the seventeen building, five of the Academy winners and I were greeted by Khwezi, Liza and the rest of the seventeam. I was both excited and nervous, not knowing what to expect and whether I’d be able to cope with what was thrown my way. But the seventeen staff were warm, welcoming and constantly cracking jokes! We started off with a production meeting around “The Table” and received scary-looking coloured schedules mapping out the contents of the September issue with all the deadlines and stuff. With Liza’s help, we quickly figured them out. Once we were settled at our workstations, we were given copies of the July issue and asked to give our honest opinions. Later I was tasked to write the Voice Out for September and to pitch three ideas. The task looked daunting, but I reckon I’ve made some progress (NOT) lol. Lauren (17 Academy’s official guest editor!) and I were also asked to choose the seventeen feature to be entered into the Media24 Excellence Awards – we eventually decided to go with “IOU” from the June issue - it's really good!

30 June
Today I sorted the entire seventeen library out. This was fun as I relish in organising things! Then I thought more about my Voice Out and what topic to choose. While I was struggling to find an appropriate topic, I practiced and mastered the swivel chair and was moving back and forth to bother Lauren every now and again ☺ In the afternoon, we attended the advertorial briefing meeting – this is where the editorial team get briefed by the traffic manager for all advertorials, comps etc in the mag. I was surprised at how much work goes into these – the digital, fashion, marketing and editorial teams all have to work together to produce and satisfy the needs of the client! I learnt a lot and was ready to get cracking on my Voice Out, FINALLY!

Just checking out the intern blog before I start my Voice Out!

1 July
I arrived early today to get going with my Voice Out. Once I was well on my way, we attended another production meeting for the September issue to make sure everything was going as planned. Delene, the entertainment editor, gave us some books and CDs to review – can’t wait to do that. And Lauren and I were asked to write a quiz as well – about any topic! You’ll have to wait for the September issue to see what we chose. Today was fun and I was starting to feel like I was part of the team!

Lauren and I discussing our book and CD reviews for Delene

2 July
It was a quiet day so I used the time to carry on with my Voice Out. Lauren and I walked to Woolies during lunch time but it was so far – never again! I can’t believe that tomorrow’s my last day, bleak!

3 July
This week has gone by so fast! We had a farewell breakfast in the morning for the Academy girls that were leaving and we were given cool gift bags filled with sunnies, notepads and more! I had a great week and gained invaluable experience. My time was short, but I learnt a lot about the ins and outs of magazine production. I also met some great people, from both the staff and other interns! I would recommend for every girl that enjoys reading magazines, to apply for a seventeen internship even if it’s not something you want to go into ☺

Me with my awesome goodie bag!