To kick off "VIP Pass to the Industry" in 2011 allow me to introduce you to Jill Percia, the Associate Beauty Editor of Women's Health. Jill formerly wrote for CosmoGirl and took a step into PR before landing the job at Women's Health in October. Check out what she has to say about her job and advice she has to give for those of you who want to get in.
1. What college did you go to and what did you major in?
I went to Fordham University and majored in Communications/Media Studies.
2. How did you land your first job edit?
I got my foot in the door by having an internship at CosmoGirl during my senior year of college. I first interned in reader services and spent the second semester in the beauty department – and fell in love! After graduation, I applied for (and got!) a reader services editor position there. I also assisted the editor-in-chief before finally snagging the assistant beauty and fitness editor spot almost three years later.
3. What’s a typical day like for you?
Crazy! In no particular order, a typical day will consist of: writing my stories, attending beauty launches around the city, opening countless packages filled with new products, testing said products, meeting with publicists for desksides, interviewing the most talented hairstylists, makeup artists, and derms in the biz, and brainstorming and researching ideas for future issues. There’s never a dull moment.
4. What’s your favorite part of your job?
I love the networking. Being around smart people who are passionate about beauty can be really inspiring. And I love being a part of a publication that empowers women to be strong and confident in so many aspects of their lives. And I’ll never complain about copious amounts of fragrance and lip gloss! It’s true what they say – if you love what you do, it’s never feels like work.
5. What’s your least favorite?
Deadlines can be tough, especially during a busy event week. There are days I’m out of the office more hours than I’m in!
6. What’s the best advice you would give someone trying to get into the industry today?
Get an internship and do a great job (competition is fierce!). Doing so will give you valuable experience and help you decide if working at a magazine is your thing. And go the extra mile because people will notice. Never underestimate the power of a handwritten thank-you note! And just remember that everyone knows everyone in this industry, so make (and keep) as many connections as you can.
7. Confess! What’s your biggest beauty sin?
Sometimes, I sleep with my eye makeup still on. Even though it’s out of pure laziness and I’ll probably wake up with an eye infection one day (eek), there’s a silver lining: I wake up with sexy, smudged eyeliner! Hopefully, my ophthalmologist isn’t reading this.
8. What’s your guiltiest pleasure?
There is nothing better than sitting on the couch on Sunday afternoon (a plus if it’s raining or snowing) watching Keeping Up With The Kardashians and eating Fat-free Reddi Wip. I put it on everything from rice cakes to pretzels and even apples. I always knew this was kind of weird, but it looks super gross in writing. Oh, well!
