Magazine helps build portfolios

Four years of college just doesn't seem enough to land that dream job for many students.

They are expected to conquer the world even before being looked at by some big name corporations. However, there are more opportunities for students to be on the top of their game as they enter the "real world," apart from college life.

It has become easier for students to pull ahead of their competition by simply getting involved and understanding the importance of experience beyond college.

The new nonprofit magazine, Alive, recognizes this uproar from college students looking to build their portfolios, which seem to be missing that career winning material.

It is made up of real stories, artwork and poetry. It's a great opportunity for anyone who is looking to get published and to share their creativity and passion with the world.

"Alive was started by a group of young women who were tired of the negativism in the media and the unrealistic images and stories that are featured by mainstream media," said Alive creative director and co-founder, Jen Dotson. "Rather than continuing to complain about it, we decided to do something about it."

Alive Arts Media was founded in 2004 with a mission to provide women the opportunity to create the media they wished to see.

Alive features the real stories and artwork of everyday women.

"Alive operates on the idea that everyone has a story to tell and every unique experience of life is something that should be celebrated," Dotson said. "There is a place for everyone in the magazine, even young men and people over the age of 25, though the majority of the content is reserved for young women ages 25 and under."

Not only does Alive offer students an opportunity to be published, but Dotson is always looking for interns and ideas for the developing media business.

"Created entirely by women ages 25 and under, from graphic design and layout to the editorial and production processes, Alive offers high levels of professional experience to young women at an early age, offering them a significant step up in the job market," Dotson said.

 

Alive intern Celine Merlaud said she loves the opportunities available to her at Alive.

"I like the fact that the internship is more or less tailored to what I would like to learn and I love the fact that I do have big responsibilities," Merlaud said. "I am not there to make coffee or to make copies; I actually contribute to the magazine."

She added that she loves the fact that she is working for a good cause.

There are countless ways students can benefit from getting involved with Alive.

"Students can benefit from Alive by submitting their stories and artwork or by applying for an internship during which they will get a high level of experience," Merlaud said. "By doing an internship with Alive Magazine, college students will benefit from getting real work experience related to their studies before graduating."

She also said Alive takes interns year round, so students can apply anytime.

With all the busy work that takes place in a student's day-to-day life, getting published in a rapidly growing magazine does not seem quite feasible for some, however, the process is actually quite easy.

"Anyone can submit directly through our Web site at www.alivemagazine.org. Writer and artist guidelines can be downloaded and your finished story or artwork can be uploaded through the submissions tab on the homepage." Dotson said. "Our editors and artistic staff will be in touch with you shortly to begin the editorial process, asking for any changes that need to be made in the image file or document formatting, or to gather necessary contracts and release forms."

Dotson said if the submission is a natural fit, that's all there is to it.

Sponsorship Opportunities
Mission & Vision
In the News
Testimonials