“Emily in Paris reflects my career goals,” says Elaine Ho (Steinhardt ’26), a Media, Culture, and Communication major who is interning at Hearst Magazines this summer. “I'm drawn to the show’s depiction of digital marketing and the character’s career journey in a fast-paced, ever-changing industry.”
Photo by Jonathan King
The TV series wasn’t her first encounter with her dream job, though. “Throughout high school, I managed the social media accounts for the extracurriculars I was a part of, and that’s when I realized marketing was the career for me,” Elaine says. This past academic year, the Houston native was the Interactive Media and Marketing Intern for NYU’s Office of Global Inclusion, Diversity, and Strategic Innovation; worked on social media outreach for TEDxNYU; and served as Co-President and VP of Events and Production for NYU CommClub. And now, with a chance to work for the publisher of such world-famous titles as Cosmo, Elle, Esquire, and Harper’s Bazaar, she’s another step closer to turning Netflix fiction into her reality.
Photo by Jonathan King
Photo courtesy of Elaine Ho
TITLE: Marketing Intern, Industry Marketing & Ad Communications, Hearst Magazines
THE GIG: I help my team promote over two dozen brands, collaborating across research, event programming, industry communications, sales, multicultural marketing, and graphic design to elevate their visibility and articulate our value and positioning to clients.
TYPICAL DAY: My tasks vary widely, from organizing brand collateral of editorial and paid content to working on our Monthly Essential Edits, a themed selection of Hearst Magazines’ favorite stories. I also provided logistical support for Hearst’s events at Cannes Lions, the largest global event for professionals in creative communications, advertising, and related fields.
Photos courtesy of Elaine Ho
BEST PERK: The Delish Experience is one of Hearst's most exciting events, where employees and interns can take part in a fun food tutorial and enjoy mouthwatering dishes straight from the Delish Kitchen!
UPCOMING: In August, Hearst is organizing a hackathon where interns will collaborate to solve a problem presented by the Executive Leadership Team. I am eagerly looking forward to participating in this event!
LUNCH BREAK ROUTINE: I spend these either with fellow interns or my team at Cafe57 in Hearst Tower. I also love enjoying lunch at Central Park, which is just a short walk away from our office near Columbus Circle.
Photo courtesy of Elaine Ho
IN THE FUTURE …: I see myself working in marketing within the media, communications, or tech industries. I love how marketing mixes creativity with strategic thinking and how no two days are the same in this career. I’m excited about the idea of strategizing ways to build a brand and connecting with audiences, and I can’t wait to see where this journey takes me.
Photo by Jonathan King