UT Senior Finds Internship Designing the Pages of People

For many graphic design or communication majors, working at a national magazine is but a dream. For Paul Braga ’14, it’s another day at the office.

Braga started interning at People magazine last summer and has returned to New York City for a second summer. As a creative design intern in the magazine’s advertising department, Braga helps facilitate advertisements by meeting with potential clients, works on branding for giveaway packages such as those included in last year’s "Sexiest Man Alive" issue, and composes in-office PowerPoint presentations.

Braga, a graphic design major, said while it is a dream job, being one of the few males in a female-dominated office comes with some hurdles.

“Trying to design for a primarily female magazine has its challenges when being a male, because it is harder to envision what the female reader enjoys and what they do or don't like to look at,” said Braga, who commutes 1.5 hours each way from his Long Island home to work. “For example, working with certain feminine color schemes can be challenging at times. Also, working with celebrities you do not know the names of can prove difficult.”

Braga was able to get his resume to People magazine through networking with family friends, and his success last year led to his re-hiring.

“It’s a little bit of luck and a lot of effort in my portfolio,” said Braga, who recommended students apply for the experience.

Katie Meyer-Griffith, the associate director of graduate and alumni services for UT’s Office of Career Services, said networking is crucial to landing an internship or job.

“Networking is one of the most powerful tools to utilize in the search for an internship or full-time position. Paul’s success is a great example of capitalizing on one’s immediate network of family members and friends,” said Meyer-Griffith.

She said other great resources for developing and expanding professional networks include colleagues, faculty, UT alumni, professional organizations and fellow classmates, as well as using social media like LinkedIn.

Braga said after submitting his resume and application last year, he received a call from the magazine on a Monday asking for him to come to a Wednesday interview. Braga wanted the internship so bad he flew from UT up to New York and within two days, was sitting in an interview.

“I really liked the environment and the people,” said Braga, who was offered an internship at his choice of any Time Inc. magazine this year, but decided to remain with People.

“I definitely learned a lot in my UT classes when it comes to the design aspect of things and typography,” said Braga, “but I learned a lot last summer that is hard to get from just sitting in a classroom. You can’t replicate that real-world experience.”

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