This is the second part in my account of my summer internship. If you haven't already, read part 1.There’s no question: I absolutely loved my time at Curtis Brown. Along with teaching me so much about the book industry, it reaffirmed that yes, this is what I want to do. While working on direct behalf of the author, joining them in this exhilarating process from beginning-to-end, agents forge truly intimate connections with author clients. I remember listening, squeezed into my office desk, to my boss engage in catch-ups and discuss wedding plans with her slew of client-turned-best-friends. By getting to so intimately know the author’s work—stubbornly pushing them toward maximizing their creative potential—you can’t help but personally connect to the creative forces behind the on-paper talent. I absolutely loved it. The entire industry just seemed so refreshingly personal
But, gnawing at me underneath my excitement is the reality that the publishing industry is transforming, entering into an unexplored terrain that it has yet to wrap its hands around. With the introduction of new digital outlets, the industry is temporarily struggling to reconcile its shifting role in today’s technology-centered society. E-books and new digital options have encouraged the determined-to-be-published to self-publish online, a process that entirely eliminates the traditional clout held by agent and publisher. And then there’s the tiny fact that, as so many speculate, online forums like e-book kindle could make hard-copy books an antique of the past. As the industry is struggling to locate an identifiable niche in our digitally minded society, entry-level jobs are become harder and harder to come by. 
But even despite the slightly unnerving tabloids, and what I’ve personally gathered about the industry’s slippery state, I realized that this industry just makes me happy. No it’s future direction isn’t totally clear, and the initial pay isn’t great, but regardless of all these obstacles, this transforming field just happens to perfectly resonate with my long-held interests. And there’s also something exhilarating about joining an industry at the peak of a remarkable transition, when the future of publishing—and book reading—is embarking on a never-before-seen path.
I think this is an important message across any field. In the wake of today’s work climate, where job insecurity and layoffs are a frightening norm, certain industries feel a bit more daunting than others. But at the end of the day, the tangible rewards pale in comparison to the satisfaction that swells up inside you when you’re doing something you love. Sure, internship and job snatching have become trickier in recent years, but with a good dose of resilience, optimism, and yes, patience, you can meaningfully contribute to the field of your choice, even if you have to wait a bit longer to get there. So, I’ll end with this: once you find a career path that excites you, one that feels stimulating and just plain right, push away any lingering doubts and go for it. Once you get in the door, I’m confident you won’t look back.
So now, that I’ve told you my own internship-saga, come and hear about other summer experiences told through the lens of your very own Tufts peers. Today, Tuesday, September 27, from 4:30 to 6:00pm in Dowling Library, Summer 2011 internship grant recipients will recount their experiences and offer you their now-expert insight on the field. I hope to see you there!
