HEARST – Alumni Spotlights highlight the success of THF interns with Hearst, a long standing supporter and the Foundation’s first Platinum Diversity Partner.
Anatola Pabst (THF ‘20)
Tell us about your host company, Hearst.
Hearst is a multinational mass communication and business information conglomerate founded 133 years ago, in 1887. Hearst is a company with its hands in many industries. From film, television, magazines, cybersecurity, tech—you name it!
I loved learning about the variety of brands, perspectives, and platforms that are united under the Hearst name. From owning the rights to Betty Boop to running luxury design magazines, Hearst does it all with its unique flavor of excellence and innovation.
Please share your title.
Luxury and Design Associate
Please describe your duties & responsibilities.
Produced virtual events including Town and Country’s virtual Philanthropy Summit, which garnered over 20MM Social Media impressions and featured guest speakers such as Ava DuVernay, Scooter Braun, and Mathew McConaughey.
Developed a comprehensive designer database for a 7,000+ designer network across Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Veranda, and Town & Country Magazines. Designed PowerPoint presentation templates that reflect the luxury design brands of Hearst Magazines.
How did your role/department fit into Hearst’s overall business objective/mission?
The Luxury and Design Department is a collective of four different luxury magazine brands. These include Town and Country Magazine, Veranda, Elle Decor, and House Beautiful. The Luxury and Design Department is a child of the larger Hearst Magazines Division, which runs O, The Oprah Magazine, Seventeen Magazine, Harper’s Bazaar, and many more.
Hearst’s mission is to be innovative, creative, and sustainable. Through the Luxury and Design Collection, Hearst does just that. The department engages its community on topics they are passionate about from sustainability to diversity to wellness. It fosters a network of cutting-edge interior designers who are innovating luxury homes around the world.
What did a typical day look like for you?
I woke up excited and grateful to see what another day of being a Hearst intern would bring. After a cup of homemade espresso, I’d settle into my home office, a.k.a computer in my bedroom, and the work day would begin. At 9 am, I touched base with my incredible manager, Grace Mcloughlin, and was briefed on my project for the week. Then, I’d hop on a team Slack or Zoom call with a small number of key heads of the Luxury and Design Department. I would hear their updates and ask them questions. Then I’d start my main project for the day. My projects varied week by week. One week, I would create a database of the 7,000+ designers who are part of the Luxury and Design Network. Another week I tracked the social media buzz of wide-reaching virtual events including the 10th Anniversary of Elle Decor’s A-List and the Town and Country’s virtual Philanthropy Summit. My favorite project was in the final week of my internship program when I spearheaded my own video project for my department. Later in the afternoon, a full team Zoom meeting would bring together the entire 60+ person Luxury and Design team. The workday wrapped around 4:30 pm. After work was done, my fellow Hearst Associates in the virtual internship class of 2020 would connect via a virtual happy hour, where we’d connect, play games, and share our favorite parts of our week.
What did you like most about interning with Hearst?
I fell in love with the unique history of the company, the people in my department, and company culture of innovation, creativity, and sustainability. I was constantly inspired by my department’s commitment to excellence, and the community that formed around its purpose. There was an abundance of programs for interns to learn, connect, and be inspired by. What I valued most about interning with Hearst were the meaningful conversations with Steven R. Swartz, the CEO of Hearst, Condoleezza Rice, the 66th United States Secretary of State, and a plethora of other incredible Hearst employees. These folks engaged us interns in meaningful discussion that shared cutting-edge perspectives on the largest issues facing our world today.
Watch the video below to learn more about Anatola’s experience with Hearst!
What were the most rewarding and challenging parts of your role?
The most rewarding part of my role was spearheading my own video project where I highlighted the accomplishments of the Luxury and Design Department during the summer I interned with them. I shared the 90 second video with the entire 60+ person department, and was overwhelmed by the amount of positive feedback I received and the kind words that were shared with me because of my initiative.
The most challenging part of my role was navigating how to authentically connect with my co-workers and to learn to network in a 100% remote work environment.
What particular (hard/soft) skills or talents were most essential to be effective in your internship role?
Hard skills: Excel, Google Sheets, Adobe CC (Premiere, After Effects, Photoshop), Powerpoint.
Soft Skills: Communication, punctuality, being a self-starter, ability to ask great questions, reflection, lifelong learner, being teachable.
How has your Hearst internship made an impact on your career?
Hearst has been my favorite internship I have had throughout my college experience. I valued being a part of a large company with a track record of success, even in the face of challenge. My experience with Hearst has instilled in me the importance of being a purpose-driven company, not only a profit-driven company. It taught me that magic is possible when I as the employee am aligned with the values and mission of the company I work for. Hearst showed me it is possible to excel in business while also giving back to the community, taking initiative in sustainability, and being at the forefront of essential cultural conversations. My Hearst internship has shaped what I look for in a company and how I know when a company is a good fit for me.
What advice would you give to THF interns as they begin internships/careers in media?
Be open minded and curious about the multifaceted identities of your co-workers. Try to reach out to them, have informational interviews, and most importantly, be yourself. The last piece of advice sounds cheesy, but people are attracted to fearless authenticity and a positive attitude. Stay uniquely you!