The good news: I've been doing an internship with a big daily in one of its satellite bureaus. I love the town, I've cleaned up my reporting and copy a lot, and I've gotten some great clips.
The bad news: My well-connected boss hates my guts. Am I screwed?
We got along well enough at first. She's a tough editor, and I really wasn't prepared for Web deadlines. I'm not a journalism grad, and so I had some cleaning up to do in terms of reporting technique and higher editing standards. As I moved along, though, the filing process generally improved. And while my editor has continued to call me out on the bad writing habits I'm working to break, the feedback has generally gotten better, and she's had positive things to stay about my more recent stories.
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But she makes it clear that she can't stand me, and it's just her and me in the bureau. Her attitude toward me is that I'm an incompetent nuisance that she's disgusted to have to deal with every day. She doesn't say hello when she walks in the door, or goodbye when she leaves at night.
Every question or clarification I ask for gets ignored or answered in a biting tone. She cuts me off when I try to answer her questions, and she raises her voice at me multiple times a day. She's always one step ahead of me, and there's always an angle I missed or a question I forgot to ask. She pulls out some of this manner on everyone, but she is particularly nasty to me.
I've never lost it. I've always retained my cool and remained polite and professional. I come in early and stay late. I'm giving 120 percent in reporting, and I know I'm improving. I'm keeping a list of everything my editor tells me about style. I pitch ideas when I can, including new options for Web coverage. I'm racking my brain and bending over backward to be helpful and an asset to the bureau, but nothing seems to help. I certainly don't ask to be coddled, and I fully acknowledge that I'm a young, dumb reporter with a lot to learn. At the same time, I'm walking on eggshells all the time and am not afforded a fraction of basic respect.
While this is hardly pleasant, the internship is almost over and I have another one — in the same place with a different big daily — lined up. What I'm really concerned about, though, is the long-term recommendation. My editor is well-known and well-respected in the market, so I'm really afraid that her opinion may discredit me in a town I love and would like to get hired in after a few months. My other references are good, including one from someone who is local but lower down on the proverbial "food chain."
Nothing I've done seems to be solving this apparent personality clash. Should I worry, and what's the best way to handle this?
Thanks,
Toast?
Well, you've been crisped, but you're not toast.
Be happy that you have already lined up your next gig. The reference at that job will be ultra important, as it does not sound like you will want anyone calling this editor.
When you are caught in a situation where an attitude or conflict seems to be unresolvable, look for help from others. Chances are, others in the newsroom have been blistered by this editor and can relate to you. I would not be concerned about how widespread her influence is. Carefully try to cultivate mentors who can speak up for you and your work.
You're showing a cool head by not provoking a public outburst or letting this editor get the better of you. Exploding might feel good for a moment, but it would then bother you and give this editor more ammunition.
You have to be the grownup.
Coming Wednesday: She has become so well-known for writing features that she is afraid she will never get to do what she wants: write news stories.
