What is Odyssey?
The Odyssey is a social content platform that allows collegiate writers to showcase a spectrum of news from both their local communities as well as report on national issues. The ability to write about such diverse range of topics allows for an empowering platform, especially since there are over 5,000 writers nationwide giving various perspectives on a multitude of issues -- sometimes even the same issues. Odyssey, through premiering on over 450 plus college campuses across the U.S., does a great job of making all it's writers feel like one unit. We are striving to report, narrate, and premiere untapped news, which not only sparks interest for the reader, but sparks up a conversation afterwards.
What do I have to gain from being an intern?
As a writer for Odyssey, I can easily say it has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college career. When I joined the team at the University of Kentucky, a little less than a year ago, I was incredibly nervous about putting my work out for the world to see, but I am certainly glad I got over that fear. During my time as a writer, I was able to publish pieces of all kinds! In particular, I wrote a piece regarding scholarship requirement changes at my school. It was one of the first opinionated pieces I wrote, yet it managed to have over 2.5K views! This not only helps you grow as a writer, but certainly puts you on a platform for future employers to see. The connections I have made because of the odyssey have been incredibly beneficial for my future goals, and I encourage anyone who is serious about being a standout candidate when applying for any kind of field to have diverse extracurriculars on their resume -- which for me was being an intern at The Odyssey.
I also want to shed some light on what it's been like to be a part of one of the best teams in America. My Editor-in-Chief does a phenomenal job at building up our community of writers and constantly strives to push us to outdo ourselves. It certainly helps, to have someone who is close to you in age and goes to the same school as you as to serve as your team's leader. I have never felt uncomfortable asking my EIC for advice, and, honestly, appreciate his approachability so much. He keeps our team going, and his guidance has definitely helped me in my writing.
Aside from the EIC, we have a community of writers from all aspects of campus life. I like Odyssey because it helps foster a harmonious atmosphere of people -- who aside from Odyssey may not have much in common. Regardless of our differences we help each other brainstorm ideas at our weekly meetings, we share each other's pieces on social media, and we work together to make our Odyssey Campus the best it can be! By interning at Odyssey I not only gained a sense of confidence towards my writing, but gained a group of friends I am really lucky to call my colleagues.
In conclusion, I want to say that yes there are various responsibilities, but these commitments are small compared to what you will get back in return. When you work hard and your first piece goes viral, or you walk around campus and have a stranger stop to tell you how great your cover photo was, or even if you get noticed by nationals as being the top junior sales executive, that is what it's all about. The feeling of reaching your potential, knowing that in your time on your campus you've done something unique, something that's made a difference!
You reap what you sow -- so, why not have your start at Odyssey?
