When I arrived in Berkeley for my internship interview with Heyday Books, I walked right past their building. Ten minutes later I was blocks down the street with no idea how I missed it.  Scouring University Avenue for a building resembling my preconceived image of a publishing headquarters, I nearly missed it again. A publishing house, quite literally, Heyday's two-story, shingled home is unassuming at first glance. The company, however, is not. After two months interning within these walls, I respect and admire the thriving foundation situated inside.

I came to Heyday with curiosity. What happened behind the doors of a publishing house? With my time at the University of Portland dwindling and my 2010 graduation looming, I knew it was time to consider the daunting future. Working at Barnes & Noble inspired my consideration of publishing and my studies in English, Business Administration and History reinforced it. Coming across Heyday's website while studying abroad, it struck me how well the company combined my three areas of interest. Perhaps a bit homesick and subsequently drawn to anything California-related, I applied eagerly to the internship program. Despite the difficulties of distance, when I completed my trans-Atlantic journey from London, I was thrilled to discover a position was still available to interview for. 

I arrived the first day enthusiastic, yet nervous. After three years of classroom learning, this was the initial test of whether my education was applicable in the real world. I feared I might be incompetent, considering my lack of experience. What would they have me do? And could I actually do it? Beginning with simple tasks, my responsibilities slowly increased. My day's activities varied from sending out early editions of books to various magazines and newspapers to helping write and edit letters, documents and website entries. Each task carried a purpose; nothing was pure busy-work.

Despite my original apprehensions, Heyday looked for my eagerness to learn and attempt something new, rather than past experience. Countless times I was asked, "Do you know how to do this?" When I responded with, "No, but I bet I will pick it up quickly" I earned a smile and a knowing nod. Along with their confidence in my abilities came an overwhelmingly supportive group of individuals. Everyone at Heyday was willing to assist and teach me. This, along with company's small size, generated the perfect atmosphere to learn.

Due to Heyday's size, meetings were one of my favorite activities. From sales meetings to launch meetings, I not only began to understand jargon, but I also listened to conversations and issues between departments, such as design and editorial, which expanded my knowledge of publishing's inner-workings. While I only assisted marketing during my time with Heyday, these meetings briefly overviewed the responsibilities of others. From discussing titles, prices, pictures, timelines and environmental printing, the meetings covered a broad range of topics perfect for an intern. Learning about the variety of ways to lessen a publisher's environmental impact through recycled paper, certain inks and cover choices specifically interested me, as it demonstrated how the industry continues to develop and adjust, reflecting the current issues and needs.

I settled comfortably into my internship.  After the first week I came to Heyday with no anxiety, only an excitement to start the day. One afternoon, however, I received a galley edition of A Community Organizer's Tale: People and Power in San Francisco, by Mike Miller. My task: browse the book and write a pitch letter for magazines and newspapers across the nation. A pitch letter? I knew nothing about writing a pitch letter, except the basic idea that it should persuade an editor to review the book. I approached it as I would a paper at school, reading the book's key points and taking notes simultaneously. After analyzing past letters I found, I started typing. A past English professor of mine always reminded my class that we will never get anywhere with a paper if we do not begin writing. His advice also applied to the pitch letter. As I continued typing, my nerves began to ease, my fingers began to flow, and fairly soon there was a respectable first-attempt pitch letter in my hands. After edits and corrections, it was sent, along with the book, to dozens of publications. Certainly the most challenging responsibility I received, it was also the most rewarding.

I began my internship asking myself: Can I see myself doing this later in life? I knew very little about publishing when I began, only the basics. Heyday successfully introduced me to the life of a publisher and much more. When I came to work, I not only looked forward to learning, but also helping a unique and important institute preserve and foster California's legacy.

The world always jokes and asks, "What can you do with an English major?" I take great joy in responding, "Well this summer I am interning at Heyday Publishing in Berkeley, helping the marketing and sales department. I am considering continuing on in the publishing field after graduation." When I say this to doubting individuals, watching their faces is priceless. They never anticipate an answer.