In 2008, entirely by accident, Tiffany Markman found herself mentoring fledgling writers. This mentorship has now taken the form of two- to three-week on-site internships, where copy writing students or new-to-the-business freelancers join Tiffany in her home office on a day-to-day basis: attending briefings and debriefs, observing the quoting and invoicing process, sitting in on Tiffany’s workshops and courses, meeting with prospective clients, and even taking on their own work.
While the ‘interns’ don’t earn a wage during this period, they may be paid for any writing or editing work that they do – depending on their capability and experience. Some have even doubled their salaries in only two weeks with Tiffany.
The mentoring process is mutually beneficial: helping aspiring copy writers to get a sense of a) the industry and b) the running of a small business, while giving Tiffany both an insight into how fresh minds work and access to a spare ‘pair of hands’ during busy times. However, despite regular requests to be considered for internship, Tiffany is only able to take on three to four interns per year: two students and two ‘grown-ups’. Here’s some feedback from some of Tiffany’s previous mentorees:
Dear Tiffany,
Thank you so much for welcoming me into your home and giving me the opportunity to shadow you. It was a very enlightening experience. I learnt so much and gained more confidence in terms of writing. I am now even more excited about my career. The meetings, tasks and training session were all so fascinating – I enjoyed it all. Thank you for all your time and hospitality. I will keep in touch; take care.
Busi Dhlamini (Wits student)
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Hello!
Just wanted to thank you once again for the last couple of weeks of fantastic work and experience (and reward)…and to express my gratitude for all your guidance, support, advice and wisdom. See you soon!
Sara Isaacson (Freelancer)
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Dear Tiffany,
…You are a teacher, which is something very few people really are. You have been patient and instructive; encouraging and honest with my work. I have seen a new niche in society: copywriting. And I didn’t know about this world or the potential career path until you.
But you have also given me life lessons about business and self-promotion, client relations and the success that can be achieved with hard work. I feel excited about the idea of continuing with this avenue; about ‘feeding myself’ and developing the skills you have introduced me to…
Michela Ziady (Masters student)
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