It’s safe to say that Maggie Lardie, an English major with a specialization in literature, film, folklore and popular culture studies and a screenwriting minor, has a deep love of storytelling. Whether it’s books, movies, or other forms of media, she always wants to know how they work. ”When I was younger, I loved analyzing meaningful scenes from my favorite books and movies and trying to understand the process that went into creating them. I knew I wanted to continue that when I came to Ohio State,” Lardie remarks. Like many college students, however, she found the thought daunting, and it wasn’t clear how her major would translate into a career outside of college. That is, until her internship at CityScene Magazine.
Looking to expand her knowledge and experience in the writing world, Lardie attended the 2024 Arts and Sciences Spring Career Fair. It was at this fair that she was able to speak to representatives of many companies either looking for an intern or a student to fill a permanent role and begin their career path. One of those company representatives was Kathy Gill, the CEO of CityScene. In talking with her future employer, Lardie found herself intrigued by the magazine’s focus on arts, culture, and lifestyle, and was excited when Gill offered her an internship for autumn 2024.
As an intern, Lardie’s main responsibility is writing articles assigned by her editor. The editor may provide the source, topic, and background material, but Lardie is in charge of transforming facts into stories. “I’m responsible for connecting with and interviewing sources, researching the topics, writing the articles, and uploading corresponding photos,” she explains. “I also get to be a photographer occasionally and take some of my own.” Being able to see her images and written work published to a larger readership fills Lardie with a feeling of accomplishment, as she gets to see her written work come to life in the form of a story.
In thinking about her college career, Lardie sees how the skills she’s learned in her major translate into the workplace. All the writing that she does as an English major has helped her prepare for her role at CityScene. Her proficiency in source evaluation helps her determine what resources would be credible and strengthen her article. Her expository writing classes help her shape narratives that inform readers. Even her screen writing classes come into play, helping her create new and entertaining stories. Lardie’s internship has also strengthened her skills in close-reading and fact-checking as she readies articles for publication. “These skills are just as crucial as writing when it comes to producing articles,” Lardie exclaims when describing what she has learned. “No story would be anywhere without a reliable foundation.”
Working at CityScene has not only confirmed Lardie’s decision to major in English, but has also opened her eyes to the possibility of a career in journalism, something she never really considered before. “This internship has proven to me that my love for stories can translate into the workplace. At CityScene, I get to meet and tell the stories of so many different people, which is really rewarding,” Lardie reflects. “I love what I do and would be happy to remain in this field.”
In fact, her experience has inspired her to rethink both her career path and her plans after graduation, opening her eyes to new avenues for telling stories. Lardie now aspires to become a full-time journalist while continuing to write screenplays, and has realized that those opportunities are available right in front of her. “I was initially planning on moving to Cleveland upon my graduation, but this experience has given me a reason to consider staying in Columbus,” she explains. ”I didn’t put much thought into becoming a journalist in the past, but this internship has changed that.”
Lardie’s journey as a student and intern, combined with the support of her coworkers at CityScene Magazine, has fueled her determination to craft and share stories that resonate with readers. Each article she writes and every narrative she shapes reminds her that her passion for storytelling isn’t confined to the classroom—it’s a gateway to countless opportunities, and whether it’s through the pages of a magazine or the scenes of a screenplay, she’s ready to turn her passion into a career full of discovery and meaning. As she looks to the future, Lardie envisions a life where her love for narrative leads her down unexpected paths, each one offering new possibilities to connect, inspire, and grow.
