Hillary Bautch is a small town girl who took the big apple by storm. She’s crazy cool and will be being published in July’s issue of Cosmo! She loves Babcock ice cream, skipping class to enjoy the sunshine, and writing amazing articles. This girl is going to do big things so watch out world.
How did you land such a sweet internship at Cosmo?
Last fall I attended a conference that Cosmo held called the Fun Fearless Life Conference in New York. It was 2 days of amazing speakers, career and life advice, and networking with awesome young women from around the country. I actually met Her Campus founder Windsor Western there, and she asked if I would take a picture with her. I think that was my social peak. Anyway, I ended up making some really great connections at the conference, one of them being a Beauty Editor at Cosmo. We kept in touch after I got home, I had a phone interview (which at the time I didn’t know was an interview) and the next thing I knew I was headed back to New York to intern for them.
How did your internship influence what you want to do in the future?
My internship really taught me that the magazine industry is where I want to be in the future. I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but it solidified that I want to be somewhere I can connect with women readers. I learned a lot about writing in health and beauty while I was at Cosmo, so that is a definite possibility for the future. Mostly I just want to have the chance to write and connect with my readers on a larger scale.
What were some of the cool things you got to work on or do at the internship?
I actually helped a lot with the May issue of Cosmo that’s out right now, so everyone go pick one up! This was the 50th anniversary issue of the magazine, so the Beauty Awards was a big project we helped on. Also, research for the celebrity nail art story was so much fun.
Did you meet anyone super cool?
I didn’t technically meet any celebrities, but Joanna Coles, the Editor-In-Chief of Cosmo, is like a celebrity to me. I helped her pick out lipstick and brought her coffee once so that left me pretty star struck. I also got to help out on a photo shoot that’s in this month’s issue with Hannah Bronfman. She’s this badass fitness guru who’s also a DJ and totally Insta-famous, so that was really cool.
How was it being a Badger in the Big Apple?
It was great! New York is an amazing city. It was hard at first because I was there all by myself, and I lived in Brooklyn with people that I didn’t know. But you learn to be happy spending time alone and I got used to doing touristy things by myself on the weekends. There are actually a few people at Cosmo that went to UW so I had some fellow Badgers with me while I was there!
What is your favorite flavor of babcock?
Lately I’ve been mixing Mocha Macchiato and Mint Chocolate Cookie—I can never choose just one.
When you’re not writing super great articles for Her Campus what do you like to do?
With graduation approaching I haven’t had a lot of time to do anything fun, but that will all change soon! What I miss the most is reading for fun—that’s the English major in me. I also try to write as much as possible when I get the inspiration. This summer you’ll probably be able to find me at the terrace with my friends, taking advantage of our last summer together (tear).
What is your advice for aspiring fashion writers?
Never be afraid to ask for what you want, and always take a chance on something you aren’t sure about. When I went to Cosmo’s conference last fall, I had no idea I would end up with an internship there. It was my first time in New York and I was there alone. Yes it was scary, but it was something that I knew I had to do and it paid off. If you really want a job or internship, don’t be afraid to do some digging and find out who a contact person would be. Send them an email. The worst that can happen is they don’t respond, but at least you tried. In this industry you literally have to stalk people sometimes before they will respond to you, but finding one person who will give you a chance is all you need.
What is the most important thing you learned during your time here?
UW-Madison has been my sanctuary for the past four years, and I’ve learned more about myself here than I ever thought possible. The most important thing is probably to make as many memories as you can. I shouldn’t be saying this, but it’s true that you will never remember that one class you skipped when you walked to Picnic Point with your friends instead. My time here is coming to an end and I wish I had more of those days left. I don’t remember what classes I took my freshman year, but I do remember the day my friend and I ditched our classes for the day and laid on the terrace when it was 80 degrees in March.
Who is your fashion inspiration?
Blake Lively is my inspiration for everything—honestly who doesn’t want to be her? But I love her care-free kind of boho style. Also Julianne Hough—her street style is amazing and I wish my lob looked as good as hers does! #hairgoals
What are the top three things on your bucket list?
I studied abroad my junior year and I still miss Europe every single day, so I’d love to go back and visit the places I didn’t have time to go last time. Switzerland, Germany, and Amsterdam to name a few. Other than that I want to go bungee jumping on the highest bungee swing in the world, that’s in New Zealand. Also I hope to do a volunteer project in the jungle somewhere within the next few years, probably in Ecuador.
How do you feel about being this week’s campus celeb?
So excited! It’s weird to be the one answering the questions instead of asking them. Can I put this on my resume? (my famous last words, probably).
The Her Campus team has been so lucky to have Hillary on our staff, and as you can see anywhere she works in the future will be truly blessed. This spunky girl has a great sense of humor and just go for it attitude. Hope you loved this weeks Campus Celeb as much as I do!