Meet the Media: Megan Uy

For this week’s Meet the Media feature, we introduce Megan Uy, an Editorial Fellow at Cosmopolitan. With a degree in communications and journalism, and a People Magazine internship under her belt, Megan is a powerhouse journalist when it comes to all things style, fashion, beauty and pop culture. Please welcome Megan!

Introduce yourself.

Hi! My name is Megan Uy and I am the editorial fellow at Cosmopolitan.

How did you get into journalism? Was this always where you saw yourself?

I decided to concentrate in journalism in the middle of my college career. For the most part, I saw myself working in this industry—reporting and telling stories—but I thought I wanted to pursue that on-camera. But then I realized I found more fulfillment in writing. It was always so easy for me to convey my thoughts and ideas through written words. I also was very passionate about magazine journalism and saw myself writing for a woman’s brand once I knew that I wanted to be a writer/journalist.

From your experience, what makes a great story?

Authenticity, Honesty, and Detail. The more raw and personal a story is the more people will want to engage in it. At the end of the day, readers want to feel something from a story and gain something from it. Being totally pure, straight-forward, and true to your voice is how to do to gain the attention of others.

What’s an accomplishment you consider to be the most significant in your career so far?

Working for Cosmo and being a published writer for them was a dream come true. As a teen, I saw Cosmo as the older sister I never had. I was always so excited to get my monthly issue in the mail and read up on my horoscope and all the sex/relationship questions I was always afraid to ask out loud. Once I knew I wanted to work for a woman’s mag, I was determined to get to Cosmo because I felt like my writing was totally in line with their voice.

Even more specific, I couldn’t believe I was invited to pitch for their print mag and some of my ideas were taken as a fellow. I’m not considered a full-time contracted worker, so the fact that my bosses believed in me and felt like I was qualified to help with their iconic print magazine was the best feeling. It was so validating and reaffirmed to me that I was made to do this type of work.

What is one thing you wish the public knew about your job?

It’s definitely not as glitz and glam as it may seem. It’s a 24/7 job. During my off hours, I find myself on Insta or TikTok or just reading through articles and thinking that it would be a great pitch for a potential story. I absolutely love my line of work, but it’s really hard to separate it from your personal life.

Morning routine?

Typically, when I’m in NYC, I’d get up, wash my face, and put on a face of makeup. Full-on glam is my everyday look and I take great pride in that. Then I change into a cute outfit (#thankful that my job gives me freedom in being creative with my work clothes), brush my teeth, and head out the door so I have time to grab some Starbucks and breakfast from my building’s caf before the clock strikes 10 A.M.

But right now, I’m quarantining with my parent’s in California and working East Coast hours aka three hours ahead. So, I’m up by 6:50 A.M. and I just plop up in bed and grab my laptop. Some days I throw on some makeup and leggings if I’m really up for it.

What’s one piece of career advice you’d give a young person looking to follow in your footsteps?

Be very open to opportunities. Sometimes the journey to your dreams means taking internships or jobs that aren’t exactly where you want to end up in the long run, but that’s totally okay. I’ve taken gigs just because I needed to be financially stable—but I was also aware that I am young, fresh, and willing to learn every part of the industry I wanted to be in. Even if that meant not working specifically with a women’s brand. This will allow you to hone your skills and be a master of it all.