30 Under 30: Bijan Stephen, Magazine Editor
This week marks the release of our annual 30 Under 30 issue, and because each of these individuals is so interesting, we thought we’d further highlight them by running some brief interviews with them.
Name: Bijan Stephen
Age: 24
Neighborhood: Carroll Gardens
Occupation: Magazine editor
Who would be your choice for a 30 Under 30?
Doreen St. Felix! She’s an immensely talented writer, editor, and thinker.
Who are your role models in your industry?
This is tough to answer, because there are so many smart people around. Ta-Nehisi Coates and Jelani Cobb are really inspiring; they’re both phenomenal writers and forceful intellectuals. Also, they’re great at Twitter.
What was a turning point for you, when you realized you could make a career out of something you loved to do?
For me, I think that was when I was hired as an assistant at Vanity Fair—I got to work with very smart people, and I learned a lot about how magazines function on a day to day basis.
What’s some advice you’d have for people looking to get a foothold in your industry?
Read more! You can never have read enough.
Do you feel Brooklyn is still a viable place for young people to build a career?
Absolutely, if you can find a reasonably-priced place to live.
Have you ever felt like leaving your career path?
Nah man, I just started.
What’s felt like your biggest professional accomplishment?
Probably the opportunity to work at The New Republic. It’s been great work with extremely talented people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Alive? Paying rent, probably.
Follow Bijan Stephen on twitter @bijanstephen