Journalism internships are an excellent way to prepare for the real world of the news business, and a great thing to have on a resume. Here are the basics on how internships work.
What Are Internships?
Internships give journalism students the opportunity to work for a limited period of time in a professional news organization, either in print, broadcast or online journalism.
Why Should I Do An Internship?
An internship can provide you with valuable work professional experience, and give you a definite feel for whether journalism is the right career for you.
Who Offers Internships?
Hundreds of print, broadcast and online news organizations offer internships. Many are listed online, and if you’re interested in working at a particular news organization, check their website or call them for information.
What Do Interns Do?
There’s an old cliché about interns making coffee and running errands, but at good internships students do “real” work as reporters, editors, producers, etc.
When Can Internships Be Done?
Many are in the summer, but there are internships available year-round.
How Long Do They Last?
Summer internships usually last 10-12 weeks. Fall and spring internships often run for the length of a college semester.
Are Interns Paid?
Many internships do pay, while others are unpaid. Also, many journalism schools have programs in which students can earn college credit for doing an internship.
Is There A lot of Competition For Internships?
Definitely. And the bigger the news organization, the more competitive it is.
Are There Internships For Minority Students?
Yes. In fact, many news outlets offer internships specifically targeted for minority students.
When Should I Think About Doing An Internship?
Many internships are geared toward students in their junior or senior year of college. But some are also available for freshmen and sophomores.
When Should I Apply For An Internship?
Deadlines are usually months in advance, so apply early. For instance, applications deadlines for summer internships are usually in December or January.How Do I Apply For An Internship?
Generally, newspapers and websites will want to see your resume, a cover letter and a selection of your clips. Broadcast outlets often will require an audition tape.
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