Best Internships for Journalism Students
As a journalism student, one of the most valuable things you can do for your career is to secure an internship. Internships provide invaluable real-world experience, a chance to build out your portfolio, and networking opportunities that can help you land your first job in the field. In this article, we highlight the best internships for journalism students, broken down by subfield and media type.
Why Internships are Crucial for Journalism Students
Before diving into the list of best internships, let's briefly discuss why internships are so crucial for journalism students. Simply put, internships offer a bridge between theoretical classroom learning and hands-on experience. Through an internship, students can test out what they've learned in a real-world setting and receive feedback and mentorship from experienced professionals in the field.
Gaining Real-World Experience
There's only so much that can be learned in a classroom setting. While coursework is essential, it's no substitute for real-world experience. With an internship, students can put their skills to the test and get a sense of what working as a journalist is really like, from meeting tight deadlines to conducting interviews to editing stories. This experience is invaluable when it comes time to apply for full-time jobs in the field.
For example, an internship at a local newspaper may involve covering community events, writing feature stories, and conducting interviews with local officials. This kind of experience can help students develop their writing and reporting skills, as well as their ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
Similarly, an internship at a national news outlet may involve working on breaking news stories, researching and fact-checking articles, and pitching story ideas to editors. This kind of experience can help students understand the fast-paced and competitive nature of the journalism industry, as well as the importance of accuracy and attention to detail.
Building a Strong Portfolio
Journalism is a field that heavily values experience. An internship is a chance to build out your portfolio, adding clips and projects that demonstrate your skills and interests. A strong portfolio can set you apart from other job applicants, showing employers that you have the skills and drive to succeed in the field.
For example, an internship at a magazine may involve researching and writing articles for publication. These articles can then be added to a portfolio, demonstrating the student's ability to write engaging and informative pieces on a variety of topics.
Similarly, an internship at a television news station may involve producing segments, conducting interviews, and writing scripts. These segments can then be added to a reel, showcasing the student's ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
Networking Opportunities
Finally, internships offer students a chance to network with professionals in the field. Interning at a media outlet gives you access to journalists, editors, and producers who can offer advice, mentorship, and even job leads in the future. Building a strong professional network early in your career can pay off in big ways down the line.
For example, a student who interns at a newspaper may have the opportunity to meet with editors and reporters, who can offer feedback on their work and provide guidance on their career path. Similarly, a student who interns at a television news station may have the opportunity to work with producers and anchors, who can provide insight into the industry and offer tips on how to succeed.
In conclusion, internships are an essential part of a journalism student's education. They provide real-world experience, help build a strong portfolio, and offer networking opportunities that can pay off in the future. Whether you're interested in print, broadcast, or digital journalism, an internship can help you gain the skills and experience you need to succeed in the field.
Top Internships in Print Journalism
If you're passionate about print journalism, there are plenty of internship opportunities that can help you gain valuable experience and advance your career. Here are some of the top internships for aspiring print journalists:
National Newspapers
Interning at a national newspaper can be a dream come true for many journalism students. The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal are among the most prestigious newspapers in the world, and they offer internships that provide unparalleled experience and reputation.
At The New York Times, interns work alongside seasoned journalists and editors, contributing to the daily news cycle and helping to produce high-quality content for the paper's print and digital platforms. The Washington Post offers internships to students who are interested in a variety of areas, including news, features, photography, and video. Interns at The Wall Street Journal work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, covering breaking news and contributing to the paper's award-winning coverage of business, finance, and economics.
If you're interested in business journalism, Forbes offers summer internships in NYC, San Francisco, and London. The internship involves reporting, writing, and pitching stories for a news-rich website, giving interns the opportunity to develop their skills in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
Local Newspapers
While national newspapers offer big-name recognition and high-profile stories, local newspapers can be a great place to start for aspiring journalists. Smaller newspapers like The Oregonian or The Denver Post are great options for students interested in local news. These papers offer hands-on experience covering community news and an opportunity to get involved in all aspects of producing a paper.
Interning at a local newspaper can be a great way to learn the ropes of journalism, from researching and reporting to writing and editing. It can also be a chance to build relationships with sources and get a feel for the unique challenges and rewards of covering a specific community.
Magazines
If you're interested in consumer magazines, internships with publications such as Time, Vanity Fair, or Esquire are highly competitive but offer great experience and exposure. Interns at these magazines work alongside editors and writers, contributing to the publication's print and digital content.
At Time, interns work on a variety of projects, from research and fact-checking to writing and reporting. Vanity Fair offers internships in a range of departments, including editorial, photo, and research. Interns at Esquire work on a variety of projects, including fact-checking, research, and writing, and have the opportunity to attend editorial meetings and pitch story ideas.
Interning at a magazine can be a great way to build your portfolio, make valuable connections, and gain insight into the world of publishing. Whether you're interested in news, features, or lifestyle journalism, there's an internship out there that's right for you.
Top Internships in Broadcast Journalism
For students interested in broadcast journalism, the following internships offer valuable experience producing and reporting for television, radio, or podcasts.
Television Stations
Interning at a local television station offers hands-on experience working in a newsroom, from pitching stories to operating the control room. You'll have the opportunity to work alongside experienced producers and reporters, and gain valuable skills in video editing, camera operation, and sound mixing. You'll also learn how to write for television news, crafting stories that are concise, informative, and engaging. Major networks like CBS and NBC also offer highly competitive internships that can launch a career in network news. These internships provide exposure to the inner workings of a national news organization, and can be a stepping stone to a job in broadcast journalism.
During your internship, you may have the chance to shadow reporters in the field, attend press conferences and events, and even contribute to on-air segments. You'll learn how to work under tight deadlines, and how to stay calm and focused in a fast-paced newsroom environment.
Radio Stations
If you're more interested in radio broadcasting, consider interning at NPR, recognized globally as a news leader in audio journalism. Interns work alongside experienced producers and reporters to produce segments and shows. You'll learn how to write for radio news, crafting stories that are compelling and informative. You'll also learn how to record and edit audio, and how to use sound to enhance your storytelling.
During your internship, you may have the opportunity to work on popular NPR shows like "Morning Edition" and "All Things Considered." You'll learn how to conduct interviews, research stories, and write scripts that engage listeners. You may also have the chance to attend live events and tapings, and to network with industry professionals.
Podcasts and Online Media
Podcasting has grown exponentially over the past few years, and media outlets like Slate, The Atlantic, and The Daily Beast are all producing award-winning shows. Consider interning at a podcast to gain experience in storytelling, scriptwriting, and audio production. You'll learn how to create compelling narratives, and how to use sound to create an immersive listening experience.
During your internship, you may have the opportunity to work on popular podcasts like "Serial" and "This American Life." You'll learn how to research and pitch stories, and how to write scripts that capture the attention of your audience. You'll also learn how to record and edit audio, and how to use music and sound effects to enhance your storytelling.
Overall, internships in broadcast journalism offer valuable experience for students interested in pursuing a career in media. Whether you're interested in television, radio, or podcasts, there are opportunities to gain hands-on experience and develop your skills as a journalist. So don't hesitate to apply for these exciting internships and start your journey towards a successful career in broadcast journalism!
Top Internships in Digital Journalism
Finally, for students looking to gain experience in the digital sphere, consider interning at a news website, blog, or social media platform. The following internships offer opportunities to report, write, and create multimedia content for the web.
News Websites
Major news outlets like CNN and CNBC offer digital internships where students can work on the website, producing content and managing social media accounts.
Blogs and Independent Platforms
For those interested in independent journalism sites, opportunities exist with The Intercept, FiveThirtyEight, and Vox Media. These sites focus on a range of topics, from investigative reporting to data journalism.
Social Media Journalism
Finally, media outlets like BuzzFeed and HuffPost offer social media internships where students can create engaging content for a variety of platforms, from Instagram to Twitter to Facebook. These internships offer hands-on experience with the latest social media tools and trends.
Conclusion
Securing an internship is one of the best things journalism students can do for their future careers. Whether you're interested in print, broadcast, or digital journalism, there are countless opportunities to gain hands-on experience, build your portfolio, and network with professionals. Take the time to research the best opportunities and tailor your application to each specific organization. Your hard work will pay off in the form of a fulfilling and successful journalism career.