Internship

Journalism internships are available for all types of news media. This may include traditional media such as newspapers and magazines, radio and television, or web-based news outlets including social media.

Good sources for finding opportunities include job hubs such as JournalismJobs.com, and the American Society of News Editors. Talking with college counselors and attending career fairs are also important places to learn about internships in journalism fields.

Journalism is a career in which there may be opportunities for even high school students to learn and earn. Almost every secondary school has its own newspaper and produces a yearbook. Many also print a school magazine. Such publications require all the same roles as more sophisticated organizations, and provide great experience for students. Many larger publication houses are willing to invest in providing hands-on training for young people who show an interest in pursuing journalism.

The types of tasks which may be required in journalism internships include writing, editing, using social media for marketing, research, blogging, fact checking, proofreading, general office tasks, interviewing, reporting, and advertising.

There is a good range of paid opportunities, and also those which result in academic credit. As with most types of internships there are plenty of positions which only provide experience. For a young person who wants valuable experience in a specifically focused area this may be a great opportunity despite the lack of income.

Some publications have a particular focus on social problems, or environmental issues. They may be trade journals, or topical, etc. In these cases there may be requirements to have background knowledge of the particular subject matter.

Journalism is an area where there are many opportunities to break into the field through small publications. Small-town newspapers, niche magazines, in-house industry publications, etc can provide students with many of the same kinds of training as large publishers. Often, the smaller organs have more personal supervision, or can allow the intern to participate in a broader range of experiences.

Applicants can expect to be required to demonstrate good writing skills and provide samples. They must be computer literate, even savvy. For visual media, training in public speaking may be required. For college students, enrollment in certain courses of study may be a requirement.

Journalism internships can lead to many types of careers. News reporting comes quickly to mind, but many journalists have enjoyed success as politicians, authors, speakers, or educators.