Journalism Internship
One of the best ways to get practical experience in journalism is to find an internship.
Whether you are looking for a print, on-line or broadcast journalism
internship, positions are offered by most media outlets, and you may
make vital connections that will really get your career firing.
How Do I Find an Internship?
News outlets sometimes have internship programs which they offer direct
through your university. It's worth investigating this with your
tutors. Also, many outlets accept applications online and direct to
their office. Send out resumes complete with cover letters outlining
your experience and career objectives. Send these documents far and
wide, as it doesn't really matter where you land an internship, but the
experience you gain working in a news environment. Broadcast journalism
internship applications may also require a DVD of your past classwork.
If you can provide this, you will stand out from the pack.
Try
to send an e-mail to the coordinator of recruitment for the company, as
well as the editor, letting them know your application is on its way.
This will also help familiarize them with your name.
Make sure
you have your submissions in early - towards the end f the school year,
or before mid-year holidays. If a news outlets often receive a
bottleneck of applications once exams are over, and you are
understandably less likely to succeed if you do this.
Remember
there's nothing wrong with a little initiative. Even if a news
organisation does not actively seek internees, still pursue them.
Interview Preparation
When you are invited to an interview, it is important to have prepared
correctly. Make sure you are attired as a working journalist at the
company would be, and your research has been thorough. Stay up to date
with developments on the outlet's website and print or broadcast
installments, and know important figures in the organization. Make sure
you have prepared questions of your own, as this shows you are switched
on a genuinely interested in the position. A journalist must have above
all things an inquiring mind. Ask about what areas you would be
involved in, your duties, who you would report to. Be engaged, and take
notes. Make sure you bring yourself into the picture - mesh your goals
with the company's.
Internship Tips and Advice
Most journalism internships are unpaid. Your real reward is in
experience (and possibly university credits). Be like a sponge and
absorb everything. Make network connections where you can, stay up to
date with the company's media output, and general current affairs.
Don't have any illusions about the so-called glamour of working in a
media office - you will work hard, and this work will often include
filing paperclips, making coffee and doing vox pops. Accept your duties
with grace.
Ensure you come away with more than just
university credits when your internship is complete. Get business cards
and arrange an interview with your superior to discuss your experience.
You can formally thank him or her and ask for a written reference for
future job applications or internship positions. Be sure to emphasize
the value of your time at the outlet, and part on good terms. The
experience you have gained and networking you have done will likely
benefit you well into your future career.
