Work experience in a journalism internship will almost certainly boost your credentials when it comes time to look for your first job if you want to pursue a career in journalism. In general, to find the best journalism internship for you, think about what kind of journalism you want to do after college and look for an internship in that field. If you want to work in broadcast journalism, for example, look for internships at radio and television stations. Look for opportunities with magazines and newspapers if you want to work in print journalism. Consider the reputations of the organizations that are offering internships; an internship with a well-known journalistic organization can help your résumé stand out.
When looking for a journalism internship, it’s important to think about what you’ll be doing on a daily basis. Most internships include some lower-level responsibilities, such as photocopying or serving as a newsroom gofer, but higher-level responsibilities should also be included. When deciding between journalism internships, consider how the actual tasks you’ll be performing will help you develop the skills you’ll need in the future. Consider an internship that includes actual reporting opportunities if you want to write for newspapers. If you want to work in broadcast journalism, look for a journalism internship that allows you to work as a production assistant.
Another thing to consider when looking into journalism internships is that while some internships are paid, the majority are not. If money is a major concern, you may want to concentrate your internship search on larger organizations. Paid internships are more likely to be offered larger newspapers, magazines, radio stations, and television stations. Keep in mind that competition for paid internships will be fierce, so the more journalism experience you have before applying, the better. Smaller publications and stations may only offer a stipend or academic credit to interns, but they may be easier to obtain.
Another factor to consider is how much time you have to devote to an internship program. If you have other obligations during the summer, you might want to look for shorter internships. You could also look for internships that take place during shorter school breaks, such as the winter or spring vacations.
Finding field internship opportunities is one way to make your résumé stand out even more. Other countries offer opportunities in journalism that can teach you about the profession as well as another culture. A field journalism internship may be appropriate for you if you plan to focus on travel writing or international news reporting, for example. To find the best journalism internship to advance your career goals, apply the same criteria to choosing an internship abroad as you would to choosing one closer to home.