Kickstart Your Career: A Guide to CBS News Internships

Are you a college student passionate about journalism and eager to gain hands-on experience in the news industry? The CBS News Internship Program offers exciting opportunities for aspiring journalists to immerse themselves in the world of news broadcasting and production. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the CBS News Internship Program, including eligibility requirements, available departments, the application process, and what you can expect from this immersive experience.

An Immersive Experience at CBS News

The CBS News Internship Program is a paid, immersive experience designed to help you explore career paths while bringing your passions and fresh perspectives to work. As an intern, you'll have the chance to learn about all aspects of news gathering, from conception to execution, and put your college education into practice.

Locations

CBS News internships are offered in several major cities, including:

New York
Washington D.C.
Los Angeles

Program Overview

The Summer Internship Program is a 10-week experience, offering hands-on learning and serving as a pipeline for future opportunities. Interns are required to work fully on-site for the duration of the program.

Eligibility and Requirements

To be eligible for the CBS News Internship Program, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Student Status: Applicants must be students who will be Seniors or Master's students in the fall of 2026. Only students currently enrolled at an accredited college/university are eligible. Recent graduates are not eligible for this program.
Academic Standing: A 3.0 GPA or above is recommended.
Skills and Qualities: Participants must have a passion for news, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a comprehensive knowledge of current events.
Time Commitment: Students must be able to meet the minimum time commitment: full-time during the summer; at least 20 hours a week in fall/spring.
Work Authorization: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Verification of employment eligibility will be required at the time of hire. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Departments and Opportunities

CBS News offers internships in a variety of departments, providing exposure to different aspects of news production and broadcasting. While you choose the city, department placement is at the sole discretion of the Director. Some of the departments include:

"48 Hours" (N.Y.): A CBS News magazine that goes behind the headlines to investigate baffling crimes, heartless scams, and compelling real-life dramas.
"60 Minutes" (N.Y.): A CBS News magazine with investigative reports and features focusing on people and events in the news and behind the headlines.
CBSN (N.Y. & D.C.): CBS News' 24/7 digital streaming news service, offering original, high-quality reporting.
"CBS Mornings" (N.Y. & D.C.): One of three live national morning shows that reports on a variety of topics including general news, business, consumer affairs, entertainment, health and medical.
"CBS Evening News" (N.Y. & D.C.): A nightly broadcast that covers breaking news reports, features, and interviews by CBS News correspondents covering events throughout the world.
"Face the Nation" (D.C.): A weekly broadcast that discusses current national affairs with the principal newsmakers of the week.
Investigative Unit (N.Y. & D.C.): The unit that produces hard-hitting, in-depth stories about government waste, homeland security, terrorism, crime, health insurance, medical fraud, etc.
National Desk (N.Y. & D.C.): The center for domestic newsgathering for all CBS News broadcasts.
News Marketing (N.Y.): The unit that produces on-air promotion for television, radio, and print for all network news broadcasts.
Newspath (N.Y. & D.C.): The newsgathering and distribution unit that gathers footage, edits, and redistributes video to affiliates about national and international news, weather, sports, health reports, business & consumer news.
Political Unit (D.C.): The unit that covers presidential campaigns for the network and produces and coordinates coverage across all broadcast and digital platforms.
Press Office (N.Y.): The department that handles publicity for all CBS News broadcasts.
Radio News (N.Y. & D.C.): The network radio station with hourly newscasts, instant coverage of breaking stories, special reports, updates, features, customized reports and newsfeed material for 500+ affiliates.
"CBS Sunday Morning" (N.Y.): A weekly broadcast reviewing events of the preceding week, covering the world of fine art, music, nature, sports, science, and Americana.
Weekend News (N.Y. & D.C.): The weekend edition of the "CBS Evening News" broadcast.
CBS Chicago: An award-winning news operation across broadcast, streaming, digital and social platforms.
KYW Philadelphia: CBS's Internship Program in Philadelphia is designed to provide meaningful educational and field experience for students pursuing careers in television broadcasting and related fields.

Interns in Philadelphia may be assigned to a variety of areas such as news, sports, weather, digital content, the assignment desk, or the tape library. Interns will have the opportunity to observe work in the field alongside reporters and photographers.

Potential Duties

Assignments are different each day and vary in each department. Interns may be assigned projects to execute by the completion of the internship duration. Project topics vary depending on the season.

In Philadelphia, the intern will learn how a news department operates and provides news coverage of the Philadelphia region.

Compensation and Benefits

CBS News compensates each student an hourly wage. The hourly rate for this position is $20.00. The hiring salary range for this position applies to New York, California, Colorado, Washington state, and most other geographies. Starting pay for the successful applicant depends on a variety of job-related factors, including but not limited to geographic location, market demands, experience, training, and education. CBS News does not require students to receive college credit.

Interns also receive exciting perks, including:

Speaker series with industry experts
Unique networking opportunities & social events
Complimentary Paramount subscription during your internship
Workshops on crafting your resume, nailing interviews and career strategy
1:1 mentorship, volunteer opportunities, on-the-job learning and so much more!

The Application Process

Students are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis; the number of positions varies for each semester:

Fall Semester: Applications open June 1 - June 30
Spring Semester: Applications open Oct. 1 - Oct. 31
Summer Semester: Applications open Jan. 2 - Feb.

Due to the high volume of candidates, individual status feedback cannot be provided. If your experience is a fit for one of the open roles, you will hear directly from one of the Recruiters!

Tips for Applicants

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasize your written and verbal communication skills, knowledge of current events, and any experience in journalism, broadcasting, or communications.
Tailor Your Application: Research the specific departments you're interested in and explain why you're a good fit for those roles.
Proofread Carefully: Ensure your application is free of errors and presents you in a professional manner.
Apply Early: Submit your application as soon as the application period opens to increase your chances of being considered.

Paramount: A Company That Values Its Interns

Paramount is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) including disability/vet. At Paramount, the spirit of inclusion feeds into everything that we do, on-screen and off. From the programming and movies we create to employee benefits/programs and social impact outreach initiatives, we believe that opportunity, access, resources and rewards should be available to and for the benefit of all. Paramount is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace.

Paramount has been such a warm and welcoming environment for growth and learning. As an intern, you're able to voice your opinion, have coffee chats with people in the company, and raise your hand to help with other tasks.

Working for Paramount was the best work experience. Everyone here is very inclusive, welcoming, and in some ways all of the interns are like one big family.

As an intern at Paramount, you are treated as an employee and an equal. You are granted so much trust, and gain real hands-on experience.

Professional Development and Networking

Paramount offers various programs for professional development and networking:

Professional Development: Focus on goal setting, elevating your resume, actioning on feedback and building your brand.
Business Learning: Hear from Executives at Paramount and learn more about the media/entertainment industry.
Mentorship: Every intern is aligned to an informal mentor to help them navigate their summer at Paramount.
Networking & Social: Meet your fellow interns through a mix of in-person and virtual events.
Wellness: Prioritize your mental, physical and financial wellbeing through a variety of events throughout the summer.

CBS News: A Legacy of Journalistic Excellence

CBS News is the news and information division of CBS, dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in todayâs digital age. With bureaus across our NYC, DC and LA locations we produce influential, critically acclaimed programs providing original reporting, interviews, investigations, analysis and breaking news 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

CBS News and Stations is home to the nationâs #1 news program 60 MINUTES, the CBS News Streaming Network, the first 24/7 digital streaming news network, the award-winning broadcasts CBS MORNINGS, CBS SATURDAY MORNING, the CBS EVENING NEWS, CBS SUNDAY MORNING, CBS WEEKEND EVENING NEWS, 48 HOURS and FACE THE NATION WITH MARGARET BRENNAN.

CBS News and Stations provides news and information for the CBS Television Network, CBSNews.com, CBS News Radio and podcasts, Paramount +, all digital platforms, and the CBS News Streaming Network, the premier 24/7 anchored streaming news service that is available free to everyone with access to the internet. The CBS News Streaming Network is the destination for breaking news, live events, original reporting and storytelling, and programs from CBS News and Stationsâ top anchors and correspondents working locally, nationally and around the globe.

CBS Newsâ streaming services, across national and local, amassed more than 1.01 billion streams in 2021. Launched as CBSN, the CBS News Streaming Network is available on 30 digital platforms and apps, as well as CBSNews.com and Paramount+. The service is available live in 91 countries.

CBS News and Stations is dedicated to providing the highest quality journalism under standards it pioneered and continues to set in todayâs digital age. CBS News earns more prestigious journalism awards than any other broadcast news division.

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