Landing Your Dream Internship: A Guide for Journalism Majors

A journalism degree can be your ticket to a dynamic career where you tell stories that matter. From broadcast journalism to digital media, the possibilities are vast. Internships are crucial for gaining real-world experience and making connections that can launch your career. This article provides a comprehensive guide to finding and landing journalism internships, with a focus on resources and strategies for success.

Why Internships Matter

A journalism internship is an opportunity for students pursuing journalism majors to gain hands-on experience, typically with a communications company or news organization. Real-world experience and exposure to industry professionals create the perfect recipe for a career in journalism. It can set you up for an entry-level journalism position, either at the company where you intern or elsewhere after completing the internship. This experience puts you alongside seasoned professionals so you can develop new skills and meet potential mentors. All of this is invaluable for your professional development.

Types of Journalism Internships

Your duties will depend on the focus of your internship and the career you want. A digital media or marketing communications intern might work on a marketing team developing brand messaging. Graduates with a journalism degree may find themselves working for esteemed newspapers, magazines, or broadcast networks. Whether reporting from the frontlines of global events or investigating local issues that matter, journalists have the power to shape public discourse and drive positive change. The ability to research, write compelling narratives, and present information objectively are skills honed throughout one’s time as a journalism major.

Below is a list of potential career paths with a journalism degree:

Broadcast Journalist
Digital Media Producer
Magazine Writer/Editor
News Analyst
Photojournalist
Investigative Reporter
Copywriter/Content Writer
Public Relations Specialist
Social Media Manager
Multimedia Journalist
Editorial Assistant
Foreign Correspondent
News Producer
Sports Reporter
Documentary Filmmaker
Content Strategist
Freelance Writer
Radio Host
News Editor
Media Relations Specialist

Finding the Right Internship

Let’s look at where and how you can find an internship that suits you.

University Career Centers

If your university has a career center, start there. Many career centers can connect you with past alumni in various positions and companies.

Job Boards

But job boards can also cater to certain demographics, such as women, people of color (POC), and LGBTQ+ applicants. People looking for a job board that focuses on diversity can check out one of those.

Job Fairs

A job fair is an event where employers and recruiters share information about open positions at their company. Some colleges even hold on-site job fairs for students looking for internships. To prepare for a job fair, print out multiple copies of your resume and practice a brief elevator pitch about who you are, what you do, and what sets you apart from other job seekers.

Conferences

Conferences are networking hot spots. I mean, hundreds of journalists and industry leaders all in one place? Yes, please!

Here are a few of the top in-person journalism conferences:

Read also: Unlock summer legal internships

Annual Online News Association (ONA) Conference
Society of Professional Journalists Convention
International Symposium on Online Journalism

How can you prepare and make the most of these events? Bring copies of your resume - a quick, unobtrusive way to get your information into the right hands. Prepare some light conversation topics and even a little pitch about yourself. And don’t forget to follow up after the conference, while you’re still fresh in their mind.

Online Research

Research can help you uncover great internship positions across the internet. Google is your bestie here - a quick search with specific details can put you first in line for some great opportunities. Also, take time to research future career opportunities. What specific role do you want within journalism? Are you all about print media, or is digital media more your thing? Are you interested in public relations, or does your soul yearn to report on breaking news at a major news organization? Knowing exactly where your journalistic aspirations lie can help you find an internship that supports them.

Handshake

Journalism is a rich and diverse field of study with many potential career paths. But no matter which journalism career you choose, an internship - whether a summer internship or one that’s more long-term - can help make it a reality. And Handshake is here to help! Our unique search engine is specially designed for college students and recent grads. We connect you with potential employers, no matter where you are in your degree or how much experience you have.

Examples of Internship Programs

Below is a general list of organizations and types of internships that often exist in the field of journalism. Please note that eligibility criteria and application details can change, so it's crucial to check the respective career pages for the most up-to-date information.

Reuters Journalism Internship Program: Typically open to undergraduate journalism students or recent graduates with a strong interest in news reporting. It provides hands-on experience in various aspects of journalism, including news writing, editing, and multimedia reporting.
CNN Internships: CNN offers internships across different departments, allowing students to gain insight into broadcast journalism, digital media, and news production.
The New York Times Internship Program: The New York Times provides internships in reporting, editing, and other areas, allowing interns to work with seasoned journalists and contribute to news coverage. The New York Times Fellowship is a dynamic, one-year paid work program aimed at cultivating the next generation of top journalists. Fellows will hear from speakers, have training opportunities, gain feedback and participate as full-time journalists across our report. The fellowship targets up-and-coming journalists of any age. The New York Times Corps is a program focused on cultivating careers in journalism. The New York Times Editing Residency is committed to helping the next generation of editors hone the skills needed to be leaders in the field. Resident editors will have at least three years’ professional journalism experience. The Graphics Intensive is a program specifically tied to the Graphics desk and designed to cultivate skills and judgment in the creation of visual stories.
BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme: The BBC Journalism Trainee Scheme offers hands-on experience in various BBC News divisions, fostering the development of new talent in the field.
ProPublica Emerging Reporters Program: ProPublica's journalism program aims to provide opportunities for emerging reporters to work on investigative projects under the guidance of experienced journalists.
OPB (Oregon Public Broadcasting) Internships: OPB interns receive a rich, comprehensive experience to help springboard their journalism careers through gaining hands-on experience at OPB. Participate in creating award winning award-winning video, radio, web and podcasting content. Report on news that matters and aggregate the best national and international stories and programs. Learn about our multiple platforms - with a robust technical backbone that allows viewers and listeners to find us anywhere, at any time. OPB is hiring for three internship spots for Summer 2025. OPB offers the opportunity to add to your portfolio, network with some of the best in the business and work with respected public media professionals who are excited to share their craft and experience. They encourage people who have a strong interest in the future of public media, evolving forms of communication, and new forms of multimedia to apply, even without formal training in journalism. Candidates will be assigned to one of three specific opportunities including our Internship for Emerging Journalists, Jon R. Tuttle Journalism and Production Internship, and the Maynard E. Orme Internship. The Internship for Emerging Journalists is focused on creating public media career pathways for traditionally underrepresented individuals. The Jon R. Tuttle Journalism and Production Internship goal is to increase participation of people with diverse backgrounds who are traditionally underrepresented within public broadcasting. Maynard E. Orme Internship provides an opportunity for student journalists at the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication to develop their skills and explore careers in public media.

High School Opportunities

Finding specific high school journalism internships can be challenging, as many internships in journalism are geared toward college students or recent graduates. However, some organizations offer programs or opportunities that may be suitable for motivated and passionate high school students interested in a journalism job. Here are a few options to explore:

PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs: PBS NewsHour's Student Reporting Labs provides resources and mentorship for high school students interested in journalism and reporting. While it may not be a traditional internship, it offers educational materials and opportunities to create news stories.
The New York Times Student Journeys: The New York Times offers educational programs, including Student Journeys, which provide opportunities for high school students to explore journalism, media, and storytelling.
NPR Student Podcast Challenge: NPR's Student Podcast Challenge is an annual contest that invites students in grades 5-12 to create and submit original podcasts. While not an internship, it's a hands-on opportunity for high school students interested in audio journalism.
C-SPAN StudentCam: C-SPAN's StudentCam is a documentary competition for middle and high school students. While not an internship, it provides students with the chance to create short documentaries on current issues.
Local News Outlets: Check with local news organizations, newspapers, or radio stations in your area. Some may offer opportunities for high school students to contribute as interns or contributors, especially for community-focused stories.

Remember to explore opportunities beyond formal internships, such as participating in school publications, creating a personal blog, or contributing to local community projects. While they may not be labeled as internships, these experiences can still provide valuable exposure to journalism and open up that career path.

Crafting Your Application

Once you find the perfect opportunity, it’s time to apply and get ready for that interview. Here’s how.

Building a Portfolio

A portfolio is your professional flex, a collection of your best work showcasing your strengths as a journalist. Whether you want to work in a newsroom, as a media relations specialist, or in marketing and communications, ensure your portfolio reflects that. How do you build a portfolio if you don’t have experience? You could include work you’ve done during your school career (such as with your campus newspaper) or assigned content that shows off your writing skills. Just because you weren’t paid to do it doesn’t mean it’s not worth showcasing. In addition to writing and multimedia samples, your portfolio should include a profile about yourself, your background and education, and your interests. The more recruiters see what makes you you, the better.

Resume Essentials

Your resume tells recruiters in just a few lines everything they need to know about your professional qualifications. Here are a few resume-writing tips to get started:

Format: The trick is to produce an easy-to-read document. Most employers will spend only a few seconds reading it. Break up your resume with small subheads for each major category under your name and contact info.
Contact Information: Be sure your name is bold and in larger type than the rest. List your university, the degree you are seeking and the anticipated date of graduation. You may also list a great GPA - 3.5 or better. If you have a citation from an academic honors program such as Gemstone or College Park Scholars or have studied abroad for a semester or two, you should list that here, as well.
Education: Do include what degree you are seeking and when you expect to graduate in the Education area; include your GPA if it is a 3.5 or better. Do spell the name of our college and university correctly.
Font and Style: Use 12-point type for the body of your resume - don’t reduce the type. If an employer has to squint or strain, she may not bother to read it. Use a bit larger font for your name and subheads, and bold them. Stay away from hard-to-read fonts. Choose only one or two font styles for the whole page and be consistent. All subheads should be in the same font style; all body type should be in the same font style.
Experience: List what you did, where you did it and when. To make the text stand out, use italics and bolding sparingly. Here’s where your list summer jobs, on-campus or part-time positions and other volunteer activities. Don’t hesitate to put that waitress or sales clerk position down - it shows you can juggle work and school and understand the value of a job. Put down scholarships, writing awards and other honors you’ve been given.
Skills: A good category to include, but only if you’ve got some. Don’t put Microsoft Word. That’s not specialized. But if you are familiar with a particular broadcast editing system such as Avid, or have proficiency with web-editing tools such as Dreamweaver or WordPress, photo-editing tools such as Photoshop, audio-editing tools such as Adobe Audition or Audacity, video-editing tools such as Final Cut, interactive web tools, or have studied computer-assisted reporting with Ira Chinoy, or speak Spanish or another language fluently, put it down!
Accuracy and Honesty: Be specific and be honest! Don’t claim to be a staff writer for a campus publication if you only attended one meeting.

Cover Letter Customization

Your cover letter is where you can shine and show off your accomplishments and accolades. But how do you do it? Here are some of the basics when it comes to writing a great internship cover letter:

Don’t just repeat everything in your resume. Remember, your cover letter should enhance your resume, not replace it. Instead, expand on certain resume details. Share specific work experiences that you’re proud of.
Do not use a generic cover letter in all of your applications. Tailor your letter to each internship. Start by sharing why you’re excited to apply for the specific internship, including what you admire about the organization itself. Tailor your job objective for a cover letter.
Use keywords. Most companies run cover letters and resumes through an applicant tracking system (ATS) to scan for chosen keywords. If it passes, it goes to a recruiter. How do you know which keywords they want? Read over the job description carefully and try to mirror its language.

Cover Letter Content

Use a proper format - a greeting line, a paragraph or two of text and a closing line. Please use complete sentences, good grammar and spelling. Check your tone. Use a professional business letter format, with your address and the date at the top (either centered or aligned left), followed by the name, title, company and address of the recipient doublespaced below that (aligned left). Don’t be wishy-washy. Keep the letter to a single page, usually no more than three or four paragraphs. Employers are busy people. They don’t have time to read more than a few graphs.

Your first paragraph should grab the reader, motivate him or her to move on to your resume and clips. An anecdote. Using a personal experience can illustrate your talents as a journalist. Your anecdote can be about a great story you broke, the way you pursued a particular source or something more personal that inspired you to enter journalism. A personal reference from someone the reader respects is another good opener. Examples would include a colleague, a former boss or a well-regarded professor. Make sure you have the person’s blessing before including him or her in the letter. Get right to the point. If you lack an anecdote or a personal connection, simply introduce yourself and say why you would be worth hiring. Highlight your experience, but don’t exaggerate. Don’t repeat your resume - complement it. Talk briefly about stories you’ve written or experiences you’ve had that make you a great candidate for this particular job. Talk about your ambition and what motivates you. Avoid listing courses you’ve taken. JOUR 320 won’t have much meaning to an employer, and listing your college coursework just makes you seem young and inexperienced. Wrap it up. Thank the editor or producer for considering you. Let them know you’ll be in touch in order to schedule an interview. Good manners never go out of style.

Ace the Interview

The interview is probably the most intimidating part of finding an internship. But we have the interview tips you need to seriously impress, whether it’s an in-person or virtual interview.

Prepare: Review common interview questions and practice your responses. Doing this in front of a mirror can also help you improve.
Know your stuff: Review the job description before your interview and prepare to discuss your specific skills. Research the company and prepare to talk about the values and initiatives you appreciate.
Be professional: First of all, dress professionally. Research the company’s dress code and pick out an outfit accordingly. Next, be respectful. Greet the person with a smile, handshake (if you’re meeting in person), and eye contact.

References

Place a list of references on a separate sheet, with all your contact information from your resume at the top. Who should be a reference? Previous/current employers, professors, adults who know you well and can speak to your character. Never include other students. Make sure you have asked your references if they mind getting a call from a potential employer - and if the can say good things about you. Which is more appropriate? If she or he asks for a cover letter, send one. Make sure you spell his or her name correctly. With names such as Chris and Randy and Tracy, don’t assume the gender. Do not address a professional you do not know by his or her first name. Use Mr., Mrs.

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

And, of course, everybody wants to know …“Will I be paid for an internship?”It depends. Businesses offer both paid and unpaid internships, and each has its place. Paid internships compensate you for your work. They won’t make you rich, but you will have some cash flow. Unpaid internships do not compensate you financially - but they can still be worth your time! For instance, some offer academic credit, a once-in-a-lifetime chance to work with top-level professionals, or housing stipends.

OPB's program is a 10-week (06/23/2025- 09/01/2025), paid program that takes place at their OPB office in Portland, Oregon. Pay: $19.23 per hour/ 40 hours per week.

Online Presence

We encourage you to also post your resume online using a blogging tool, such as WordPress (although you might not want to list your home address or phone number on this Web version). It won’t look as professional as one created on paper.

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