PBS KIDS Internships: Launching Your Career in Children's Media

Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and its associated entities, such as PBS KIDS and local PBS stations, offer internship programs designed to provide students and emerging professionals with practical experience in the media industry. These internships provide opportunities to contribute to the creation and distribution of educational and engaging content for children and communities.

The Value of a PBS Internship

A PBS KIDS internship can be a transformative learning experience, equipping future professionals with the skills to leverage media for positive change. Interns take on key projects and engage in mission-critical work, gaining a broad understanding of PBS operations while collaborating across departments.

Former interns emphasize the value of these experiences:

Christopher Kwok, a former intern from '22, described his internship with PBS KIDS as "very eye-opening and engaging," noting the numerous opportunities to get involved beyond initial responsibilities.
Bailey Long, a Senior Associate in Content at PBS KIDS and also a former intern from '22, highlighted the importance of understanding children's perspectives. "Kids are the reason our content at PBS KIDS exist, and they are the experts in fun, so it is important to listen to their ideas to stay connected to the things they think/dream about.”

Read also: Scholarship Opportunities with Ruiz 4 Kids

Opportunities and Responsibilities

The specific duties and responsibilities of an intern will vary depending on the internship. However, interns may assist with:

Producing local productions
Creating marketing materials
Reporting stories
Contributing to content creation for PBS KIDS

Participating PBS Organizations

Austin PBS

Austin PBS offers internship programs designed to provide hands-on experience in various aspects of public media. Interns at Austin PBS gain a broad understanding of operations while collaborating across departments.

PBS SoCal

PBS SoCal offers an internship program designed for individuals seeking to learn about public media. This program provides valuable exposure to areas of business that support PBS SoCal’s mission, goals, and objectives. PBS SoCal is seeking individuals who have a passion for public media and want to learn and experience elements of the broadcast communications industry. Individuals who participate in our program will have the opportunity to make valuable contributions to our organization. Internship opportunities are offered throughout the year.

PBS Headquarters

PBS welcomes interns to its offices in Arlington and Alexandria, Virginia. The Internship Program is designed to provide college students with practical and valuable experience that complements their major field of study, creating meaningful, hands-on experiences and giving students a glimpse into the world of public media.

How to Find and Apply for Internships

Search: Use the careers site of the specific PBS organization you are interested in to find a job that fits your experience.
Apply: Apply through the careers site, and a recruiter will reach out.
Interview: Interviews will take place either virtually or in person.
Onboarding: Become part of the PBS community.

It is important to note that all job and internship positions are updated as they become available and will remain on the web until filled.

Benefits of Interning with PBS

PBS offers a range of benefits to its employees, including interns:

Medical Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage.
Vacation Time: 17 days of vacation leave.
Sick Time: 12 days of sick leave annually.
Volunteer Time: 8 hours of volunteer time.
Retirement: Generous 403(b) employer contribution after one year of service.
Paid Holidays: 13 paid holidays, including New Year’s Day, Juneteenth, and Presidents' Day.
Education: Educational Assistance Program.
Other Benefits: Employer-provided life, AD&D insurance, long-term and short-term disability.
Wellness Program: PBS’s Wellness Program is designed to educate and promote well-being.

The PBS Culture and Values

Working at PBS means being part of an organization with a strong legacy of service. As David Fields, Vice President, Content Operations - Technology and Operations, puts it, "Everyday, I get to work alongside creative and dedicated colleagues all focused on educating, inspiring and entertaining our audiences."

PBS Organizational Values:

Live the Mission: A belief in the power of PBS and local stations to impact people's lives.
Value the Team: Making each other better, with the best ideas emerging through open doors and diverse viewpoints.
Lead by Example: Striving for excellence and acting with integrity.
Embrace Possibility: Being imaginative and curious, eager to learn, and unafraid to try.

Tia Graham, Vice President, Individual Giving - PBS Foundation, shares her experience: "I’ve enjoyed working for a company where I can bring my whole self to work. My lived experiences as a mother, woman, and person of color are valued just as equally as my education and skills. I love that I’m trusted to do my job and provided autonomy to set direction and make decisions. At PBS, I’ve been able to define my own career and create a path for a bright future.”

Jimmy Donofrio, Director, Communications and Operations - Station Services, notes the positive work environment: "Having never worked in public media, I didn’t know what to expect or if I even had a shot with PBS. That has carried over into a truly positive and uplifting work environment that I’m proud to be a part of today."

Maggie Hardy, Senior Program Associate - General Audience Programming, says, "I’m looking forward to new adventures at PBS and getting the chance to grow and learn in such a great environment. I’m excited to be a part of something that gives back to so many people across the country, and that supports their employees in meaningful ways. My ideal workplace was somewhere that allowed me to exercise my creative and analytical sides of my brain while also contributing to a greater common good, and PBS has been the perfect match."

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

PBS is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regards to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Austin PBS believes that a strong team is built through a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and lived experiences and is committed to fostering an environment where individuals feel supported, differences are respected, and ideas can thrive. Their hiring practices are rooted in fairness, transparency, and a belief in each person’s potential to contribute meaningfully to their mission. They welcome candidates who are curious, collaborative, and passionate about public media and community impact.

Social Impact and Community Engagement

PBS emphasizes social impact and community engagement. Public media can be a powerful force in our communities, creating an environment where people are inspired to learn more about each other, do more to solve societal issues, and become their best possible selves. As community ambassadors and expert storytellers, PBS has the power to foster real social impact, bringing light to - and promoting action to solve - critical issues faced by the local communities they serve.

PBS SoCal aims to lead public media innovation through transformative storytelling, services, and brands.

tags: #pbs #kids #internships