Navigating the World of Political Journalism Internships

Political journalism internships serve as invaluable stepping stones for aspiring journalists eager to delve into the intricate world of politics and public policy. These internships provide hands-on experience, networking opportunities, and a deeper understanding of the political landscape. This article explores various aspects of political journalism internships, offering guidance on how to secure one and maximize the experience.

Gaining First-Hand Experience in Political Journalism

Political journalism internships offer motivated students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the international and domestic issues confronting the American Presidency and Legislature in a well-established think tank. Interns will work closely with senior staff on current programs and research. They will also complete various weekly writings which are published in a bi-weekly newsletter. Interns will participate in a variety of activities and other operations during their internship, and also have the opportunity to complete projects of their design based on their experience and interests.

Who Should Apply?

Internship applicants must maintain a high standard of work in a fast-paced, self-driven environment and be detail oriented, able to multi-task, and eager to learn. The ideal candidate will be a college junior, senior, or graduate student with a demonstrated interest in public policy and international affairs. Students in all majors are welcome to apply, especially those studying political science, history, international relations, economics, business, or journalism.

Crafting a Compelling Resume

Creating an effective resume is crucial for landing a political journalism internship. The trick is to produce an easy-to-read document that provides your contact information, details on your past employment and journalism experience, awards, and special skills. Most employers will spend only a few seconds reading it. Here's how to make your resume stand out:

Structure and Formatting

Break up your resume with small subheads for each major category under your name and contact info. 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.

Content

Be specific and be honest! Don’t claim to be a staff writer for a campus publication if you only attended one meeting. In the Education area, do include what degree you are seeking and when you expect to graduate; include your GPA if it is a 3.5 or better. Do spell the name of your college and university correctly.

Example Sections

Contact Information: 1111 Turtle Lane, College Park, Md. Be sure your name is bold and in larger type than the rest.
Education: University of Maryland, Philip Merrill College of Journalism, College Park, Md. Double major in journalism and political science. GPA: 3.8. B.A. 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.
Experience: List what you did, where you did it, and when. Statehouse reporter, Capital News Service, Annapolis, Md. Covered the Maryland General Assembly as part of a university-run wire service with more than 74 clients. News editor, The Diamondback, College Park, Md. Served as chief news editor for university’s independent daily student news outlet with circulation of 17,000. To make the text stand out, use italics and bolding sparingly.
Other Relevant Experience: Here’s where you 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.
Awards and Honors: 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!

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.

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 they can say good things about you.

Writing an Effective Cover Letter

A well-crafted cover letter can significantly increase your chances of securing an internship. Tailor your job objective for a cover letter. Be sure your name is bold and in larger type than the rest. Here are some tips:

Format and Tone

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). Do not address a professional you do not know by his or her first name. Use Mr., Mrs.

Content and Structure

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.

Introduction: 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.
Body: 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.
Conclusion: 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.

When to Send a Cover Letter

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.

Internship Programs and Opportunities

Several organizations and institutions offer political journalism internships, each with unique focuses and benefits.

The Fund for American Studies (TFAS)

This TFAS program track is ideal for students who are passionate about getting the story straight while learning the ins and outs of the news or communications business. TFAS wants to give students the best experience they can provide, and they do so through internships and special events.

Networking: Networking through career-focused panels and small group discussions led by professionals working for NPR, POLITICO, C-SPAN, National Geographic, Congressional communications directors, and many more.
Comprehensive Experience: It’s much more than just coursework and an internship. Continued staff support while you are in Washington to ensure that you have an amazing experience. Site briefings at institutions such as the Department of State, Capitol Hill, National Press Club, and the White House. A mentor program where you are matched with D.C. professionals. Planned social events where you can connect with almost 300 other student leaders participating in TFAS programs. These events may include a Nationals baseball game, a student BBQ, volunteer projects, canoeing on the Potomac, and a trip to Mt. Vernon.

Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF)

The Congressional Black Caucus Foundation, Incorporated (CBCF) offers several internships to provide undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process.

Walmart Emerging Leaders Internship: This internship provides undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. Through this internship, students gain practical experience in policy research, legislative writing, constituent services, and communications. Participants also engage in networking events, professional development sessions, and leadership training to enhance their ability to navigate public service and policymaking careers.
State Farm Communications Internship: This internship provides undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with hands-on experience in political communications and media strategy. Interns work closely with press teams and communications staff to draft press releases, manage social media, write speeches, and develop messaging strategies. In addition to daily work assignments, interns participate in networking events, media training, and professional development sessions to refine their communication skills and industry knowledge.
Congressional Internship Program: This program provides undergraduate and post-graduate African American students with firsthand experience in the legislative process. Interns actively contribute to policy research, legislative drafting, constituency engagement, and committee hearings while working alongside experienced legislative staff. Beyond office work, participants take part in weekly professional development sessions, leadership training, and mentorship opportunities with CBCF Leadership Institute alumni. Interns are traditionally placed with government affairs, foreign affairs, or technology or finance departments.

Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC)

CSPC offers paid internships for undergraduate and graduate students during the spring, summer, and fall semesters. CSPC internships offer motivated students the opportunity to learn first-hand about the international and domestic issues confronting the American Presidency and Legislature in a well-established DC think tank. Internships are typically 10-12 weeks at 32 hours per week on a hybrid schedule. Exceptions are made on a case-by-case basis. The Center's office is conveniently located in downtown Washington, D.C.

Maximizing Your Internship Experience

An internship is more than just a line on a resume; it’s an opportunity to learn, grow, and make valuable connections.

Active Participation

Engage actively in all assigned tasks and seek opportunities to contribute beyond your defined role. Participate in a variety of Center activities and other operations during their internship, and also have the opportunity to complete projects of their design based on their experience and interests.

Networking

Take advantage of networking events and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field. I was able to help cover congressional hearings, a press conference by the president’s lawyer, the Congressional Baseball Game and even had the opportunity to attend a White House press briefing.

Skill Development

Focus on honing your writing, research, and communication skills. Through a course on “Economics for the Citizen,” students gain a clear understanding of the free-market economic principles necessary to report new stories, as well as the inter-related nature of politics and economics, and how to think critically about society, the market, and government.

The Impact of Internships

Internships can have a transformative impact on your career trajectory. My experience in the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Internship program has been remarkable. I came to Washington, D.C. with a textbook understanding of how our Congress works. By the time I left Washington, D.C., I became enriched with a greater understanding of our legislative process, an invaluable network of professionals and mentors, lasting friendships, and the knowledge that I can truly make a difference in my community. I never could have imagined how pivotal my summer with TFAS would be.

Personal Growth

The program provided me with an experience that challenged me, humbled me, and forced me out of my comfort zone.

Career Opportunities

Without the opportunity to intern with CBCF, I would not have the opportunities and future I have now. I owe the beginning of my success to this amazing experience. Interning with CBCF changed the trajectory of my life.

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