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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Journalism Intern

💰 $ - $

MediaJournalismCommunicationsInternship

🎯 Role Definition

The Journalism Intern is an integral part of the editorial team, providing crucial support while developing core journalistic skills. This position involves direct immersion in the daily news cycle, from initial story conception to final publication. The intern will work closely with seasoned reporters, editors, and producers, gaining firsthand experience in research, interviewing, writing, and digital content production. It's a dynamic, deadline-driven role that serves as a launchpad for a career in media, offering a unique opportunity to learn the standards of ethical and impactful storytelling in a professional newsroom setting.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • University Student (Journalism, Communications, English)
  • Recent Graduate with a strong writing portfolio
  • Aspiring writer with demonstrable experience (e.g., personal blog, freelance work)

Advancement To:

  • Junior Reporter / Staff Writer
  • Editorial Assistant
  • Content Producer
  • Social Media Editor

Lateral Moves:

  • Public Relations Coordinator
  • Marketing Copywriter
  • Communications Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Conduct in-depth research on assigned topics, utilizing online databases, public records, and other sources to gather comprehensive background information for stories.
  • Assist senior journalists in developing story ideas by monitoring news feeds, press releases, and social media trends for potential leads.
  • Pitch original, well-researched story ideas during editorial meetings, demonstrating an understanding of our audience and publication's focus.
  • Write clear, concise, and accurate news briefs, summaries, and short-form articles under deadline pressure, adhering to established style guides.
  • Perform meticulous fact-checking on articles, data points, and quotes to ensure the highest level of accuracy and journalistic integrity before publication.
  • Transcribe audio and video interviews accurately and efficiently to support the reporting process for feature stories and investigations.
  • Schedule and conduct interviews with sources over the phone, via video conference, or in person, preparing insightful questions beforehand.
  • Provide on-the-ground support by attending and reporting on local events, press conferences, and community meetings as assigned.
  • Collaborate with the social media team to draft engaging posts and create supplementary content (e.g., quote graphics, short video clips) to promote articles online.
  • Learn and utilize the content management system (CMS) to build, format, and publish articles, including embedding multimedia elements.
  • Assist in managing and updating editorial calendars, ensuring deadlines and publication schedules are tracked effectively.
  • Curate and compile daily or weekly news roundups and newsletters for internal or external distribution.
  • Source and secure appropriate photos, videos, and other multimedia assets to accompany stories, ensuring proper rights and permissions are obtained.
  • Shadow senior reporters and editors to observe the full lifecycle of a story, from pitching and reporting to editing and publication.
  • Contribute to longer-form features and investigative projects by providing research, data analysis, and preliminary drafting support.
  • Monitor and analyze article performance using analytics tools to understand audience engagement and content trends.
  • Build and maintain a database of contacts and sources for various beats and topics relevant to the publication.
  • Participate in copy-editing and proofreading drafts from other writers to catch grammatical errors, typos, and style inconsistencies.
  • Adapt written content for different platforms, including web, mobile, and social media, understanding the unique requirements of each.
  • Prepare background research and briefing documents for senior reporters ahead of high-profile interviews or complex assignments.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist in administrative tasks for the editorial department, such as organizing digital files and archiving published content.
  • Contribute to brainstorming sessions for new content formats, series, or special projects.
  • Monitor competitor publications and media outlets to stay informed about industry trends and coverage.
  • Participate in all-hands team meetings and training sessions focused on journalistic ethics, writing skills, and digital tools.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Exceptional command of English grammar, punctuation, and syntax, with a strong understanding of AP Style.
  • Proven research skills, including proficiency with search engines, academic databases, and public records requests.
  • Fundamental interviewing techniques for gathering information and quotes from sources.
  • Proficiency in fact-checking methodologies to verify information and ensure accuracy.
  • Familiarity with Content Management Systems (CMS) like WordPress or similar platforms.
  • Basic understanding of SEO principles for headlines and digital article optimization.
  • Competency across major social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) for news gathering and promotion.
  • Copy-editing and proofreading skills to identify and correct errors in text.
  • Digital literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workspace.
  • Basic audio or video recording and editing skills are a significant plus.

Soft Skills

  • Unwavering curiosity and a genuine passion for news and storytelling.
  • Impeccable attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for interacting with sources and colleagues.
  • Excellent time management and organizational abilities to handle multiple assignments and meet strict deadlines.
  • Adaptability and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving news environment.
  • Resilience and a professional demeanor when facing constructive criticism or tight deadlines.
  • Strong ethical compass and sound judgment, particularly regarding source confidentiality and fairness.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to assist others.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Currently enrolled in or a recent graduate of an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education:

  • Pursuing a Bachelor's or Master's degree in a relevant field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Political Science
  • Media Studies
  • Liberal Arts

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 0-1 year of professional or academic experience in writing or media.

Preferred:

  • Previous experience writing for a campus newspaper, literary magazine, personal blog, or other publication is highly valued. A portfolio showcasing at least 2-3 strong writing samples is essential for consideration.
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