Intern - Content

The USA TODAY NETWORK, as part of its efforts to build more inclusive newsrooms, will offer 100 journalism internships to college students and recent graduates at its newsrooms nationwide. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and diversity of socio-economic, geographic, and ethnic backgrounds to this program.   The 2024 Gannett Forward Diverse 100 Summer Internship Program seeks to provide valuable experience to students and recent graduates seeking jobs and pursuing careers in journalism.   The 2024 program is paid, lasts 12 weeks and is open to college juniors, seniors, recent graduates, and graduate students.   Over the course of the 12-week internship, news and sports interns will be given an array of assignments that will build proficiency in covering breaking news, trending and service journalism, headline writing, social media promotion, photography, and videography. Interns will also be invited to participate in a training series led by veteran journalists on relevant topics including: Interviewing techniques: How to get the most out of an interview. What are the key questions every reporter should ask to help get to the bottom of a story? Writing on deadline: Turn in solid stories on deadline by staying organized throughout the reporting, writing, and editing process. Source development: There are tremendous benefits to actively developing reliable sources to aid in reporting, showing you the ropes of a beat and nailing down stories to tell. Ethics: From plagiarism to the quid pro quo, what are the ethical pitfalls to avoid in doing good journalism with integrity? Open records: Know the open records laws in your coverage area and make them work for you. The internship runs from June 3, 2024 – August 19, 2024.   The deadline to submit applications is Monday, April 1, 2024.   Responsibilities:  Tackle daily assignments that could include breaking news reporting, news and politics reporting, features or sports reporting, writing, copy editing, online production assignments, social media, research, and fact checking, database work, investigative work, audio and video editing and visual journalism. Write 4-5 stories per week, including features, breaking news, and meeting coverage; must be able to generate story ideas. Gather information from sources at any location and through any means commonly available for news stories. Interview subjects in person, over the telephone or in writing via various platforms. Travel quickly to wherever the news occurs or is being disseminated. Research written materials, graphics, and photographic materials, as well as audio and video recordings. Quickly and accurately report information, either orally or electronically, for publication. Shoot production-quality photographs that would be helpful in supporting stories. Participate in brainstorming sessions.    Requirements: Degree-seeking students enrolled in a journalism program at a college or university. Students must have completed one year of college. Preference given to more advanced students. Those who have completed undergraduate work, are in graduate programs or recent graduates are also accepted. Must be able to develop and maintain relationships with public figures within the communities/school districts of coverage. Strong command of AP writing, spelling, grammar, and style. Solid fact checking and reporting skills. Well-organized, detail-oriented, and flexible. Open to new ideas, new experiences and learning on the job. Critical thinking and analytical skills.  Technical skills (will vary depending on the assignment). Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment. Experience performing a wide variety of tasks under the pressure of deadlines. Ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organization. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills required. Advanced proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. This job could include some evening and weekend work. This position requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.    Application Instructions    We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:  Your resume – one to two pages. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.    It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.