Paid Journalism Internships 2012 at Associated Press

The Associated Press is offering paid journalism internships for the summer of 2012 in eight U.S. cities (including Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Los Angeles, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington, D.C.) and 10 international locations (including London, Jerusalem, Seoul, Mexico City, Rome, Bangkok, Johannesburg, New Delhi, Rio de Janeiro and Moscow).

The interns will contribute to AP’s text, video, photos and interactives report for 12 weeks this summer. Although a primary format may be declared – depending on interest and ability – the internships will provide experience and training in all four. Interns will attend and contribute to all-format editorial meetings. Assignments will be made by a trainer who will also provide performance appraisals during the course of the internship.

Interns will be expected to be fast thinkers and show creativity and strong news judgment. They should be strong storytellers who are able to recognize interesting news elements, suggest their own story ideas and angles and incorporate them in stories, video and still images. Interns should be comfortable interacting with a diverse group of co-workers and interview subjects.

Interns will be expected to keep up-to-date with news in the city or region and its relevance to national and international affairs. Responsibilities will include tracking down information, conducting interviews, monitoring social media, and covering breaking news stories, either by phone or going to the scene. Assignments may include covering general, sports, business or entertainment spot news or features.

Interns will contribute to the text news report – reporting and writing their own stories under the direct supervision of an editor. Editors will train interns on such areas as interview techniques, sourcing, databases and AP style.  Interns will be expected to become familiar with - and abide by - the AP’s statement of values and principles governing ethics.

Staff photographers will supervise interns on visual storytelling techniques. Where possible interns will accompany staff photographers on assignments, assist with arrangements in the field, and shoot photos. Interns will be trained in the use of photo editing software – Photoshop and Photomechanic – as well as transmission.  Training will include photojournalism ethics, especially on authenticity.

Interns will assist in the production of video stories, including non-linear editing and writing story summaries and scripts for broadcast. They will research and set up video news and feature stories and occasionally join location shoots, or do their own shooting, if they possess the required skills. Interns may also assist with content management and translations.  

Applicants must be:

1. Current full-time students within two years of earning an undergraduate degree or
2. Current full-time graduate students or
3. Students who graduated December 2011 or later.

• Must be able to show proof of legal authorization to participate in a 12-week internship in the assigned country prior to the start of the internship.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency speaking and writing in the English language and command of the local language for the assigned country.
• Good general knowledge of U.S. and international affairs.
• Good writing skills and the ability to recognize grammatical and factual errors.
• Relevant coursework or experience in a cross-format environment (text, video, photos, interactive graphics, etc.) is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of online and social media news venues.
• Highly organized and attentive to detail; able to multi-task and manage projects as assigned.
• Self-starter with the ability to collaborate effectively in a team environment.

Application and submission materials:

• A 300-word autobiographical essay on this topic: “The Associated Press seeks to recruit and retain a workforce that embodies a wide range of talents, experiences, achievements and journalistic skills. Please describe the qualities and accomplishments you would bring to the company as an intern.”
• A resume and cover letter (please include your projected graduation date).
• Three to five examples of your work (links to a website of your clips, photos, multimedia work and video are preferred).
• Two letters of reference, one from a professor or faculty adviser on college/university letterhead and the second from a prior internship or employer.

Your application materials must be submitted by March 2, 2012.

Read more and apply here