Getting a summer internship in journalismA step-by-step guide by Robert Zlokower

Resources:

http://www.freep.com/legacy/jobspage/index.htm http://www.poynter.org/  http://journalismjobs.comhttp://ed2010.comhttp://cubreporters.orghttp://uwire.searchease.comhttp://craigslist.org (various sections) http://www.concernedjournalists.org/career_resources/job_links http://www.nasw.org/users/nbauman/asjaltin.htm   Here is a step-by-step guide to getting journalism internships:  If you're considering a summer internship in journalism, now's the time to start getting ready. Deadlines can start as early as Novemeber 15. This link is my bible: http://www.freep.com/legacy/jobspage/index.htm. I also used my dad who has been involved with the media business for a few decades.  Basically here are the steps I took to get an internship last summer.  1) Made a list of all possible publications (it was about 10 places) with their respective application requirements, application deadlines, point person, contact information, and notes on where I was with that company.  2) Called all the publications to check about sending applications for internships. 3) Sent my packet (see below) either via mail, e-mail, fax, or through a friend who knew a big dog on the inside. 4) Followed-up one week later to see if they got my packet.  5) Followed-up again later if necessary (ie if they said they'd get back to me by a certain date, but haven't). 6) Sent an e-mail thanking them for considering me if they  rejected me. 7) Scored interviews with a few publications. Had the interviews. 8) Sent an e-mail thanking for the interview and adding any information I had left out in the interview.  9) More follow-ups, thank yous if necessary.

 10) Scored an internship at a business newspaper in Manhattan. Did a happy dance!  ABOUT THE PACKET: (I can show you examples if you’d like) Can be mailed, e-mailed, or faxed depending on publication Generally includes three elements:1) Cover letter-has a good lead to hook the reader and make you stand out from the hundreds of other applicants who probably are just like you-highlights best parts of your resume-can tell stories to demonstrate how devoted of a reporter you are (or some other characteristic)-no more than one page long-business letter format 2) Resume 3) Clips-usually about 6-10. But some publications have specific requirements.-cut them out and scan them on to 8.5"x11" paper-save the scans as PDFs-do not enlarge or minimize the images of the clips-should demonstrate your best work. Generally the better of a publication you work for, the better edited your clips will be. 4) CD of all the files and extra stuff (optional)