Overview
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is an association of more than 4,000 journalists, media professionals and students. NABJ is dedicated to expanding job opportunities for African-American journalists and students and improving the media's coverage of the African-American community. NABJ annually awards summer internships to students committed to journalism careers. Successful candidates are offered paid positions in print, broadcast or online disciplines at selected news organizations around the country ranging from small black-owned weekly newspapers to major market dailies and broadcast outlets.
What is the NABJ internship program?
NABJ provides internships to African-American full-time college journalism students. Students are placed in 10-week paid internships with small, medium and large newspapers, television and radio stations and online news services across the country. NABJ's summer internships give students hands-on reporting, editing, shooting and design experience in professional settings. Most journalism employers will not give permanent jobs to graduates who lack prior internship experience thus, it is essential that aspiring journalists obtain internships in journalism.
What types of journalism internships are available?
Print Journalism (reporting, business reporting, copy editing, graphic design)
Broadcast Journalism (radio and television)
Online Journalism
Sports Journalism
Photojournalism
Where are the internships usually held?
Interns have worked at places such as Bloomberg News, the Associated Press, The Seattle Times, The News & Observer in Raleigh, N.C., CBS, National Public Radio and The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
What are the requirements?
Must be a current member of NABJ
Print and online applicants must submit a minimum of six samples of published work focusing on reporting or graphic design. Print photographers must submit six mounted samples of published work
Selected Broadcast interns are required to attend the NABJ Broadcast Short Course
Broadcast applicants must send a resume tape (VHS or audio cassette). Begin your tape with identifying information: name, academic year, college, address, phone and e-mail. TV on-air applicants must submit three to five stand-ups or anchor sequences and at least two reporter packages. Tape should be no longer than 10 minutes.
TV off-air applicants (producers, directors, photographers) must submit at least two stories or an edited version of a newscast or program produced, directed, shot, or edited by the applicant. Tape should be no longer than 10 minutes. Broadcast photojournalists should send a 5-10 minute tape with three to five stories shot by the applicant
Radio applicants should submit at least three on-air reports, stories, interviews and/or newscasts or an edited version of a program written, broadcast, directed or produced by the applicant. Tape should be no longer than 10 minutes.
Is experience required?
To obtain NABJ internships, students must have prior experience at collegiate or professional media that allowed them to write basic news stories for publication or to do basic copy editing, graphic design or photojournalism in print, broadcast or online media for publication.
Most NABJ internships are at print outlets, which include small weekly newspapers in small cities as well as magazines and major newspapers in large urban areas.
Print: Typically, NABJ internships at major magazines and newspapers are for students with at least two semesters of extensive campus print media experience and at least one prior print internship involving reporting, editing, shooting or designing under tight deadlines.
Broadcast: Students chosen for our broadcast internships should have prior broadcast internships and student broadcast media experience.
How can I maximize my chances of being selected?
To have the best chance of being selected, proofread your application carefully and make sure that it thoroughly describes your journalism skills and experience. Late applicants will be considered only if there are unfilled internships after the selection process.
How much does the internship pay?
NABJ internships pay a weekly salary of $400 - $600 (depending on experience, location, etc.).
Will I need a car?
Some companies require that students have cars to cover stories throughout the city. But a lack of transportation usually does not prevent an internship assignment.
Does NABJ provide relocation assistance?
No. Students are responsible for transportation to the internship city and for their living expenses.
I've been offered several internship opportunities. Which one should I choose?
While students are encouraged to apply to several internships, once they accept an internship, their written or verbal acceptance is considered binding. Therefore, before accepting any internship offer, you should carefully assess the offer using the guidance of professionals and educators.
The application deadline has past.
Click here to download view last year's application (500 KB PDF, requires the free Adobe Reader.)
For more information, contact:
Irving Washington
E-mail:iwashington@nabj.org
Tel: 301-445-7100, ext. 108
NABJ
8701 Adelphi Road
Adelphi, MD 20783-7101
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