Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about our internship program in general. When applications are open for a specific year’s program, we will also offer an FAQ for that year.
What is the extent of commitment for the summer internship?
Each summer internship is a paid 10- to 12-week full-time position. The length for each internship will be determined by each news organization. You must be able to work a standard full-time work schedule.
Are these internships in person or remote?
Depending on the newsroom, some internships may be remote or hybrid.
Will travel and housing be covered for in-person internships?
All internships are paid at the standard rate of the respective news organization, but an additional stipend from the Society will be available to interns to help cover relocation and housing costs. Interns will be responsible for making their own housing and relocation arrangements. Interns who participate at internships in their current place of residence will not receive a relocation stipend.
I’m not a journalism student, I’m not working in journalism, and I don’t plan to work as a journalist in the future. Am I eligible to apply?
Unfortunately, no. Although the material taught through the internships can be valuably applied to other fields, the program is aimed to increase the number of investigative journalists through a hands-on application of skills.
I am not an Ida B. Wells Society member. Am I eligible to apply?
No. This internship program is only open to currently registered members of IBWS. However, becoming an Ida B. Wells Society member is free and open to all (although, we hope you have an interest in investigative journalism), so you could theoretically register right after reading this sentence. Become a member here.
What constitutes a “recent graduate”?
For the purposes of this internship, a “recent graduate” would generally be an individual no more than three years out of school, but some of our news partners may allow a little more or less time from graduation. Students currently enrolled in a graduate program would also qualify for this program.
I have been out of school for several years and would not be considered a recent graduate, but I’m looking for an opportunity to transition and grow into investigative reporting. Is this program for me?
Probably not. However, the Society does offer other fellowship opportunities for professionals looking to advance, such as the Data Institute and the Investigative Reporting Fellowship. And you can find several other opportunities on our “Job Seekers” page, as information is updated.
I’m not a U.S. resident. Am I eligible to apply?
You must be legally authorized to work in the United States to apply. As stated above, if selected for an in-person internship you will need to be able to make your own housing and relocation arrangements.
What will I need for my application?
- A copy of your resume
- Cover Letter (500 words maximum)
- Two letters of recommendation from those who know your work
- Samples reflecting your best journalism work
- Preference list of internship positions – to be entered in the application
How does the ranking process for the preference list work?
The ranking process for the preference list allows students an opportunity to say where they’d like to go. There is no guarantee that students will be placed at their preferred newsroom, but this list is considered in the application process. Not completing this list in its entirety leaves space for the selection team to make that decision for the student.
Note: Should you accept your Ida B. Wells internship, you agree to participate at the internship site where you are placed.
To whom should I address the cover letter?
The application will be reviewed by the Ida B. Wells Society and the news organizations that you applied for. Therefore, it is OK to generally address the letter to Ida B. Wells Society Executive Director, Dr. Robbie Morganfield.
What kind of material can I provide for the samples of my work in the application?
One piece of the sample work MUST be a writing piece.
You may also provide:
- Print journalism stories
- Online journalism stories
- News video clips
- Multimedia projects (if they can be easily uploaded or linked.)
What are some tips for submitting samples of my work?
The biggest aspect that you should focus on is submitting quality content. Focus on your strongest assignments. If your samples don’t reflect direct reporting experience, focus instead on making the case for yourself in your cover letter.
- Is the clip demonstrating a high level of interest and/or potential in the areas outlined in the job description?
- Does each sample demonstrate a level of thoughtfulness and inquisitiveness?
- It might help to ask a professor or professional for help in selecting the best ones.
- Tell us why you have the potential to be a strong reporter, if given the chance?
- Explain what draws you specifically to investigative reporting.
I’ve been told hiring managers don’t really look at cover letters. Is that true?
Maybe in some fields, but this is journalism, so that’s absolutely false. Cover letters demonstrate your ability to communicate, craft a compelling case for yourself and show your grasp of AP style. Your cover letter matters a lot, so proofread it and don’t be generic. For the purposes of this application, think of the cover letter as making your case for why you should get this particular internship (i.e. what you know about it, what you can bring to it, what you can gain from it.)
Is it possible for me to be offered more than one internship?
No. The reason that we have the ranking process is to streamline the matching process between the candidates and organizations. If you interviewed with multiple news organizations and are offered a position by one, please do not assume that by turning it down you will be offered another internship.
I submitted my application and haven’t heard anything. Can I receive an update on the status?
Due to the high volume of applications, we are not able to provide individual updates. If you are selected for an interview or if we need more information from you, you will be contacted directly by the Ida B. Wells Society or one of the news organizations.
