Editorial Internships

Observer has published many of the nation’s top journalists, critics and essayists over the years, including Joe Conason, John Heilpern, Rex Reed, Andrew Sarris, Robert Gottlieb, Lee Siegel, Ron Rosenbaum, Susan Faludi and Peter Bogdanovich. In the mid-1990s, the New York Observer published “Sex and the City,” Candace Bushnell’s column on Manhattan’s social life that inspired the hit television series and subsequent films.

Observer interns do more than research and fact-check articles as they move from writer to editor to publication. Primarily, interns are tasked with working within one of Observer’s verticals (e.g., business, lifestyle or arts) and assisting that section’s editor. Interns will be expected to write about one article per week while at Observer, developing their own beat and byline. When not on deadline, interns are encouraged to become acquainted with Observer’s editors and writers, support newsroom operations, contribute to longer-term editorial projects and do their own research and reporting.

Observer’s newsroom boasts a unique and tight-knit team culture that benefits from the energy of its reporters and the experience of its editors. Though much of the team is remote, we have daily meetings and frequent check-ins. There are also opportunities to come into the office. Interns are fully integrated into this hybrid environment, where they have the opportunity to gain invaluable reporting, online editorial and in-person newsroom experience.

Observer runs three internship sessions a year: Spring (early January through May), Summer (June through August) and Fall (early September through December). Interns can work remotely but have the option to come into Observer’s office in Manhattan. Some interns continue to write for us after their internships end. Former interns have gone on to be hired full-time at Observer, as well as at The New York Times, New York Magazine, The New Republic and many other publications.
HOW TO APPLY:

Send the following to ObserverInternships@observer.com and write “Observer Internship Application” in the subject line. The deadline for Summer 2025 (June through August) is May 16, 2025.

• Resume (Word or PDF)
• A cover letter, including a brief explanation of why you would like to write for the Observer and under which section: arts, lifestyle, business (Word or PDF)
• Portfolio or clips (if available)