News Intern

Join The Charlotte Observer’s newsroom as a paid intern in spring or summer 2024 working with our exceptional team of journalists in a vibrant city. From Day 1 of your internship, you will be welcomed as part of The Charlotte Observer staff.

We are hiring for positions on various desks, including visuals, sports, business, breaking news, and government.

Through training opportunities scheduled during the work day, you’ll have access to sessions with experienced journalists and learn about topics such as reporting and writing news stories, researching public documents, shooting videos on deadline assignments, and understanding libel law. Each intern works with a mentor and can expect regular feedback and coaching from their editor. We are committed, across our newsroom, to helping interns develop as journalists.

The details:

Internships are paid based on a 40-hour week
The schedule may include weekend or evening hours.
Work is performed mostly in person in the field or in our newsroom office.
Relocation to reside and work in the Charlotte market is a must.
Interns do not work holidays.
Internships cover a 10-week period, typically beginning in early June.
Interns should be currently enrolled in a college or university degree program, or be recently graduated.
Interns must have a car (The Observer pays mileage expenses).
Interns must pass a drug test.

Qualifications should include:

Experience working at a college publication, print or online, or another news outlet.
A collaborative work ethic and a strong desire to learn.
Deep curiosity and a drive to find the truth. Solid news judgment, accuracy, and high ethical standards.
Understanding of the professional use of social media in news-gathering and audience development.
A quick study of technology and tools used in news-gathering.

To apply, include with your application:

A one-page cover letter that summarizes why you want to be an intern in our newsroom and whether you're applying for a full-time spring or summer 2024 role.
A resume that includes links to your public social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram).
Links and/or PDF copies of work samples.
Contact information for at least two references or written letters of reference.

Deadline to apply: Friday, November 03, 2023