News Intern

Join The News & Observer, an award-winning news organization in Raleigh, N.C., in Summer 2024 as a paid intern and gain practical education and professional experience — while being inspired by some of the best journalists in the business.

Our interns are a vital part of our news organization, and we treat them as if they are full-time reporters.

Our goals:

Train aspiring journalists in the principles and rigors of their desired profession.
Put you to work. You'll write stories, shoot photos and videos, and create engaging social media content that will be seen by thousands of readers.
Bring new voices to our newsroom to give us fresh perspectives.
Help you make invaluable connections for future employment and build a network of successful journalists. Get ongoing access to editors who want you to succeed.

About the internship:

Internships are full-time for 10 weeks and typically start at the end of May or the beginning of June. The schedule may include evening and weekend hours. Interns do not work on holidays.
Interns are paid.
We are looking for the best candidates to work as reporters and visual journalists. In the past, this has included assignments in metro, politics, sports, business, features, audience/growth and photography/video.
Each intern is assigned an editor and mentors. They will work with you to develop your goals, perfect your journalism, help solve problems, and make the most of your experience with The News & Observer.
The internship is open to rising/current sophomores, juniors seniors, and graduating seniors. Interns must currently be enrolled in a four-year degree program, or graduate program or have recently graduated.

Internships are in-person and are based in the Raleigh area. Our newsroom is known for its supportive and collaborative culture. The Raleigh-Durham region, home of the state capital, is among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Known as the Triangle, the area is home to major universities, state government numerous corporate headquarters, and fast-growing startups. Our journalists work in communities with vibrant choices for foodies, arts and music lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. We’re two hours from the beach and three hours from the mountains.

Qualifications should include:

Solid news judgment, accuracy, and high ethical standards.
Experience working at a college publication, either print or online, is preferred.
A previous internship or freelance experience at a daily newspaper or professional news organization is a plus.
A collaborative work ethic and a strong desire to learn.
Curiosity, the ability to develop story ideas, and the drive to find answers.
Understanding of the professional use of social media in news-gathering and audience engagement.
A quick study of technology and tools used in news-gathering.
A driver’s license and reliable transportation is required.

Candidates must include the following:

A one-page cover letter that summarizes why you want to be an intern in our newsroom. Please let us know your preference for a reporting topic if you have one, as well as any specialized expertise, such as data reporting or audience/growth development.
A resume that includes links to your public social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok).
Links to samples of your work, or a personal website or portfolio, if available.
At least two references. (These names and contact information may be included with your resume or with your cover letter).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and before the deadline. Applicants will be screened and interviewed on a rolling basis.