Communication Skills, Consulting, Journalism, Local News, Mentoring, News Reporting, Newsroom, Storytelling, Time Management
The following describes the basic expectations of a general assignment reporting internship in the VTDigger newsroom. Some internships may require different or additional duties.
- Produce clear, concise stories — whether on breaking news or enterprise projects — that reflect all credible sides of an issue, generally at a pace of a few stories per week.
- Communicate clearly, respectfully and proactively with sources and colleagues, including editors, photographers and other reporters.
- Engage in an active exchange of learning with your editor, your mentor and other colleagues. Ask questions about what you don’t know or want to explore.
- Provide news coverage in an aggressive, responsible and fair pursuit of the truth, without fear of any special interests or favor toward any individual or group.
- Cultivate news sources that can lead to future coverage.
- Make effective use of data, public records requests and narrative storytelling devices to enrich coverage of key topics.
- Stay abreast of other state and local news outlets.
- Apply photographic and multimedia skills such as audio and video wherever possible. On stories requiring more refined skills, ensure that you’ve devised a plan with your editor as far in advance as possible.
- Take part in exchange of information in news meetings that reflects our newsroom culture of collegial cooperation and professional support.
- Consult with editors before granting anonymity to news sources.
- Strive to avoid errors but be sure to alert an editor in a timely fashion when a correction or clarification might be warranted.
- Take seriously what you are doing, but don’t forget to have fun along the way.
Internships at VTDigger are paid positions and the current range is $17-$18/hour. Students receiving school credit also may be considered. Please note: Because this position requires in-person reporting, candidates should plan to live in Vermont during their internship.
Questions? Contact Geeta Anand, editor-in-chief, at
ganand@vtdigger.org
.
Interested applicants should click the "apply now" button below and submit the following with their application:
After submitting your application, please send three reporting samples as PDFs to
hr@vtdigger.org
.
VTDigger tends to hire interns in three distinct periods throughout the year, though specific start and end dates are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please indicate in your cover letter which period you’re applying for and what dates you expect to be available:
- Spring — Typically January through May — Please apply by Nov. 30
- Summer — Typically June through August — Please apply by Feb. 14
- Fall — Typically September through December — Please apply by June 30