INTERNSHIPS & SCHOLARSHIPS

REQUIREMENTS & PROCESS

 

- Virginia Association of Broadcasters Scholarship & Internship Information

If you are pursuing broadcasting as a career, you are eligible to apply for a Year 2007 Virginia Association of Broadcasters' scholarship award and/or summer intern grant. Requirements and entry forms for one $1,000 scholarship for a full-time student, three $500 scholarships for full- or part-time students and 32 summer intern grants of $2,240 each are available from VAB member WVTF Public Radio. They are equal opportunity awards offered to entering juniors and seniors at a college or university that offers undergraduate training in broadcasting-related programs such as mass media, communications, journalism, and advertising, or to a student enrolled in a professional broadcasting school certified by the Virginia Department of Education. Applications for both scholarships and summer intern grants are now being accepted. Contact WVTF Public Radio for an application and information packet. Deadline is February 15, 2008. 

 

- Download Scholarship Grant Information & Application (.pdf)

 

- Download Summer Intern Program Information & Application (.pdf)

 

- NPR Kroc Fellowships

The NPR Kroc Fellowship was established to identify and develop a new generation of extraordinary journalists for the public radio system.

NPR is looking for a diverse pool of applicants who aspire to work in public radio. Candidates must be just completing college or graduate school, or be out of school for one year or less as of December 31, 2006. They do not need journalism or radio experience, but must demonstrate exceptional potential and drive.

Three Kroc Fellows will be accepted into the program this year. The Fellowship begins on August 25, 2008, and lasts one year. It includes a stipend of more than $40,000, plus benefits, which include paid vacation. Fellows will get rigorous, hands-on training in every aspect of public radio journalism — writing, reporting, producing and editing, for both radio and the Web. Kroc Fellows will work primarily at NPR headquarters in Washington D.C., though each Fellowship will include an assignment to an NPR member station. Applications will be accepted beginning November 1, 2007 but must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2007. To apply: www.npr.org/fellowships

 

- Internships/Apprenticeships at WVTF Public Radio & Radio IQ

Any student attending colleges and universities in the WVTF/Radio IQ listening area or students attending colleges outside our area but whose home residence is in our listening area are eligible to apply for an internship or apprenticeship with us.  However, because of our affiliation with Virginia Tech, preference is given to Tech students in good academic standing.  While prior experience is not required, preference is  given to students with experience working at their campus radio station or campus newspaper or other broadcast, print, or on-line media sources.

 

Requirements for internships vary with different schools. Generally, interns have been in their junior or senior year of undergraduate work maintaining a QCA of 2.5 or above and had completed upper division departmental coursework. Graduate students are also eligible to intern with us.

The internship application process starts at the school.  A prospective intern will first need to fill out an internship application at their school and will sometimes need to find a faculty sponsor to oversee them throughout the internship.  Credited internships are preferred.  A formal arrangement between the school and WVTF is required.  We can't accept students without the school participating in the process.  This could be through an accredited internship or a less formal process.

After obtaining approval from their department and finding a sponsor, a prospective intern will then need to set up an interview at our broadcast center in Roanoke. During the interview, we will ascertain whether the student would be a good fit in our internship/apprenticeship program and determine his/her best placement within our operation.  A work schedule will be drafted to fit the student's course schedule.  The student will also select an area of concentration such as news/public affairs, marketing/public relations, broadcast operations, engineering, etc... The registration process and internship/apprenticeship expectations (on behalf of the student and the station) will also be discussed at the initial interview. 

At most colleges, three hours a week at WVTF equals one college credit hour.  So, the minimum for a three credit internship will mean a nine hour a week commitment at WVTF not counting the student’s travel time to and from WVTF.  A travel reimbursement is available for Virginia Tech students who drive between Blacksburg and Roanoke for their internship.  Most students elect to take three credit hours for their internship during one semester. For those students opting for an apprenticeship, the minimum commitment will be at least two consecutive semesters.  Students in the apprenticeship program will accrue a total of approximately 150 hours a semester at WVTF Public Radio and will receive a salary based on an hourly rate with travel reimbursement only when on station business and not driving a station vehicle.

To learn more about a WVTF/Radio IQ internship/apprenticeship or to apply, please contact: Rick Mattioni by E-mail at mattioni@vt.edu or by phone at (800) 856-8900.

 

- Capitol News Connection with Public Radio International Internship Program

We believe an important public radio value is teaching others about all aspects of our organization. Capitol News Connection (CNC) is offering internships in four areas: News, Operations & Finance, Audio/Radio Technology, and Computer Networking.  See detailed descriptions below.

 

Capitol News Connection with PRI is an independent news service providing public radio stations across the U.S. with localized reporting on Congress.

 

News Internship Description:

This is an unpaid internship working with a Capitol Hill news organization covering the United States Congress for public radio member stations.  You will gain useful journalistic skills through hands-on practice in reporting, writing, interviewing, production, research, pitching story ideas and using editorial judgment.  Along with a resume line, you will learn the news industry and the politics of Congress.  If it can be arranged through your university, college credit can be earned.  Performance will be evaluated based on reading discussions, enthusiasm, improvement and organizational skills.

 

Capitol News Connection with PRI: Capitol News Connection now serves more than 185 public radio stations with localized news, features and interview segments from Congress on a daily basis.  As an intern with CNC, you will help provide the highest quality political coverage from Capitol Hill.

 

Requirements:

- Applicants must be no more than one year out of college and at least a junior.

- Applicant must be willing to commit to six months with CNC.

- Applicant must be available at least 15 hours/week with at least one full day a week.

- Applicant does not have to be journalism major, but must have interest and knowledge in politics, current affairs and journalism.

 

Daily Duties and Skills Learned: Read appropriate congressional publications, The Washington Post and New York Times. Arrive at editorial meeting ready to pitch story ideas and a schedule of the days conferences and committee hearings to hand out to staff.  Tape committee hearings and log tape.  Help arrange interviews for reporters.  Learn audio-editing program and edit cuts.  Conduct thorough research as needed.  Communicate with press offices to gain information and interviews.  Track down Congressmen.  Be available to assist with administrative duties.  

 

To Apply: Please submit resume and 2-3 references of people not related to you. Please write a one-page essay (double-spaced) answering one of the following three questions.

1.      Explain the medias role in covering the 2004 elections.  Give specific examples.

2.      How is the media different in the twenty-first century than the twentieth?  Is it an improvement?

3.      How is news radio different than television?  Where do you like to get your news?

 

Operations and Finance Internship Description:

This is an unpaid internship working with a Capitol Hill news organization as an Accounting/Operations Assistant.  Along with a resume line, you will gain useful skills and training by assisting with the daily business needs of a growing company.  If it can be arranged through your university, college credit can be earned.  Performance will be evaluated based on attention to detail, enthusiasm, improvement, organizational skills and ability to get the job done.

 

Capitol News Connection with PRI: Capitol News Connection now serves more than 185 public radio stations with localized news, features, interview segments, and live shots from Congress on a daily basis.  As an intern with CNC, you will assist the Financial and Operations Manager in keeping business tasks in order.

 

Requirements:

- Applicant must be no more than one year out of college and at least a sophomore.

- Applicant must be willing to commit to six months with the bureau with option for summer term.

- Applicant must be available 20-30 hours/week with at least one full day (Monday) a week.

- Applicant must be computer literate with advanced knowledge of Excel.

- Applicant must have excellent organizational skills, be able to multitask and always present themselves in a professional manner.

 

Daily Duties and Skills Learned: Interns assist Financial and Operations Manager in data entry, filing, payroll, accounting and other daily tasks.  Interns must come across as highly professional and be able to keep needed information confidential.  You will gain hands-on experience and training in many areas including business and operational management, accounting/finance and human resources.  

 

To Apply: Please submit resume and 3 references of people not related to you. Please write a one-page essay (double-spaced) explaining your career goals and aspirations.

 

Audio/Radio Technology Internship Description:

This is an unpaid internship working with a Capitol Hill news organization as an Audio/Radio Technology Assistant.  You will gain useful skills in audio technology and radio production through hands-on practice.  Along with a resume line, you will assist in setting up a new office space.  If it can be arranged through your university, college credit can be earned.  Performance will be evaluated based on attention to detail, enthusiasm, improvement, organizational skills and ability to troubleshoot.

 

Capitol News Connection with PRI: Capitol News Connection with PRI now serves more than 185 public radio stations with localized news, features, interview segments, and live shots from Congress on a daily basis.  As an intern with the bureau, you will help provide the highest quality audio-technology assistance from Capitol Hill. 

 

Requirements:

- Applicants must be at least a junior and no more than one year out of college.

- Applicant must be willing to commit to six months with CNC.

- Applicant must be available at least 15 hours/week with at least one full day a week.

- Applicant must be knowledgeable and have an interest in radio production and/or audio engineering.

 

Daily Duties and Skills Learned: Audio Technology and Radio Production Interns assist Technical Operations Manager in outfitting news radio network production studios.  You will help set up new stations on the FTP Network.  Assist in coordinating ISDN interviews.  Help with audio troubleshooting.

 

To Apply: Please submit resume and 3 references of people not related to you. Please write a one-page essay (double-spaced) explaining your career goals and aspirations.

 

Technical Internship Description:

This is an unpaid internship working with a Capitol Hill news organization as a Technical Assistant.  You will gain useful computer and network skills through hands-on practice.  Along with a resume line, you will assist in setting up a new office space.  Interns also have the opportunity to learn about radio production and audio engineering. If it can be arranged through your university, college credit can be earned.  Performance will be evaluated based on attention to detail, enthusiasm, improvement, organizational skills and ability to troubleshoot.

 

Capitol News Connection with PRI: Capitol News Connection with PRI now serves more than 185 public radio stations with localized news, features, interview segments, and live shots from Congress on a daily basis.  As an intern with the bureau, you will help provide the highest quality computer desktop support and network assistance from Capitol Hill. 

 

Requirements:

- Applicants must be at least a junior and no more than one year out of college.

- Applicant must be willing to commit to six months with CNC.

- Applicant must be available at least 15 hours/week with at least one full day a week.

- Applicant must have working knowledge of web page design.

- Applicant must be knowledgeable and have an interest in computer networking.

 

Daily Duties and Skills Learned: Technology Interns assist Technical Operations Manager in outfitting news radio network production studios with desktop, laptop and network servers.  You will help set up new stations on the MediaBank FTP Server.  Help maintain station contact list.  Assist with computer troubleshooting.  Help with day-to-day tasks and desktop support of Windows XP-based computers. 

 

To Apply: Please submit resume and 3 references of people not related to you. Please write a one-page essay (double-spaced) explaining your career goals and aspirations.

 

For more information about any of the internships listed above contact:

Jill Morrison, Reporter

202-446-3066

jmorrison@capitolhillbureau.org