Amazing, you have your internship confirmed and a starting date is set. We’re sure you’re feeling lots of things right now – hopefully mostly excitement. Still, we all know how daunting starting anywhere new can be and starting in a newsroom for the first time is no exception.
We’ve been in your situation and know exactly what that’s like, so we have compiled this checklist of things to go through to help you feel prepared to help make the lead-up to (and your first day) in the newsroom easier for you.
Don’t be scared to ask questions ahead of time: It is fine to ask questions before and during your internship – especially if it is your first day! Don’t feel you can’t clarify things or ask for help. Asking some questions such as ‘what should I wear’ ‘can clear things up ahead of the day, so you can worry less.
Ask about the logistics of your first day and arrival to the office: What should you wear? What is the best entrance for you to go to? Where and who do you report to? When should you arrive? Should you be bringing anything? Will you need an ID? Who can you get in touch with should something go wrong? If you have those bases covered ahead of time, you’ll not have to worry as much on the day.
Ask about your working contract and what this means for your schedule: You should be given a contract before your internship which lays out how much you will be working as well as some of the conditions (these will differ from place to place). If not, ask for one. It is best for both you and the company to have things in writing. If your contract states hours without reference to your working schedule, don’t feel scared to establish this before you start. Will you be having set shifts for your internship or rotate? What time are they? Will you be working evenings? Weekends? How do you claim expenses? Do you have a daily limit for these?
Having answers to this will let you plan your time and will give you in writing what your expected hours are (so that no one can exploit you – it doesn’t always happen but it can. It is good to be prepared).
Plan your outfit: This can differ from place to place but most places will go for ‘smart casual.’ Think blouses and jeans or nice trousers, ‘nice’ trainers or work shoes, shirts and trousers, and you’ll likely be on track. However, don’t feel you cannot check this before. Message HR or your manager and ask. Then you’ll know for sure!
What documents do you need? Do they need a copy of your passport, for example? Check in whether they need any documents from you such as a copy of your passport or (if relevant) a work permit or an Home Office code. While companies should make this clear and ask you for these before you start, some documents can take longer to get a hold of, so it is best to have them ready before you start, so your internship does not get delayed.
Plan your travel: Ahead of your first day in the newsroom, check how to best get there (if you can, it is good to also do a test run ahead of the official day) and how much time you need. Double check the address! (You would think Google always has it right? Think again!)Particularly in big cities you haven’t been to, it can easily happen that you might get on the wrong bus or tube. It is good to have some wiggle room to not be late for your first day as an intern. If you are, do call them as soon as you think you might be!
Come with ideas! Read the publication ahead of time and try to come up with at least three story ideas. Another thing to look at is the house writing style. Showing initiative to contribute from the outset will always put you in a positive light.
Prepare the basics’ of a journalist’s toolkit: In terms of physical items, what is worth bringing – even if you are not explicitly told this – are the bare essentials of any journalist’s toolkit: pens and a notepad. Most offices will provide this, but it’s good to be on the safe side, so you’ll not find yourself caught out, as they are still the key items a journalist needs every day. Also check that your phone has a recording app, and check how it works before you start.
Note: If you’re on a two-week placement, you may be asked if you can bring your own laptop (or use your own laptop at home). Check this before your placement, and tell them if you don’t have a laptop to hand.
Prepare yourself mentally for day one – There will be battles with IT: You’ll spend a lot of time setting up and getting used to software. Most workplaces will have certain programmes they use to file stories, and other security related tech. Because of this, new reporters will often spend a good part of the first day on the phone to IT – sometimes hours on end – to get their account set up and the required programmes installed. It is a bit of a lengthy process, but editors are normally a.) aware of this, and b.) cater towards it. Use the time you have to start to familiarise yourself with any software (and if it gets very tedious remember that, once set up, you normally do not need to do it all again, yay!)
Connect with colleagues and other interns before you start: Look up and follow people on Twitter and/or LinkedIn and add/follow them. Maybe even send them a message! These are people you will be working with soon and it is only a good thing to get a head start in introducing yourself.
Credit: Hunters Race on Unsplash
