Most interns turn up on their first day completely new to the media industry. And that’s totally fine, and to be expected. It’s exhilarating and nerve-wracking in equal measure.
Although it’s important not to put too much pressure on yourself to enjoy the experience as much as you can, you also want to use the short time you have to make a good impression on the people you work with. Thankfully, it’s possible to do both!
Follow these simple steps during your internship and you’ll be remembered for all the right reasons.
Do your homework
Research the organisation before you start and refresh your memory on the outlet’s editorial style, tone, and key areas of coverage. If there’s a particular beat you’re interested in, try to pinpoint which reporters usually cover this area, so you can ask them questions during the internship.
Really knowing the type of news reports, radio packages, and features which the outlet produces will help you formulate pitches that resonate with their audience. Better still, identify gaps in the outlet’s coverage which you can point out during your time there. Maybe they’ll let you run with it?
Thinking outside the box and coming up with ways to improve their coverage will stand out to editors.
Set goals
Internships are often short and sweet, with a limited period of time in which to make a good impression. Having a clear idea of your aims and goals going into the internship will help you get the most out of the experience.
Is there a particular story you’d like to cover? Is there a journalist whose work you admire, who you could get a coffee with?
Even if you don’t achieve your exact goals, having something to aim towards will show your determination and drive and should impress your colleagues.
Workplace etiquette
The workplace was never going to be the same in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Dress codes have relaxed, hybrid working is on the rise, and technology has become central most jobs.Nonetheless, the same basic rules of work etiquette remain: arrive on time (early if you can!), be polite to everyone you meet, don’t interrupt your colleagues, and dress appropriately for the setting.
Each newsroom, documentary set, and Zoom meeting will be different. If you’re unsure about the dress code or flexible working arrangements, just ask. As a newbie, you’re bound to make some mistakes but as long as you communicate your needs and situation with others, your colleagues will be understanding.
Note: Don’t assume the workplace location…Google may not have the latest location, as many newsrooms have moved since Covid. ALWAYS confirm the address and time of arrival at least two days before you start.
Be proactive
Internships can be exciting, bewildering, but also, at times, boring. As a newcomer to a busy environment, you might find yourself either spending time on a project you don’t find that interesting, or even with nothing to do. In these situations, the key is to be proactive. Trust us, there IS work to do. It’s just that they may not have thought of you to conduct it.
If you find yourself with time on your hands, offer to make a hot drink for the team. As an intern, you may think that’s not really journalism…but trust us: tea and coffee are the key to many things.
You can also approach editors and colleagues and ask them for a chat, whenever they are free.. Pick their brains, ask for advice, and even pitch your ideas. Don’t be put off by how busy everyone seems – most journalists are generous with their time and remember how hard it was starting out.
Even if you’re stuck making tea and coffee for most of the day (which we doubt), see it as an opportunity to network with colleagues and build contacts. When taking their orders or delivering their drink, ask everyone what they do, what their job entails, what they’re working on… You might just find out about an aspect of the job you didn’t know existed.
If you have the time and energy and have completed all your assigned tasks, offer assistance to your line manager and colleagues with other work. A willingness to help with anything and everything will get you noticed and instil those around you with confidence in your abilities. This will lead you to tasks with greater responsibility and get you closer to reaching your goals.
Remember: this internship is for your benefit and it really is what you make of it. Some interns are invited back in future or go on to land full-time jobs at the organisation. Even if this doesn’t happen for you, being proactive means you will learn new skills, meet more people, and most importantly, enjoy the experience.
Network
On your first day, it’s a good idea to introduce yourself to everyone on your team, or in the desk space around you. Either do this in person or shoot over a friendly email. People will remember you and be more likely to approach you later in your internship with work or advice.
As we said above, invite colleagues and editors for a coffee/tea. Keep a diary during your internship and note down the names and contact details of people you meet – you may be able to pitch them ideas as a freelancer once the internship has finished.
Don’t overlook the more junior members of staff, either. Talking to reporters, sub-editors, and administrative staff will give you an insight into the realities of working at the organisation. Ask their advice on how they landed their job, how they started out in journalism, and which editors are most receptive to new ideas. These junior colleagues will only be a few years ahead of you in your journalism trajectory, so their experiences and tips will be the most relevant.
Make sure to follow the people you meet on LinkedIn or Twitter. After the internship, send friendly (and professional) messages to the colleagues who you connected with most; this will help in future when you need a reference, further advice, or freelance work.
Watch and listen
Internships are all about giving you the chance to learn by osmosis: absorbing the knowledge and expertise of the people around you. Ask to sit in on reporters’ meetings or interviews, to get a feel for how they approach them.
Attend the daily news conferences and ideas meetings, and use them to listen to your colleagues’ pitches. This will give you a sense of the kind of stories the outlet covers, how journalists there generally pitch, and which editors are drawn to certain stories. Listening to others may also spark new ideas in your mind that you hadn’t considered before.
Take notes on what you’ve worked on and any questions you have for your manager or colleagues. Seek feedback on your work and take suggestions on board in future tasks. Keep track of the skills you’ve acquired and praise you received; this will help you to track whether you’ve hit your goals.
Finally, make sure to thank your manager and colleagues and say goodbye to everyone on the last day. Start as you mean to go on and show them that you intend to keep in touch.
Top tip: Bring a box of chocolates to say thank you!
