Health Science News Intern – ECU News Services starting May 26, 2020
University Communications is seeking a student intern with a keen interest and preferably experience in journalism, writing, communication and social media.
This intern will work at the Brody School of Medicine with the health sciences communication team. The office is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday-Friday. Based around class schedule, a work schedule of up to 20 hours a week will be developed. This should be the student’s primary job outside of classes. Some assignments may occasionally require work at night or weekends.
The interns will write stories and blogs about students, faculty and staff and topics ranging from special events to research. The student will be expected to write effectively and efficiently in required AP style. The intern will learn how to write news releases and media advisories. The student also will have the opportunity to collaborate on social media projects for the health sciences ECU accounts. Additional duties such as answering the office phone to cover lunch breaks or meetings may be assigned.
The intern will be supervised and mentored by University Communications professionals with experience in newspaper reporting, marketing and public relations. Ability to meet deadlines is essential.
This position offers growth over the course of the internship. A student can build a portfolio by being engaged in their role and bringing story ideas to the content team. The intern will have the opportunity to attend weekly staff meetings as well as bi-monthly ECU Board of Trustees meetings to learn more about university leadership. Other opportunities include: participation in communication strategy for internal and external campaigns; providing media escorts and assisting with press conferences; conducting research for leadership presentations, media statements, etc.; drafting talking points for leadership; assisting with concept and production of divisional marketing efforts, including videos and brochures.
Required qualifications:
Ability to interview students, staff, faculty, administrators and alumni
Ability to write stories by assigned dates
Confidentiality, professionalism, trustworthiness, fair judgment and impartiality are musts
Ability to get along well with people
Ability to work independently
Ability to accept and learn from feedback and revision of stories
Curiosity about university life, departments and schools, programs, research and people at ECU
Basic knowledge of Microsoft programs (Word, Excel)
In addition, preferred qualifications:
Experience in news writing, creative writing, communication skills outside of class assignments
Working knowledge of AP style
Technically sound in grammar and spelling
Comfortable taking photographs and video for social media
Knowledgeable about current events
Up to 20 hours per week with flexible work schedule (around class schedule). Pay is $8 per hour. Starting May 26, 2020 through fall 2020 and spring 2021 semesters depending on work ethic and job performance. The goal is for students to work with ECU News Services for a year.
Please submit a resume and three writing samples by email by March 27 to Crystal Baity at baityc@ecu.edu.