The Virginian-Pilot is now accepting internship applications for summer 2022.
We’re the largest newspaper in Virginia, and our newsrooms feature award-winning journalists eager to help you learn. Our coverage area includes many cities, miles of beaches, the world’s largest Navy base and more.
Our interns are paid, and treated as regular newsroom staff members, learning on the job and helping to produce Virginia’s best news coverage.
You will be assigned an editor and will participate in team meetings and training programs on topical subjects. Sessions in 2021 included a narrative writing workshop, FOIA training, court reporting and a workshop on how to start on a new beat.
The internship period lasts 12 weeks, and we offer internships in reporting, audience engagement, data journalism, and videography/photography. Our newsroom is currently working remotely and plans to for the foreseeable future. However, interns must be based in Hampton Roads and must be able to drive to assignments, if your job requires it.
The deadline to apply is November 12.
Our internships and expectations
Reporting: Produce a regular and compelling mix of stories, including news and features. Applicants should be adept at reporting, use of social media and video reporting. Must be able to write accurately and meet deadlines. Must be able to travel for news coverage as required. Applicants must have a car. We reimburse mileage. Interns will collaborate with editors and other team members on stories and brainstorming.
Videography/photography: Cover one or more assignments a day; produce video and still photos. Should be able to capture compelling images that tell a story with accuracy and authenticity, and to gather accurate caption information. Must be able to travel for news coverage as required. Applicants must have a car. We reimburse mileage.
Audience engagement: Connect with our audiences using social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Work with reporters and other editors to break down complex stories and create engagement plans. Use news judgment to manage our homepages and send alerts. Write newsletters. Use analytics platforms to create benchmarks of success. Experiment with new ways of reaching audiences.
Data journalist: Have a nose for data-assisted reporting and storytelling? We’re looking for journalists to produce data-driven stories, as well as to help other reporters with data related to their stories. Skills with data visualization would be preferred. Must be able to travel for news coverage as required. Applicants must have a car. We reimburse mileage.
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Education/experience
Required qualifications: Must be enrolled at time of application in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university, or be a recent graduate within the past 6 months.
Preferred qualifications:
- Students enrolled in a journalism concentration.
- Experience working at a college publication, either print or online.
- A previous internship or freelance experience at a daily newspaper or professional news website.
- If you’re wondering whether you have enough experience to apply, you should apply. The internship is generally aimed at sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students. But our selection committee is open to considering anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.
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What we pay and other details
- Interns are paid $15 an hour and will work 38 hours a week.
- The internship is 12 weeks; the start and end dates can be flexible. Generally, interns start in late May or early June.
- Interns must be based in Hampton Roads, or be able to move to the region for the internship.
- Interns cannot freelance or work at other publications during the internship, unless given clearance by a supervisor.
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What about the pandemic?
- Staff continues to work remotely. Interns are required to work in Hampton Roads.
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How to apply
Apply by emailing internships@pilotonline.com. When applying, please indicate in the subject line which position(s) you’re interested in.
Submit a cover letter, resume and the names of three references.
Reporting candidates: Please include PDF copies of eight to 10 published work samples. You may also add links to your application if you have online-only samples.
Photographer/videographers: Include at least 20 samples of published photographs. Upload videos or send as public links in your application. Zip file with images are acceptable.
Audience and data candidates may also attach work samples in applications.
Feel free to include any good work you’ve done, even if it doesn’t fit the “traditional mold.”
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About that cover letter …
Here are some things to think about when writing your cover letter:
- Why you wish to intern for The Virginian-Pilot.
- What you are interested in doing during your internship.
- Your goals and expectations for the internship.
- What makes you the best candidate?
- The dates you are available.
Selection will be based on portfolio, experience (college and professional), cover letter and references. Finalists will be interviewed.
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Have a question?
Contact Sean Kennedy, internship coordinator, at sean.kennedy@pilotonline.com. No question is stupid.