Journalism Internships: How to Land One

Updated July 1, 2026

The fastest way to get an journalism internship is to email companies directly instead of only applying online. Newsrooms, magazines, and digital media hire writing and reporting interns.

How to stand out for journalism internships

Attach or link a writing sample — that's what gets you the reply. Most journalism internships at smaller organizations are never posted — a direct, specific email reaches a real person and skips the applicant-tracking system.

How to reach out

  1. List 20–50 journalism companies and organizations.
  2. Email each with a short, specific note.
  3. Attach or link a writing sample — that's what gets you the reply.
  4. Attach your resume, send from your own email, and follow up once.

Related: how to cold email · templates · resume guide.

FirstInternships finds journalism organizations, writes a personalized email for each from your background, and sends it from your Gmail. Free to start.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I get an journalism internship?

Email journalism companies and organizations directly with a short, specific note. Newsrooms, magazines, and digital media hire writing and reporting interns. FirstInternships has thousands of companies you can reach this way.

What do journalism interns do?

It varies by organization, but showing genuine interest and one relevant project or sample is what gets you in the door.

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