Good photojournalism internships provide authentic experience, access to technology, and opportunities to build a portfolio. Unpaid internships and volunteer work can be valuable. Tasks of low value are expected, but shouldn’t take away from meaningful work. Professional organizations and schools are good resources for finding internships. Interns should apply where requirements match their background and seek internships in ideal places for a future career. Internships can last from a few months to a year.
The best internships in photojournalism will give aspiring photojournalists an authentic experience of what it’s like to work in the field of photojournalism. Internships should be designed to produce a portfolio of work that the photographer can use after the internship to gain full-time employment. There should also be sufficient access to good quality, commonly used technology such as cameras and editing software. Professional schools and organizations are a good resource for finding reputable internships that really contribute to career development.
Unpaid photojournalism internships and volunteer work can be just as valuable as paid internships because it is the quality of the experience and the work produced that matters most. Future employers won’t care if an intern was paid. It is most important to ensure that potential photojournalism internships offer interns multiple opportunities to tell stories through their own photographs. Good editors and consultants should be willing to help interns build a solid portfolio.
Gaining work experience through internships may require time spent on tasks of low value to the intern, and these tasks are to be expected. That said, these tasks shouldn’t cost you time to complete meaningful tasks and edit good photographs. When applying for an internship, it’s a good idea to ask what proportion of interns’ time is spent on various tasks.
Some photojournalism internships require experience before the internship begins, so interns should apply where the requirements match their background. This requirement could include a certain academic position, a certain number of courses in related subjects, or even samples or a portfolio submitted with the application. One should try to find photojournalism internships in newspapers, magazines, websites, television networks or other organizations that would be ideal places for a future career. It should not be assumed, however, that the internship will lead to immediate employment in that organization. A good photojournalism internship will provide you with experience that can be used with a wide range of employers.
Professional organizations related to photography, news, and communications are often good resources for information about photojournalism internships. Students should consult the school or university internship office. If such an office does not exist, the department for journalism, communications, art, and other related departments would be the next best resource.
Many photojournalism internship opportunities are timed to coincide with the school year schedule, lasting for a spring, summer, or fall semester. Summer internships can be more competitive due to a larger number of applicants. Other internships can start at any time, lasting from a few months to a year.
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