Student News
CLICK SASHA'S IMAGE TO SEE HER FULL INTERVIEW
Connect with Susan on Twitter: @_SAOrtiz
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship.
I’m the Public Relations intern at the DC Housing Finance Agency. My typical day consists of updating the Agency’s website and creating and scheduling social media posts for Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Throughout the week, I help draft and edit press releases. I attend events to take photographs and live post about the Agency’s participation and highlight community involvement.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
The PR internship was featured in the newsletter, and I talked with Gina Garcia, the JO Program Director about available opportunities. She was able to put me in contact with Elizabeth Thomas, another JO student who interned at DCHFA last semester, and she was able to give me some pointers before going into my interview. My advice to anyone is just to do your research and know as much as you can about a company and its programs/initiatives before going into an interview.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I hope to cover education and housing one day. Working at DCHFA is a great way to learn about the different problems facing D.C. residents when it comes to housing, as well as the potential solutions and programs available. Having a better understanding of the technical ins and outs of the business will make me more apt to write about the topic in the future.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part so far has been learning to write press releases. It’s a style of writing that I’m not used to, so it’s a good challenge.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
Overall, my writing has improved since coming to Georgetown, but I also have a better appreciation for using social media since entering the program. A few years ago I hated the idea of how involved social media was becoming in journalism, but I have since grown to learn to love all that it can do to spark conversations, engage with audiences, and reach broader audiences.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
Since my internship is in public relations, it’s more so learning just how different the two fields are while still being very similar. The importance of positively representing your brand and the company you work for is extremely important in both industries.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Making it through Photo & Video storytelling. Half kidding — but really, that class was very challenging for someone who had never filmed or edited, so it felt pretty good to see all of our final projects come together in the end.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
I think the hardest part of being a young journalist is building a network. It definitely takes some pushing to get myself out of my comfort zone to just talk to as many strangers as possible. Anything that will help me draw a connection if I need to reach out to them later down the line.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
The flexibility of the program and the quality of instructors drew me to the journalism program at Georgetown. Learning from experienced professionals who teach us about their own journeys and careers is a lot more impactful and helpful than any textbook.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Reporting & News Writing has been great so far. There are always ways to improve your writing to make it clearer, more concise, and stronger overall. The exercises in and out of class have definitely help push me outside of my comfort zone. They’ve helped me get better at interviewing people on the spot, talking to strangers, writing under high-pressure deadlines, and establishing a clear theme in my writing.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Colin Jost. My dream job outside of journalism is comedy writing and The Weekend Update rarely (never) disappoints.
What’s one place on your bucket list that you’d like to travel to?
I really want to go to Italy. My mom has a lot of family from there and we’ve always wanted to travel there and see the history.
Connect with Cory on Twitter: @Dawson_and_Co, and at corydawson.net
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship?
I'm interning at the Student Press Law Center. We're a legal defense organization for student journalists across the country. We also advocate for so-called New Voices bills in statehouses that would give student reporters stronger First Amendment freedoms. My job is to write about all these goings-on and to report on student journalism whenever a story pops up. For example, I've been covering a rash of newspaper thefts on campuses recently. Newspapers are often stolen because a campus group or subject of a story is unhappy with the coverage.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I noticed the opening and just sent in my materials. It helped that I could speak fluently about student journalism as I was very involved with my student newspaper. I had a passion for helping student reporters through that experience, so my advice would be to let your passion become evident to your interviewers.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I had contacted the SPLC for help when I was a student reporter, so I had a soft spot. I really respect the work that they do, especially when they are the only organization of their kind and they help student reporters for free.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I get to report on a specific but unique beat, which is the student press industry. There are so many interesting angles to tackle, from student journalists filling voids left by dying legacy news organizations, to administrators cracking down on students, to lawmakers pushing to enact new anti-censorship laws in statehouses across the country. There's always something to write about.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
Since I'm working with a lot of young journalists, and I'm working as a reporter for an organization that doesn't necessarily have a brand as a news outlet, I have to bring in my ethics training often. It mostly manifests in me explaining my role clearly to sources, and using discretion when working with younger folks who may not be used to being in the media.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
I'm constantly impressed by how intrepid and professional many of the young journalists I work with are. They check their sources, get scoops, make complex ethical decisions and pressure their administrations to be transparent. I'm hopeful about the next generation of journalists.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Likely my proudest moment was when I worked at the NBC Investigative Unit last semester and they brought me to NBC headquarters at 30 Rock in New York to help them cover the midterm elections. I was one of a corral of about 20 NBC digital reporters who were tasked with covering election integrity issues, like long lines at polls, broken voting machines, and anything else that was keeping voters from voting. It was an amazing opportunity to see firsthand how a major newsroom covers one of the biggest news nights.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
It's difficult to find the right job. I've had many roles since I started journalism about five years ago and there are pieces of each that I liked and learned from, but I think I'm still looking for the right long-term position and beat.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
I wanted to have access to the people who were at the top of their field and currently working, so I can learn about how the journalism world is actually working and about the actual people who work in it. Learning from professional professors wasn't appealing especially since the journalism profession is in such flux.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Ryan Teague Beckwith's reporting and newswriting class was tough and eye-opening. He meets everybody at their skill level and elevates their work, and he's a never-ending well of journalism experience and a fantastic storyteller. So I guess I'd say try to take a class with Ryan, I'm not sure if the actual course matters as much!
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Robert Mueller. Doesn't the man know everything?
What’s your favorite book or podcast and why?
I've been really enjoying Stay Tuned with Preet Bharara. Preet is the former US Attorney in the Southern District of New York who was fired by President Trump. For those who don't know, the US Attorney in Manhattan is arguably the most powerful US Attorney in the country, largely because their jurisdiction covers New York City and all the crime that flows through it. It's sometimes referred to as the Sovereign District of New York. Preet's podcast breaks down the news of the day through his legal expertise as a former top prosecutor, and he can often cut through jargon and knows how to put legal and investigative developments in context. He often knows key figures in the news and can bring his own experience into the conversation.
Connect with Chris on Twitter: CGPriceIsRight
What company are you a fellow with and describe a typical workday at your fellowship.
I’m currently the Social Media Video Fellow for POLITICO. A typical workday starts with me briefing the news team about upcoming video opportunities. For instance, today House Speaker Nancy Pelosi is giving her weekly press conference and President Donald Trump is having a bill signing in the Oval Office. I have access to network schedules and I let our different teams and editors know what we can livestream. I then set up livestream routers and sometimes coordinate with networks such as CNN to ensure a camera will be available.
I also write history-related, big picture articles from time to time, as well as handle a great deal of our social media production for the busiest shift of the day.
How did you secure your fellowship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I had a class taught by a managing editor here at POLITICO. Before coming to Georgetown, in the few years after graduation I worked at a few news stations and had clips and experience that I had on my resume. Doing well in his course secured me an interview with two other POLITICO editors. After doing well on their writing and editing tests, I started working as an intern the following semester.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I’ve always been interested in the intersection of international studies, politics and journalism. In fact, that’s what I studied in college. POLITICO embodies this, and it has such a niche readership that you can get into the weeds of complicated subjects without always risking losing interest.
What is your favorite part of the fellowship?
I love the opportunity and openness to change. They are an awesome group of talented journalists with expertise covering news across the nation. Our journalists have the talent and resources of legacy newspapers, but the infrastructure is far less rigid when it comes to embracing changing technologies. For instance, I gave a long, written pitch about different ways POLITICO could promote its content based on the skills and experience I had when working in television news. After meeting with editors and higher-ups, I started piloting a number of different initiatives, including livestreaming press conferences on Twitter — something we did not do until I started it.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your fellowship?
I don’t know where to start. Reporting classes emphasize the importance of being intrepid when working as a journalist, which is especially important when elected officials are reluctant to share information even in press conferences. Video and story telling courses show you how to find stories and make them visual, which takes a ton of talent, especially when most political news on legislation is just boring paper signing and talking. Political reporting teaches you the importance of not only being objective and neutral in your own work, but also working tirelessly to avoid even the appearance of subjectivity. Apart from the general themes that are emphasized in those courses, I should add that those individual professors show both their humility and expertise when casually giving tips during lectures for day-to-day situations.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while working at a fellowship?
The most surprising thing I’ve learned is that literally no news organization is the same. Of course, the structure of news organizations — style and ethical standards, production workflow and team organization — are often very similar. But the backgrounds of the individual reporters, editors, producers and engineers are always different, creating in interesting and beautiful blend of different viewpoints.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
I’m glad I got the opportunity to meet the journalists that I’ve met so far. Sitting under their teaching is something I was hoping for the moment I submitted my application, and seeing it fulfilled gives me a sense of pride and gratefulness that I cannot emphasize enough.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
It’s often hard to determine which issues merit deep reporting versus day-turn writing (or even deserve attention at all). Twitter is now an outlet for press secretaries and elected officials, and it often provides them the opportunity to derail the public’s train of thought and redirect the news flow.
Deciding whether to stop working on other reporting projects to focus on a tweet is not always a cut and dry decision. If it’s policy-related, then it’s usually a good decision. But if it’s not, then it could serve as a distraction that can’t be ignored. The greatest challenge is working with the consequences of that new technology.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
Of all the universities in the political hub of Washington D.C., I’ve always respected Georgetown the most. Its noteworthy graduates (across the political spectrum) was all the evidence I needed to know that I would be receiving a solid, objective education where professors are teaching and guiding and rather than spreading ideology.
What class would you recommend to other students and why?
I would recommend Ethics (although it’s not actually a choice, hah). We all know that successful journalists are talented, smart and have resources for good stories. But the field of journalism as a whole is upheld by journalists’ collective drive to be as fair and ethical as possible to elected officials, public figures and everyday people. Learning about standards and addressing personal biases is something that every journalist needs to do. And having a course specifically tailored to do that is remarkable.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
It depends on the subject. If we’re talking about non-living public figures, then it’d be either Martin Luther King, Jr., Winston Churchill, or Teddy Roosevelt. If we are talking about living public figures, it’d probably be Noam Chomsky, who’s often not given much airtime. Each of them are known for their speeches, but their writing and attention to history was impeccable. Having a speech writer is great, but understanding various issues and how they’re interconnected enough to pen your own landmark, timeless speeches is entirely different.
What are two of your favorite tools or apps related to communications/storytelling?
I use Twitter everyday. From livestreaming press conferences to writing threads and posting video, it’s the perfect app for starting the conversation and pointing to more information on our website.
Jacinta Render
Website: www.officiallyjdanielle.com Instagram: @jdaniellesshow
December 2018
Intern of the Month
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship.
I intern with ABC News in the NewsOne department. I edit video footage to send to other stations and I assist with productions.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I just applied and my application was luckily pulled. I did not have any connections prior to this intern but I did internship with an ABC affiliate in undergrad. The advice I would give is to gain as much experience as possible because you need a wide range of experience to get a good internship. Georgetown has a lot of on campus journalism opportunities and I highly recommend getting involved in order to build your resume.
Why were you interested in working with them?
Disney owns ABC and the company is really big on telling great stories. They also have a good permanent hire rate for interns. Many interns end up working with ABC after graduation.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I have the opportunity to work on a demo reel which is great because I eventually want to be on air and I am enhancing my video editing skills.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
Fact checking and asking good follow-up questions during an interview.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
Because I have been in the newsroom before and this the third news organization I have worked for, there have been no surprises. All newsrooms operate in the same manner. Every organization has their own brand but they all gather and deliver news the same way.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Being at Georgetown has made me more marketable for the journalism industry.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
I want to go into entertainment and many of the journalists in DC dislike entertainment news. This just motivates me even more to be great.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
After doing some research about the program, I liked the courses that were offered and the professors are working in the industry which creates a good environment for making connections. The program does not require the GRE which is great because I did not want to take that test.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
I would recommend two classes. Ethics in Journalism and Audio Storytelling. These are great courses because Ethics teaches you the legal side of journalism and the importance of being an honest journalists. Audio Storytelling gives the skills of telling a visual story on an audio recorder.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
I would like to interview Halle Berry because she is my favorite actress. She could also give great advice on how to thrive as a woman of color in the television industry.
What’s your favorite book or podcast and why?
My favorite book is called With Winning in Mind. This is a self-help book about how to set goals and how to achieve them. It also talks about the importance of good mental health.
Placide Magambo
November 2018
Intern of the Month
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship.
I am interning with Voice of America and am working on a radio program that reports the news for a 30-minute session in Kinyarwanda, the national language of Rwanda, where I am from. Frederic Nkundike, who graduated from the MPS Georgetown Journalism program reports the news on the show, too.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I secured my internship through a job fair at Georgetown. I was presented to the VOA recruiter team by our program director, Gina Garcia. They interviewed me and offered me the position. My advice to students would be first to figure out where they want to land an internship. Don’t be shy - get out and try to get in touch with someone who works there and ask as many questions as you can. Make more connections in that company and figure out the key people who can offer you the position that you need and show them your interest. Be persistent - never give up.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I was interested in working for VOA because they use many languages that I am fluent in (Kinyarwanda. Swahili, and French), and it is a powerful government agency that I want to learn a lot from.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I enjoy pitching compelling story ideas, researching for news stories, and conducting interviews for the radio programs.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
I have applied some journalism skills learned from my Reporting and News Writing class as well as Pitching and Public Speaking as I present the live news at least three times a week.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
The most surprising thing that I have learned was how to adapt the skills learned from school to working on field. It may happen that you have people around you who have 10 years or more experience in journalism, so you need to adapt to their way of reporting. It is always important to be humble, understand carefully and adapt to certain situations and stick to the skills learned from school.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
I am proud of applying the skills learned at Georgetown, especially how Ethics and Reporting & News Writing classes have been helpful to me to adapt my reporting experience background in Africa, where I did my undergraduate program and started my journalism career, to the American style of reporting.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
The biggest challenge that I have faced is to adapt myself to the education system here especially in my first semester, but I had to double my effort to overcome another challenge, which is working full-time right now and attending class.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
I decided to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program because it is a great school that can help me to achieve my goals as a journalist.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Reporting and News Writing is my favorite class so far, because to me it is the basic of journalism reporting. With Professor Ryan Teague Beckwith, I was able to learn how to write a good news story. Once you take this class with him, there's no doubt that you will love this class.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Michelle Obama. She is a strong woman that managed to help her husband to achieve the hardest dream to realize and while it looked impossible, she helped him achieve the mission of leading the greatest nation of the world. I would like to hear more about her life experience because it can be a good lesson to the rest of the world.
What’s one place on your bucket list that you’d like to travel to?
The Caribbean and Alaska
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship?
I’m interning at the ABC News National Bureau in Washington, D.C., specifically with the assignment desk. There is no typical day and I find myself doing work for all the desks. I often assist with political research and have gone to the White House and SCOTUS to learn how to produce live-shots with correspondents. For large-scale news stories like Hurricane Florence, I helped monitor social media, and this is how news organizations found out about the dangerous flooding situation and people who were trapped following the hurricane. I also try to pitch and write stories as much as I can!
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I applied, and after a screener interview with a recruiter, I had a phone interview with two of the producers who would be my supervisors. I don’t know why they picked me, but I remember from the interview that I was honest about what I knew and what I didn’t know. I also made them laugh -- like, really hard -- when I told them about one of my more colorful jobs as a clerk at a head shop in southwest Oklahoma. So basically be persistent in your search, but also authentic, and the right people will find you and give you a chance. Also, have a quantifiable cover letter that tells a story! I had so many more internship offers once I revamped my cover letters and resume.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I grew up watching ABC and ABC News. I already knew all the correspondents and the shows. If 12-year-old me knew that 24-year-old me would produce SCOTUS shots with Terry Moran, she would flip.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
Reporting, interviewing people and then putting the story together.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
Basic news writing is a must, even when I’m not putting a lede together. And surprisingly, digital essentials. A lot, if not most of my story ideas and a lot of my reporting comes from scouring social media.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Getting this internship.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
I always thought I was an objective, fair person. But this internship paired with the political journalism class I’m taking this semester are seriously challenging me to take that self-awareness and restraint to another level. It takes daily practice, I’m finding.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
The night classes prove it’s a program for actual adults. Also, the professors are working professionals, which can also be a con at times because they can be busy, but overall I think it’s an enormous strength.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
News Reporting and Writing with Ryan Teague Beckwith. No question. He will get your butt in gear. I’m so happy I started the program with his class because I wonder how I would have done without it.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Melania Trump. She’s remote, mysterious and some say complicit while others say independent. She’s not interested in the media and has effectively separated herself from her husband’s drama. She’s a mystery and that makes her interesting.
What’s one place on your bucket list that you’d like to travel to?
Thailand — I actually had the plane tickets and all the reservations ready to go but the trip was canceled last minute, literally the day I was supposed to fly there. One day!
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship?
I’m interning at the ABC News National Bureau in Washington, D.C., specifically with the assignment desk. There is no typical day and I find myself doing work for all the desks. I often assist with political research and have gone to the White House and SCOTUS to learn how to produce live-shots with correspondents. For large-scale news stories like Hurricane Florence, I helped monitor social media, and this is how news organizations found out about the dangerous flooding situation and people who were trapped following the hurricane. I also try to pitch and write stories as much as I can!
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I applied, and after a screener interview with a recruiter, I had a phone interview with two of the producers who would be my supervisors. I don’t know why they picked me, but I remember from the interview that I was honest about what I knew and what I didn’t know. I also made them laugh -- like, really hard -- when I told them about one of my more colorful jobs as a clerk at a head shop in southwest Oklahoma. So basically be persistent in your search, but also authentic, and the right people will find you and give you a chance. Also, have a quantifiable cover letter that tells a story! I had so many more internship offers once I revamped my cover letters and resume.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I grew up watching ABC and ABC News. I already knew all the correspondents and the shows. If 12-year-old me knew that 24-year-old me would produce SCOTUS shots with Terry Moran, she would flip.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
Reporting, interviewing people and then putting the story together.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
Basic news writing is a must, even when I’m not putting a lede together. And surprisingly, digital essentials. A lot, if not most of my story ideas and a lot of my reporting comes from scouring social media.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Getting this internship.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
I always thought I was an objective, fair person. But this internship paired with the political journalism class I’m taking this semester are seriously challenging me to take that self-awareness and restraint to another level. It takes daily practice, I’m finding.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
The night classes prove it’s a program for actual adults. Also, the professors are working professionals, which can also be a con at times because they can be busy, but overall I think it’s an enormous strength.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
News Reporting and Writing with Ryan Teague Beckwith. No question. He will get your butt in gear. I’m so happy I started the program with his class because I wonder how I would have done without it.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
Melania Trump. She’s remote, mysterious and some say complicit while others say independent. She’s not interested in the media and has effectively separated herself from her husband’s drama. She’s a mystery and that makes her interesting.
What’s one place on your bucket list that you’d like to travel to?
Thailand — I actually had the plane tickets and all the reservations ready to go but the trip was canceled last minute, literally the day I was supposed to fly there. One day!
Victoria Chamberlin
Twitter: @VOBOE Instagram: @HillEastPhoto Website: victoriachamberlin.com
August 2018
Intern of the Month
What company are you interning with and describe a typical workday at your internship.
I'm currently a social media intern at Voice of America. I'm working specifically with a project called "People in America" which spotlights a new person twice a month who has accomplished something amazing or groundbreaking. A small team of just one outstanding journalist and a super-talented video producer travel the country to conduct the interviews for television spots on Voice of America's international channels. I help with curating their social media to include a brand new YouTube channel and Instagram feed. Since I am also on active duty in the Army working full time, I intern in the evenings from 4:30-7:00pm so the hours definitely are not typical - but social media is a 24/7 job!
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I made my first contact with Voice of America at the Georgetown Journalism Job Fair simply by handing them a resume and selling my qualifications verbally. I'm a non-traditional student, and hearing "Oh you aren't available from 9-5? Sorry, we can't find a place for you" over and over got really frustrating. My advice to people seeking internships is to dig until you find the right one that will work with you to achieve your goals - not the other way around. It should be a learning experience for you, not free labor for them. Voice of America was willing to take a chance on my weird availability and it has worked out for all of us. Be persistent.
Why were you interested in working with them?
I was interested in working with VOA specifically because they are a government agency, and public service is very important to me. It seemed like the best of both worlds.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part so far is working with Marsha James, the journalist and producer who finds the interview subjects and asks the questions. It is really cool watching how she is able to gain the subject's trust, and make a compelling interview work for print, video, and audio. It is clear she puts all of her heart into the project. Her first question to me when I come in for my hours is always "What's new with you, Victoria?" That kind of selfless attitude is really rare.
Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
I've definitely applied some of the principals and tips shared in the Digital Essentials class including third-party websites for analytics and things like that.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
How much of your personal time it can really take. The people I'm working with are constantly traveling, collecting interviews, writing, editing video, and dealing with other things related to working for a government agency. Time management is so important if you want to at least try to have a life outside of work.
Victoria on a recent trip to Bled, Slovenia.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
The thing I am most proud of so far is having an article published in the Washington City Paper in my very first semester in the program. I've really learned a lot about pitching as well, and I am proud that some of my pitches are actually considered - that is definitely an improvement!
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
My biggest challenge is that I may be a young journalist, but I'm in my mid-thirties. I have to get really creative to showcase the experience I already have and not be looked at as totally entry-level. As an active duty service member, I have to be really careful about the defense-related stories I write which is limiting sometimes.
Why did you decide to attend Georgetown’s Journalism program?
I chose this program mostly because of the outstanding faculty, and because it was the most accommodating toward my schedule. Georgetown as a whole is also very supportive of Veterans, and that is really important to me.
What class would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
I would recommend that everyone take Ryan Beckwith's news writing class. His style of editing is very...to the point. It helps you improve as a writer in record time.
If you could interview anyone, who would it be and why?
This is a really hard question. I think I would want to interview Francesca Borri, who is an Italian photojournalist and author of the book "Syrian Dust." Reading that book and seeing her photographs made me want to ask her questions about her experiences and the role journalists play in conflict areas.
What’s your favorite book or podcast and why?
My answer to this is a little morbid, but my all time favorite book is "Survival in Auschwitz" by Italian physicist and survivor Primo Levi. The book chronicles is path to and experience in the camp in a scientific and matter-of-fact way. The dry language highlights the depths of pain humans can inflict on one another in a way I've never read in anything else. I recommend it highly.
July Fellow of the Month
Angelica Cruz
"The most surprising thing I've learned about journalism is the relationship building. In order to be a better journalist, there has to be equal relationships with every subject and story you're telling. Building community relationships is the biggest thing."
What company are you interning with?
I am working in a fellowship position for the March on Washington Film Festival.
Why were you interested in working with that company/organization and has the experience matched your expectations?
I was interested in working with the March On Washington because I have a strong interest in activism and social justice. Their focus on telling those stories is what inspires me to continue working with and for them.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part of the internship is being able to learn from people that I aspire to be like, that's the best to be able to learn from and connect with people alike. And, networking - we've got to connect with a lot of journalists thus far, and I can only imagine how many more people we'll meet throughout the summer.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at the company/organization.
My favorite project thus far has just begun. I will be focusing on women in detention centers and focusing on telling their stories and experiences.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
The most surprising thing I've learned about journalism is the relationship building. In order to be a better journalist, there has to be equal relationships with every subject and story you're telling. Building community relationships is the biggest thing.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
I've always known what I wanted to focus on but it has made me find a more specific focus and how to get there. I've always wanted to focus on race, culture, and social justice so this fellowship has been right up my alley.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
For me, if it wasn't for my Program Director, Gina Garcia encouraging me, I wouldn't have done it. Only because I'm very hard on myself and sometimes scared of rejection. My advice: do it. Simply do it, apply, and keep applying.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I chose Georgetown for the opportunities I knew it would have for me, and thanks to Gina, I'm finding all the right opportunities.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
I would highly recommend Sourcing and News Writing and Data Visualization. Data was just one of my favorite classes. In this day, it's important to be well versed in all things media, including data visuals. I really enjoyed both classes.
Finally, if you could meet and spend a day with someone famous who would it be and why?
If I could meet/spend a day with someone famous, it would be Beyonce. Not only is she incredibly talented, but she is a creative genius.
July Fellow of the Month
Zoe Poindexter
"On the job reporting is much harder in comparison to what we're doing in classes. With this fellowship I'm basically trying to educate myself on an entire beat, and I'm learning that it takes a lot of time. It's especially difficult when you're in a freelance position trying to balance reporting on top of another job, school, and hobbies. But the best advice my program director gave me is to know that the final story that I produce isn't going to perfect, it's not going to be my defining moment, but I can't let that discourage me from completing something that I will be proud of."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I think the difference is that a fellowship focuses more on our professional development as journalists rather than the observation or shadowing of professional working journalists. We attend monthly talks with journalists who work in social justice or investigative reporting from places like New York Times, Vice, and more. We also attend workshop sessions at the New York Times Washington D.C. Bureau where we learn more about topics such as narrative journalism, investigation, pitching, and networking. At the end of the fellowship in July, we will have produced a multimedia project on a social justice issue of our choice and have the chance to pitch it to a local news organization here in DC. Mine will focus on homelessness.
Why were you interested in working with them and has the experience matched your expectations?
I actually had never heard of the March on Washington Film Festival before I applied but everything they stand for aligns with my interests and beliefs of the purpose of journalism. MoWFF stands for uplifting voices that are typically overshadowed, and championing stories that speak out for civil rights and social justice issues. And clearly the contact who recommended this fellowship, recognized those passions in me as well.
What is your favorite part of working with them?
My favorite part is definitely the opportunity we are given to network with journalists across multiple organizations. I also appreciate that the purpose of this fellowship is entirely to help hone and develop my own skills. I don't have the same pressure working with MoWFF as I might have interning at NBC or CNN because at the end of the day my success is measured by how accomplished I feel about my own piece, and not on whether I've accomplished something for the organization.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far.
So far my favorite experience with them has been reading the writings of New York Times crime reporter Ashley Southall. Her pieces don't just lay out the black and white about homicide in the Bronx, but rather the life experiences that led up to the crime that occurred. It really helps to humanize not only the victims, but the perpetrators as well, and makes you question why people in our society turn to violent acts. The best advice I took from her was not to look at a situation point blank, but to ask "well, what got us to this point?"
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism?
On the job reporting is much harder in comparison to what we're doing in classes. With this fellowship I'm basically trying to educate myself on an entire beat, and I'm learning that it takes a lot of time. It's especially difficult when you're in a freelance position trying to balance reporting on top of another job, school, and hobbies. But the best advice my program director, Gina Garcia gave me is to know that the final story that I produce isn't always going to be perfect and while it may not be a defining moment for me, I can't let that discourage me from completing something that I will be proud of and can learn from.
How has the experience shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
Since being in the program and being a part of this fellowship I've become more interested in social justice reporting and multi-media storytelling for digital platforms.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
I think I'm most proud of the podcast I created with my audio storytelling class. It was a project that I got a lot of positive feedback from my classmates. So, I've decided to continue producing this podcast on my own as a passion project. Just because I've chosen journalism as a career doesn't mean always enjoy every aspect of the gig, but with this podcast I've found something that doesn't feel like work but still utilizes the skills that I've gained here at Georgetown. Oh, I also entered it into the Gelardin + Maker Hub Showcase.
What's a challenge you face as a young journalist and how are you learning from it?
This probably sounds cynical, since I am answering this question because I did receive a fellowship, but I think the biggest challenges I've faced is the plethora of rejections I receive when applying for jobs/internships. I've been told that I wasn't a good fit because of my schedule. I've been told that HR wanted to give someone from a school other than Georgetown a try. I've been told the classic line, that I have great potential but a candidate who better matched the skills of the position had been given the offer. As far as moving on from those experiences, I try not to let them discourage me too much because if I did, I wouldn't keep applying for other opportunities. I just hope in the end all my hard work pays off in the form of an internship or job that truly believes I have the skills and talents capable of carrying out the position.
(UPDATE: Zoe did in fact get an internship with the CBS National News in the DC Bureau for the Fall 2018 session!)
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
A contact I met at a regional National Association of Black Journalists conference recommended the fellowship to me through Linkedin. It was literally two days before the deadline and I needed a faculty recommendation. I thought about considering it for next year, but I saw that it wasn't open to recently graduated students (I graduate next May). So I thought "why not?" I think what helped me out the most is having a good relationship with our journalism Program Director, Gina Garcia. Even though I came to her last minute with my request, she was more than willing to help me out! My best advice is to apply to every opportunity you think you're a good fit for, and pay even more attention to the opportunities where you either have a contact or have had the position personally recommended to you.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I 100% chose Georgetown because of the name recognition and because of the connections I knew I would make here.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Audio storytelling is a great class for those who may have found difficulty with the video and photo storytelling class. It focuses on one medium of storytelling- sound- and makes you really hone and craft it to be aurally pleasing, concise, and intriguing piece of audio. The writing style for audio is also completely different from what you learn in the reporting and news writing class. I'd also recommend the data reporting class, even though its the most difficult class I've taken so far. The skills you learn in that class aren't known by many of your average reporters today, so taking this class puts you one step above the rest.
Who is your dream DC interview?
It would be with the lead for the African American Museum of History and Culture. I recently applied for a digital content producer position with the AAMHC and I would literally die if they called me back for an interview. I have whole speech laid out on why I think this position, which falls under a completely new department for the museum, is so important.
Finally, if you could meet and spend a day with someone famous who would it be and why?
Tina Fey, I think she is one of the funniest women alive. Plus, did you know she doesn't have a Twitter because she refuses to give her jokes away for free? That's a woman who knows her worth.
June Intern of the Month
Stephanie Garnier
"Don’t be threatened by more technical and quantitative classes because it adds more depth to your storytelling and keeps you up-to-date with technology trends. Hard skills are a resume booster and make you stand out among other journalists."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I am a production intern at WGBH in Boston. I help produce programs related to travel, food, music, entertainment and other lifestyle topics for national distribution on PBS. My responsibilities include script writing, general research and assisting on set.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I like pitching new ideas for TV shows and documentaries. The executive and senior producers value my diverse cultural background and insider recommendations for hidden gems when filming in other countries.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at WGBH.
I have been meeting celebrity chefs and tasting dishes prepared by culinary legends all week. It’s not often that an intern can trade the office Keurig coffee and cafeteria sandwiches for craft cocktails and sushi prepared by Iron Chef Morimoto. Although I’m enjoying these perks, I’m also looking forward to working on the other upcoming projects we have scheduled.
What's a challenge/failure you faced while at Georgetown and how did you move on from it?
The stringent visa restrictions and work rules that come with being an international student have caused the biggest challenges. I’ll let you know when I overcome it.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
I networked and started early. I met someone at WGBH and the company was interested in my application a few years ago. However, they were unable to bring me on board because of the visa requirements. I maintained the connection, came to the U.S. for grad school and waited until I can legally enroll in the “internship course” at Georgetown. What’s my advice? Perseverance is key. Don’t give up because it didn’t work out on the first try.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
I would recommend Money and Media with Alan Bjerga. He’s a phenomenal instructor so I’d recommend any class he teaches. I would also recommend Data Visualization. Don’t be threatened by more technical and quantitative classes because it adds more depth to your storytelling and keeps you up-to-date with technology trends. Hard skills are a resume booster and make you stand out among other journalists. Apart from all the tangible benefits, there’s a great feeling of accomplishment when you write an earnings story or code a website.
April Intern of the Month
Chelsey Cox
"The most surprising thing I've learned about journalism from my internships is how varied the discipline has become. I entered grad school thinking I was going to end up working for a written publication. I still might, but data journalism and social media management are real possibilities, now."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I was lucky enough to have two internship opportunities this semester. I am the Social Media Fellow at Rethink Media, a nonprofit that helps other nonprofits develop an online presence. I am responsible for helping with rapid response assistance to breaking news items, analytics research and social media audits, and blog updates.
I am also a Student Trainee at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. I am helping create visualizations of judicial data for publication on USCourts.gov.
Why were you interested in working with Rethink Media and AOUSC, and has the experience matched your expectations?
I have very little background in Journalism, so I knew an internship would help catch me up to speed. I have experience managing social media accounts on behalf of a nonprofit as the social media manager for the Henrietta Lacks Legacy Group. I felt that experience might give me an edge when applying for social media and data management positions, and I was right!
I actually applied for my fellowship and internship around the same time. My current managers at AOUSC remembered me for a data analyst position I applied for, called me in, and were willing to work with my schedule.
I'm not sure if my experiences at either internship matched my expectations because, as someone who did not earn an undergraduate degree in Journalism, I didn't know what to expect! However, I truly value the opportunities I've been offered.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part of my internships is the chance to be creative. I rarely had that opportunity during my old career as a data analyst and researcher. I've written blog posts for Rethink Media and I get to play around with maps and visualization as AOUSC. I really appreciate the freedom my supervisors give me.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far?
I've been at Rethink longer than I've worked for the AOUSC and have completed more projects there, in comparison. My favorite was a blog post for International Women's Day featuring viral hashtags created and inspired by women.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
The most surprising thing I've learned about journalism from my internships is how varied the discipline has become. I entered grad school thinking I was going to end up working for a written publication. I still might, but data journalism and social media management are real possibilities, now.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
I once thought all of social media management could be summed up in posting to Twitter or Facebook. My fellowship has exposed me to a world of analytics I'd never even considered. I think I've become a stronger content and visual manager as a result of my internships. I'm interested in pursuing this path, as long as writing remains a factor. Considering all that journalism encompasses, this might be a possibility.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Photo and Video Journalism - a core course - intimidated me, at first, because I had no experience in production, camera work, or editing beforehand. It's definitely a crash course. Once, I was interviewing a subject on camera on a tight deadline. Unfortunately, I grabbed the wrong light kit from Gelardin and had no alternate source of light other than some several-feet high windows in the interview space. I and my interviewee, both very petite, literally jumped up onto the window sills to open all of the windows for natural light. It ended up working very well.
What's a challenge/failure you faced while at Georgetown and how did you move on from it?
I suppose my challenges are similar to my classmates: juggling coursework with a job and a social life. It's often difficult to force myself to write if I don't know where I'm going with a story. I'm bad at outlining, as well, and never end up following one. In order to get started, I just type out a messy paragraph or two. Just having something down on the page fills up even a little of that white MS Word space staring back at me and encourages me to keep going.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
Honestly, I think I picked the right references. In my experience, hiring managers want their choices validated, so definitely pick people who know the quality of your work and your work ethic. Even if you speak with your references on a daily basis, be sure to forwarded the most recent copy of your resume to them. I think that's just polite behavior.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I chose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program because I intended to work while pursuing my degree. This will be my second Master's degree, so I've got loans and other financial obligations to contend with while I work on rerouting my career.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
I've only taken three classes so far and they've all been core classes. I have enjoyed them all to varying degrees.
Who is your dream DC interview?
Wow, I'm not sure. CNN, maybe?
Finally, if you were a prize fighter, what song would play when you walked into the ring?
It changes all the time but right now it's Out of the Black by Royal Blood.
Is there anyone else you'd like to recommend as Intern of the Month?
I'm not certain of which of my classmates have internships right now as opposed to full jobs. I'd nominate them all, if I knew, because I know how difficult interning and going to school full time can be.
March Intern of the Month
Jonathan Franklin
"The most surprising thing that I've learned about journalism while interning is that everybody in the industry is willing to help anybody, regardless of the station. I've been in the same room or in the same vicinity with several well-known reporters/MMJs in the area and if DCW50 missed something because of our crew arriving a few minutes late from coming across town covering another important story, they are willing to help. And vice versa, if others who need help and tips, we're willing to help. The motto 'Help us, help you' really comes into life in this business."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I am currently interning with DCW50 News at 10pm in DC. My responsibilities vary -- ranging from maintaining and publishing content on the station's website and social media platforms, shadowing and helping reporters out in the field, to editing and putting together packages that will air for our 10pm show.
Why were you interested in working with DCW50 and has the experience matched your expectations?
I was interested in working with DCW50 because I am hoping to go into broadcast journalism after graduation. I knew that DCW50 is a somewhat 'smaller' station, so I would be able to have more of a hands-on experience when it comes everything that is in and out of the newsroom. Plus, being the only intern at the station has its perks because I get to shadow everyone, whether it's the assignment editor, reporters/MMJS, and photographers/videographers. So far, my internship has matched my expectations and I hope to learn more as the internship progresses.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
As crazy as this sounds, my favorite part of the internship are the hours that I get to work. On Mondays, I work from 9:00am-4:00pm, so I am able to shadow the 'day side' of the station -- as MMJs, photographers, and editors who work the day side I am able to interact with and pick their brain for knowledge on how to become a stronger, credible journalist. Wednesdays and Thursdays I work from 1:30pm-10:30pm, so I am able to interact with the evening production team and actually get to shadow reporters on location across DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia. With the flexibility of the hours, I am able to see both sides of the business and gain a lot of experience.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at DCW50.
One project that I got a chance to work on -- which actually was on my first day -- was covering the story about an apartment fire in McLean, VA. While the event that took place was unfortunate, I got a chance to brush up on my field reporting skills, do a few look lives, and publish some content for social media on the story as news was being released.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
The most surprising thing that I've learned about journalism while interning is that everybody in the industry is willing to help anybody, regardless of the station. I've been in the same room or in the same vicinity with several well-known reporters/MMJs in the area and if DCW50 missed something because of our crew arriving a few minutes late from coming across town covering another important story, they are willing to help. And vice versa, if others who need help and tips, we're willing to help. The motto 'Help us, help you' really comes into life in this business. It's best to make friends with other reporters, producers, camera crew, etc. at other stations because you never know what you might need and when you might need it when it comes to a story!
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
The internship has helped me shape some of my career goals by definitely solidifying some interests and strengths that I did not know I had. Coming into it, I thought I wanted to be on camera primarily. While this is still a possibility, I'm leaning more towards producing and opportunities on the digital side because we all know, a lot of breaking news we see comes off of social media. With the power of social media, we are able to scope out a story, head to the location, and use our mobile devices to let viewers know the 'who, what, when, where, and why'.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Definitely hands down being able to travel to Iceland this past summer. Being able to study abroad, again, was something that I've always wanted to do and I did not think it was possible while in graduate school. Applying the skills that I had learned in the program so far and being able to tell a compelling story was something that was very interesting, but yet, rewarding. In addition, bonding with my classmates in another country for 8 days was also pretty fun!
What's a challenge/failure you faced while at Georgetown and how did you move on from it?
One failure I faced while at Georgetown was being rejected from a few internships that I had previous applied to. I kept having to remind myself that while I am in graduate school and have two degrees (BS, BA) from undergrad, I am also competing with other graduate students in and out of the area alongside undergraduate students, as well; in addition to DC being one of the primary hubs for journalism. I kept applying and applying everywhere until I got my foot in the door, which lead me to where I am now.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
After talking to a few journalists who are in the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) with me, one passed along the information to me about the opportunity at the station. I sent in my clips, cover letter, and resume and later, was contacted by the managing editor who is over the internship process. Literally the next day, he called me back and told me that I was awarded the internship. This goes to show that my advice for other students who are trying to land an internship would be to constantly network! Striking up a conversation with other journalists who are in the industry is key because they are able to pass along opportunities that may not be listed on the station or company's website. Also, take advantage of different organizations for journalists (i.e. NABJ, NAHJ, AAJA, SPJ, etc.) because the network within them is incredible. Being a member of both NABJ and SPJ has opened up a lot of doors for opportunities in journalism that I never would have even thought of doing.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I knew for the longest time that I wanted to live in the nation's capital, whether I was a student or practicing journalism. The flexibility alongside the student testimonials that the Georgetown MPS Journalism had in comparison to other programs that I was considering really stood out to me. Plus, we are able to dip and dap in other forms of journalism, which is something that is important when considering your options within the industry.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Audio Storytelling -- one of my favorite classes in the program. Our professor, Rolando Arrieta, introduced us to an interesting way of storytelling. I was able to learn how to write for the the ear and not the eye and even got a chance to produce two mini audio stories and our final, a podcast episode of our choice of topic. Plus, we got to have class at NPR one evening. If it is offered again in the future, take it -- you won't regret it! If you're taking it currently, you're going to love it.
Who is your dream DC interview?
My dream DC interview would have to be with Former Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden. It would be cool to interview him and ask him about his time in office and of course, his relationship with Obama. As much as I've read and heard about him, I definitely would have a great time interviewing him.
Finally, if you were a prize fighter, what song would play when you walked into the ring?
Don't judge me for this...but "Bring 'Em Out" by T.I. One of the most influential hype songs to get the crowd excited with just about anything!
February Intern of the Month
Mimi Montgomery
"This sounds cheesy, but if you believe strongly enough that you can do something, you’ll eventually convince others of it, too. "
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I’m an editorial fellow at Washingtonian, which means I fact check print articles and write for the magazine and website.
Why were you interested in working with Washingtonian and has the experience matched your expectations?
My background has been in magazine journalism, specifically culture and lifestyle, so Washingtonian was an easy place to shoot for. The magazine is also rigorous when it comes to its reporting and fact checking, and it’s already helped me become a better reporter. Plus, all of its editors and writers are fantastic – watching them everyday is a lesson in and of itself.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
Writing, and all the interesting people I meet and things I learn about Washington. Also, working with the awesome team there.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at Washingtonian.
I interviewed the Bush twins for a piece, which was pretty cool – they couldn’t have been nicer. Plus, I got to fact check the Best 100 restaurant list; calling Michelin-star chefs all day and chatting about menus isn’t a bad gig.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
I guess I already knew this, but I’m always so surprised by how fired up your readers get when you make the smallest of mistakes. They definitely keep you on your toes.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
I definitely feel more comfortable writing about life and people in Washington, and I feel like I now have a decently solid lay of the land when it comes to DC publications.
Take a moment to brag. What's something you're proud of having accomplished while at Georgetown?
Reporting on a cold case murder in Matt Apuzzo’s class! I never thought I’d have the guts to contact sources about something like that, but I did it.
What's a challenge/failure you faced while at Georgetown and how did you move on from it?
Videojournalism was not my jam – I always have been and always will be a writer. Using a camera is just not natural for me, but I had to suck it up and learn quickly! In retrospect, I’m glad I was able to challenge myself and learn a new skill.
How did you secure your internship? Any advice for other students who are trying to land one?
Ha – I applied three times to the fellowship before I got it! Honestly, I think it all comes down to timing and tenacity. Obviously, networking and knowing people doesn’t hurt, but if you really want something, just keep going after it. This sounds cheesy, but if you believe strongly enough that you can do something, you’ll eventually convince others of it, too.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I knew I wanted to be back in Washington – it’s a perfect size city: not too big, not too small. Georgetown seemed like a natural fit, and allowed me to work and immerse myself in the city while in school.
What class(es) would you recommend to other fellow students and why?
Anything with Matt Apuzzo. He is hands down one of the best editors I’ve ever worked with. You will learn endlessly from him.
Who is your dream DC interview?
Oh, man – maybe Malia Obama? That or a big name chef like Jose Andres – if I could interview him over dinner, I’d be a pretty happy gal.
Finally, if you were a prize fighter, what song would play when you walked into the ring?
Easy. “Bring ‘Em Out”by TI. Never fails to get the blood pumping.
December 2017
"Money is the foundation of our society and we need strong storytellers who can garner information about the markets to inform the public. While I know I still have a lot to learn about being a strong reporter, this internship has given me a great base. CNBC is a super supportive environment with whip-smart people. I am fortunate I have excellent role models to look up to. "
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I am interning with CNBC and I usually help producers out in the field, log tape, pitch stories and find good sound bites for our reporters to use.
Why were you interested in working with CNBC and has the experience matched your expectations?
I was always familiar with the CNBC brand since my father is a huge financial wiz who watches it at least a couple hours a day. This sparked my interest in the stocks and understanding how the financial markets influences consumers every day. Money is the foundation of our society and we need strong storytellers who can garner information about the markets to inform the public. While I know I still have a lot to learn about being a strong reporter, this internship has given me a great base. CNBC is a super supportive environment with whip-smart people. I am fortunate I have excellent role models to look up to.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part of the internship is being out in the field. I have been on Capitol Hill for the Equifax hearing, helped assist a reporter to interview the CEO of Boeing and conducted man on the street interviews.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at CNBC?
Right now, I'm working on a story about tax reform, a topic I did not have a lot of knowledge about before.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
I did not know much about television production before I started at CNBC. I always thought I would want to be on air but producers really are the "glue" of newsrooms. Whether it is ordering graphics, setting up interviews or planning logistics, television production is a career I would be very interested in.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
It affirms the fact that this is my passion and what I love to do. While I don't believe in the concept of "dream jobs" since careers and interests could evolve over time, I know that no matter what I do in the future, I'll always be working with writing, news and media in some capacity.
How did you secure your internship?
I went to the Asian American Journalists Association news conference and connected with a recruiter who put me in touch with the DC bureau.
What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
Obviously, apply online, but network, network, network. Relationships are everything in this field. Reach out to people on Linkedin, attend conferences or happy hours and maintain those relationships!
What's been your favorite class so far in the program and why?
My favorite class would be Reporting and Newswriting. I still use the information Ryan Teague Beckwith taught us about shoe-leather reporting to write compelling, interesting stories.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I have always wanted to live in Washington DC because of my interest in politics and international affairs and I knew I wanted to continue furthering my journalism education since I minored in it in college, so Georgetown was a perfect fit.
November 2017
"I think an internship is extremely valuable to a student as it is a small taste of the real world. It helps reinforce a student’s responsibility, focus, drive, and ambition. My advice to MPJO students is to be persistent in their search for internships. They should always remember to save their work from their internships and MPJO classes. It makes compiling a portfolio so much easier. "
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I am interning with the 98 Rock Radio Station. My responsibilities vary each week. I work on projects in the digital and social media department. I help with research, editing podcasts and radio segments such as Maryland’s Perspectives and the Kirk and Marianne show.
Why were you interested in working with 98 Rock and has the experience matched your expectations?
I was interested in working with 98 Rock because it is a popular radio station in Maryland. Also, the station is known to have strong internship and training programs, where it’s the interns’ responsibility to identify their goals.
The internship experience matched my expectation. It has successfully furthered my knowledge of the journalism field.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I enjoyed interacting with listeners and announcing the winner of the “ticks at six” contest at the Kirk and Marianne’s show.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at 98 Rock.
I enjoyed being part of Kirk and Marianne show, especially with helping both of them with research and audio editing. I enjoyed the studio atmosphere, even though it can be hectic and demanding at times. I also enjoyed editing parts of the Amelia’s 98 Rock show.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
I learned that journalism is not only reporting and editing. Journalists’ personalities add a human aspect to the stories, bringing journalists closer to listeners.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
This internship experience has only made me more excited about continuing in this field. Many times an internship is a wake-up call to students that they're in the wrong major, but it was the opposite for me. It confirmed my love of journalism. I want to continue with journalism for a very long time.
How did you secure your internship?
A professional contact suggested that I contact WBAL TV Station. I emailed my resume to the program director Justina Pollard at WBAL and I followed up with a phone call the next day. During our phone conversation we talked about the journalism program at Georgetown and I told her about the classes I had taken. She asked if I would be interested in interning with 98 Rock in the fall and if I could send her some of audio clips from my audio storytelling class, which I did. She introduced me to Mr. Rick Strauss, the director of 98 Rock, and after meeting with him and going over my resume and internship objectives, I was ready to go!
What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
I think an internship is extremely valuable to a student as it is a small taste of the real world. It helps reinforce a student’s responsibility, focus, drive, and ambition. My advice to MPJO students is to be persistent in their search for internships. They should always remember to save their work from their internships and MPJO classes. It makes compiling a portfolio so much easier.
What's been your favorite class so far in the program and why?
I liked the reporting classes because of the constant feedback from professors. These classes not only improved my writing and research skills but most importantly, gave me the confidence working in the field of journalism requires.
I also like the audio storytelling class, where I not only learned editing skills, but also learned how to craft an audio story from beginning to end.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I chose the MPS Journalism program because of its reputation, diversity, dedicative community, and because of its well-designed courses and curriculum.
October 2017
Twitter: @AskCourtnee
"My experience working for NBC's News4 has exceeded my expectations. I was interested in working for NBC's local affiliate because they are the biggest news operation in The District. In addition to being the largest newsroom, I admire the diversity of the station. It's always been important to me as a minority to work in a diversified newsroom and I'm able to experience this working for NBC."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I currently intern in the news department for NBC Universal's local affiliate News4 in Washington, D.C. I'm responsible for anything that needs a helping hand in the newsroom.
Why were you interested in working with NBC and has the experience matched your expectations?
My experience working for NBC's News4 has exceeded my expectations. I was interested in working for NBC's local affiliate because they are the biggest news operation in The District. In addition to being the largest newsroom, I admire the diversity of the station. It's always been important to me as a minority to work in a diversified newsroom and I'm able to experience this working for NBC.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part of the internship is field reporting with some of the best journalists in the country. I've had numerous opportunities to sit in on court hearings, press conferences and experience breaking news.
Tell us about your favorite project you've worked on so far on at [company/organization name].
My favorite project at NBC has been following up with the office of the Virginia Task Force One regarding the return of men and women who helped during Hurricane Harvey in Houston, Irma and Maria in Puerto Rico, and The Virgin Islands. Due to my continued communication with their POI officer, I received an update on their return and communicated this to my assignment editor. News4 eventually sent a crew and reporter out to the designated return location. It was very cool to see the inception of the story.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
The most surprising thing I've learned about journalism is to get as many facts as soon as you can. Reporters are on deadline and telling the same story in different ways for 4,5 and 6 p.m. live broadcasts. During each newscast it's important to find new facts and an updated and engaging way to tell the story.
What would you recommend to someone who was trying to intern with this company?
Follow up. The last man standing is often the person who follows up on their materials when no one else is. At a company like NBC, there is typically more than one contact person for an opportunity or position; find that second or third person and reach out to them.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
My internship has opened up additional possibilities in news. I came into the internship with a specific career goal in mind, however, having the opportunity to speak with multiple editors, producers, and reporters during the day - you begin to learn there are many entryways in news to eventually get to your goal.
How did you secure your internship?
I secured my internship via the information in the weekly MPS journalism newsletter.
What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
Be flexible. Many students in the program work full-time and question how they will intern, work and attend class at the same time. This is the perfect opportunity to reassess your career goals. Be willing to have an open dialogue with your place of employment regarding your professional goals and the possibility of working alternative hours during the week or weekends to accommodate interning.
What's been your favorite class so far in the program and why?
I have two favorite courses in the program: Personal Branding and Audio Storytelling. I attribute my liking for these courses due to the professors, Carol Blymiere and Rolando Arrieta. Personal Branding allowed me to reassess my overall brand as a professional, which will impact my career in the long run and audio storytelling introduced me to a new way of storytelling via podcasts and writing for the ear.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
Although I'm interested in broadcast, I chose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program because it covers all journalism platforms including print, video and digital.
September 2017
Twitter: @stoeckercolinw Instagram: @stoeckershoots
This month we are excited to bring you the adventures of Colin Stoecker, who spent a month in Italy this summer participating in the Urbino Project:
"I was able to literally live history that took place in Italy and Europe. I sat on top of a Nazi bunker more than once in a farm field in Italy, I traveled to these little villages and I walked the mine fields where the Nazi’s tried to fight off the British towards the end of WWII."
What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
I traveled to the Le Marche Region of Italy with IEI Media to take part in the Urbino Project, which I believe is in its fifth year. Thirty or so students covered all sorts of cultural aspects of life in Italy in the Le Marche region which is best known for farm fields and renaissance style castle towns like Urbino.
Why were you interested in working with the Urbino Project and has the experience matched your expectations?
I was interested in international reporting, working with a translator, reporting, honing my video and photography skills and traveling abroad.
How long were you in Italy?
I was in Italy for one month.
What is your favorite part of the internship?
I really enjoyed the food in Italy and the Italian people, but I really enjoyed working with a translator. My story was about a partisan who resisted the Nazi Germans when they controlled his part of Italy in the 1940’s, so I required the assistance of numerous translators to help me travel to his house and interview him in Italian.
What was your favorite project you worked on?
The story where I interviewed the partisan who resisted the Nazis during WWII was my favorite story because I was able to literally live history that took place in Italy and Europe. I sat on top of a Nazi bunker more than once in a farm field in Italy, I traveled to these little villages and I walked the mine fields where the Nazi’s tried to fight off the British towards the end of WWII.
What's the most surprising thing you've learned about journalism while interning?
I learned that international reporting is very difficult because you really need a fixer—a local who knows the area to help you get around, meet contacts, and translate the language for you. Luckily the project provided these people for us and we only had to work with them, but I didn’t realize how important this relationship is to the journalist.
What did you most enjoy about Italian culture? Was there anything that took some getting used to?
I really liked the food, especially the pizza! Also I like Italian cars.
How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
I believe that being a foreign correspondent would be a very difficult job that not a lot of people would want to do after realizing how hard it is to report stories in a different language and a different culture. It takes a lot of sensitivity and hard work! I still want to be a reporter, and I love to travel and if I could find a way to combine those two things that would be amazing.
How did you find and secure your internship?
I found out about the Urbino Project through the MPS Journalism newsletter. I applied and was accepted.
What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
The Urbino project is an unconventional internship, but I would say that any applied and hands on work experience that you can do is crucial. I spent a month working alongside some of the best journalists I have ever met, not only the teachers, but also the other students. It was impressive.
What's been your favorite class so far in the program and why?
I really liked audio storytelling, just because of the stories I go to cover and the platform of audio allows for a more in depth analysis of certain issues.
Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
I chose Georgetown because I was already living in DC and wanted to start a career in journalism. I am very glad I did!
Thanks Colin!
Nakea Simon
August 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: @NakeaSimon
“This internship gave me the confidence I needed to confirm that this is exactly what I want to do. I aspire to be a multimedia journalist and tell stories around the world. At [Maryland Public Television], I was able to assist in producing video for different departments in Maryland that catered to their specific needs and to tell their stories.”
We are excited to feature Nakea Simon as our August intern of the month. This summer, she’s been interning with Maryland Public Television (MPT), where’s had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects and apply her journalism skills to different departmental needs. Read on to find out more about her time at MPT.
MPS Journalism: What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
NS: Maryland Public Television. I am responsible for logging tape for interviews, editing packages, and researching clients.
MPS Journalism: Why were you interested in working with Maryland Public Broadcasting and has the experience matched your expectations?
NS: I was interested in working with MPT because I wanted to grow my skills as a multimedia journalist and I knew MPT would provide me with the opportunities to work with leading professionals in the business to help me grow and learn. The experience thus far has definitely matched my expectations.
MPS Journalism: What is your favorite part of the internship?
NS: I got the opportunity to log tape for Chesapeake Collectibles Season 8. That was exciting for me because I got to be on set while everything was happening and be a part of the action. The experience grew my confidence as a journalist.
MPS Journalism: Tell us about your favorite project you’ve worked on so far on at Maryland Public Broadcasting.
NS: My favorite project thus far is a project I am currently working on for Maryland’s Teacher of the Year Program which showcases outstanding teachers. I have the opportunity to help edit packages to make sure each teacher’s own personal story is told in less than a minute. It gives me the opportunity to be able to edit a clear and concise video that is interesting and captures the individual teacher personality. I love it!
MPS Journalism: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about journalism while interning?
NS: What is most surprising to me is that as a journalist even though you have one specific role, you still have to wear all many hats.
MPS Journalism: How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
NS: This internship gave me the confidence I needed to confirm that this is exactly what I want to do. I aspire to be a multimedia journalist and tell stories around the world. At MPT I was able to assist in producing video for different departments in Maryland that catered to their specific needs and to tell their stories.
MPS Journalism: How did you secure your internship?
NS: I applied here.
MPS Journalism: What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
NS: The advice I will give to students applying to land an internship is what our Program Director Gina Garcia always says: “don’t stop applying for opportunities until you get the yes you want.” Use the resources Georgetown provides and create a free website of your own where internship coordinators or employers can see your work.
MPS Journalism: What’s been your favorite class so far in the program and why?
NS: Audio Production! This was my favorite class so far because I was able to be very creative in how I wanted my audio projects to sound. I was able to attend fun activities, meet new people, and excel in editing on Adobe Audition.
MPS Journalism: Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program?
NS: I chose Georgetown MPS Journalism program because I knew at Georgetown I will be able to advance in my journalistic skills, push myself to try new things, and network with likeminded people who love journalism.
Daniel Gomez
June 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: @DannyBoyy2
“A few weeks ago I was asked to write a speech for National Police Week and two days later the congresswoman was reading my speech on the House floor. It was a rewarding feeling, but it also felt like I had pierced through the veil of fantasy I had always associated with politicians.”
Our first intern feature for the summer is Danny Gomez, who spent the spring semester working in a press shop with the U.S. House of Representatives. With a passion for politics and writing, the internship was the perfect opportunity for Danny to take on in his first year in the journalism program. Learn about the close working relationship between legislative and communications staff, and how it feels to be working on the other side of the table as a political journalist in Danny’s interview below.
MPS Journalism: What interested you about interning with the U.S. House of Representatives?
DG: Well, politics has always been a huge, gigantic interest of mine. When I first started taking political science classes as an undergraduate, I immediately fell in love with the subject and wanted to find ways to enter the field in a writing capacity. Being able to intern with the U.S. House of Representatives in D.C. presented me with a unique opportunity to do just that.
MPS Journalism: How did you find your internship?
DG: It’s actually a funny story. I was doing an assignment for my political reporting class where I had to profile a congressional staffer and that February day I wasn’t having any luck finding anyone until I walked into the office of this congresswoman. I didn’t know who she was, but she was from Florida and I’m from Florida, so I used that as my opening. And her communications director happened to be a former journalist who gave me my 15 minutes and offered me a press internship after our interview.
MPS Journalism: What’s a typical day for you while interning?
DG: So, I start each day by compiling press clips with news from Washington, the U.S., and our district, then it is circulated throughout our entire staff. From there, I usually help the communications director draft a press release, prepare talking points, or write/edit a speech that the congresswoman is about to deliver. But everyday has its own pace, and because the nature of the job is so unpredictable, no day is ever the same as the last.
MPS Journalism: What is the office environment like?
DG: Collaborative and fast-paced. As soon as the President or Congress addresses an issue, it’s like clockwork: facts, response, statement. And even though there’s legislative and communications staffers, neither can do their job effectively without the other. So, it’s a tight-knit group that stays up to date and regularly schools each other on the issues.
MPS Journalism: What is your favorite part of the internship?
DG: My favorite part of the internship is working so closely with the communications director, and by extension, the congresswoman. Because there’s so many representatives on the Hill, there’s usually one or two communications people per office, which is a plus for a lot of reasons. For example, a few weeks ago I was asked to write a speech for National Police Week and two days later the congresswoman was reading my speech on the House floor. It was a rewarding feeling, but it also felt like I had pierced through the veil of fantasy I had always associated with politicians. Of course, working in the Cannon Building has its perks, too.
MPS Journalism: How does the internship relate to classes you’ve taken with the MPS Journalism program?
DG: For me, it’s helped shed on a new light on the art of political reporting. When you approach politicians as a journalist, you ask them questions, press them on the latest news developments and hope to catch them off guard. You go by the lessons we’ve learned in class of cultivating sources and remaining persistent. But when you’re on the other side of that equation, you learn the intricacies of the legislative process and move with the news of the day. It’s an interesting dynamic, and one that’s taught me how essential the media is to the political process.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most interesting part about working in a press/media relations role?
DG: Networking and being given lots of responsibility. Like I said earlier, it’s not every day a 24-year-old can write a speech at noon and have it read on the House floor by 2 o’clock. It’s rare and ridiculously amazing to prepare talking points for an NPR roundtable or write a press release about a Syrian missile strike. Granted, a majority of the material I write is reviewed beforehand, but a lot of trust is placed in me to get the message across accurately and effectively.
And the other is networking. On the Hill, you meet so many different people with different backgrounds, religions, ethnicities, and affiliations. Talking to the them and getting a sense for who they are and where they’re from, is the best way to understand the animal of Washington and value the relationships you forge. In that respect, it’s very similar to journalism.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned on Capitol Hill?
DG: The openness of the Hill is definitely the most surprising thing I’ve seen. It’s a place where anyone can see their representative, sit in on a committee hearing, or even have lunch in the basement of the House or the Senate. For the public to have that access is extremely beneficial. It’s free knowledge and contacts, and it’s available at any time almost every day.
MPS Journalism: Why did you choose Georgetown?
DG: There are multiple reasons I chose Georgetown, but the main reason I chose it and the journalism program was because I knew I’d be challenged to step outside my comfort zone and approach writing in a way I hadn’t before. It’s obvious I love politics, but being able to cover politics and use the lessons learned inside the classroom to become a better writer and communicator is invaluable. I also knew I would be surrounded by people who were equally as passionate about storytelling as I am. Being able to share our experiences with one another and learn the tricks of the trade from the faculty has proven to be a great equalizer thus far, and I continue to keep my eyes and ears open every time I am at SCS.
MPS Journalism: What tips do you have for students looking to land an internship?
DG: As cliché as it sounds, network as much as possible. I myself didn’t practice this until just recently, but this experience has shown me what can be accomplished by simply talking and showing up. Woody Allen once said, “80 percent of success is showing up.” Another thing I’ll say is, make an effort to stand out. As a young journalist, it’s difficult to stand out when you’re asked to follow a certain set of guidelines. However, if you’re able to take risks at any level, don’t be afraid to take them and break from the norm. It’s crucial to persevere and believe in your ability.
Courtney Blackann
May 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: @CBlackann
“Being able to travel abroad with only two other Full Measure staff was the peak of this experience. Not only did I gain a knowledge of field producing, but I was able to see how important international reporting is through the eyes of those who’ve experienced terrorist attacks, who’ve lived through the Paris club shootings and other events in Europe. It’s just really important and fulfilling work.”
For the month of May, we’re excited to feature student Courtney Blackann and her internship with Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. This spring, Courtney has had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with investigative and international reporting. Read what else Courtney has learned about the ins and outs of television production, and how this internship has shaped her career aspirations for the future.
MPS Journalism: What company are you interning with and what are you responsible for?
CB: I’m currently interning for Full Measure with Sharyl Attkisson. It’s a half hour long investigative reporting show owned by Sinclair Broadcasting Group.
MPS Journalism: Why were you interested in working with this company and has the experience matched your expectations?
CB: I’ve always been a bit nosy, so investigative reporting really intrigued me. It’s always different, and adversarial journalism is really important work. This internship has exceeded my expectations. Working with a small team has major benefits, and I’ve loved the connections I’ve made over the semester.
CB: What is your favorite part of the internship?
My favorite part of this internship has been learning the ins and outs of television production. My supervisors are extremely passionate about helping me gain experience in different areas. I’ve been in the control room learning how the show is timed. I’ve been in the studio to see how the show actually unfolds as it’s filmed. I’ve been able to assist with cameras in the field. It’s quite exciting.
MPS Journalism: You recently traveled to Europe for your internship to cover the French elections. Tell us about your experience and international reporting.
CB: Being able to travel abroad with only two other Full Measure staff was the peak of this experience. Not only did I gain a knowledge of field producing, but I was also able to see how important international reporting is through the eyes of those who’ve experienced terrorist attacks, who’ve lived through the Paris club shootings and other events in Europe. It’s just really important and fulfilling work. I gained my first national television credit as a photographer as well for footage I shot at Marine Le Pen’s campaign rally in Lille. It was a once in a lifetime experience, and I’m so grateful to my supervisor for trusting me with such a task.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most surprising thing you’ve learned about journalism while interning?
CB: I think what can be surprising is that you just have to be ready for anything. Anyone can cancel an interview on a whim. When we were in Berlin, we had an important expert on national security cancel on us hours before the interview. We had to scramble to find another expert voice for the package we were putting together. You really have to be on your toes and ready to make changes-and be okay with adjusting. Nothing’s perfect.
MPS Journalism: How has the internship shaped some of your career goals and aspirations in the field?
CB: For all of my wonderful experiences at Full Measure, it has proven to me I’m not a 9-5 sit-at-a-desk kind of person. Of course, every journalist will need to do some amounts of research and editing, but I found I thrived in the field whether it was Europe or Capitol Hill. I loved grabbing people off the street for interviews. I loved calling police stations to get permission to use certain photos…I am not sure what my journalism career will shape into yet, but this internship has taught me I need to be moving at all times.
MPS Journalism: How did you secure your internship?
CB: A posting in our newsletter. I saw that a previous student had interned with Full Measure and that she had a great experience. I researched the company and show, and I submitted my resume. I had an interview the day after I sent my resume and that was that.
MPS Journalism: What advice do you have for MPJO students looking to land an internship?
CB: Be yourself in interviews. It’s okay if you don’t know everything. Show a willingness to learn and be teachable. Also, look for internships in areas you’re interested in but keep an open mind. Journalism can extend into communications, PR, etc. And once you land an internship: network, network, network! You never know how far just knowing someone can take you.
MPS Journalism: Which class has been your favorite so far?
CB: I was dreading News Writing and Reporting because it seems like such a basic foundation all journalists have. But coming out of this semester, I feel like I not only have a much clearer sense of what a great journalist is capable of (with the help of Melvin Mencher, of course) but also a better sense of my personal role in journalism. I think my instructor, Alan Bjerga, had a lot to do with that. So when he’s teaching next, I recommend him for all new students.
MPS Journalism: Why did you choose the Georgetown MPS Journalism program and how has it empowered you?
CB: A year before I got into the program I walked the Georgetown main campus. It was such a beautiful area with proximity to so much action journalistically. I began researching the program and decided to apply after speaking to a former student who helped me get in touch with Gina Garcia. The reputation of Georgetown goes a long way, and the faculty full of working journalists makes this program so relevant and so unique.
Vickey Casey
April 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: Vicas001
“Think creatively about the ways your skills could be used. Just because the position is not in a newsroom does not mean there aren’t skills to be learned.”
Our April intern of the month is student Vickey Casey. Currently, Vickey works as a Communications Intern for the British Embassy and is also an Assistant Editor for Tagg Magazine. She’s also active on campus, serving as the Secretary/Treasurer for our very own SPJ chapter. Vickey took the time out answer some questions about her internship and professional experience and shares how she’s applied what she’s learned in class to her positions. Check out Vickey’s insights in her interview below!
Georgetown Journalism: Where do you intern?
VC: I am the Communications Intern for the British Embassy in D.C. and an Assistant Editor for Tagg Magazine.
Georgetown Journalism: What made you want to take on two positions on top of your classes?
VC: That actually happened accidentally. With the British Embassy, I heard about it from a fellow classmate who did it last semester. I found the application a few hours before the deadline after googling it, applied, and never looked back. As for the second position, I knew someone working with them and offered to do some editing in December for them, to take a load off the managing editor. Before I knew it, she offered me the position!
Georgetown Journalism: How long have you been at your respective positions?
VC: I’ve been with the British Embassy since the end of February and Tagg Magazine as a writer since the June ’16 and an editor since December.
Georgetown Journalism: Describe a work day at the embassy.
VC: There is absolutely no typical day there and what I do depends on what’s happening in the news. I respond to letters and emails from the public, design a few items, craft tweets, and generally support the communications team. When there’s a crisis, such as an attack on Parliament, I shift to media monitoring and updating the communications team and senior management on the latest news.
This internship is teaching me to be creative and innovative. I am tasked with designing logos, something I’ve never done before. Thanks to help from some wonderful friends, I managed to make them. Both a stressful and fun adventure.
Georgetown Journalism: What are some surprising things you’ve learned on the job?
VC: I had no idea how to design logos, especially in this version of Photoshop, but I managed it and will be asked to make more in the future.
Georgetown Journalism: What advice do you have for students looking to land a journalism/communications internship?
VC: Think creatively about the ways your skills could be used. Just because the position is not in a newsroom does not mean there aren’t skills to be learned.
Georgetown Journalism: Why did you choose to enroll in the Georgetown Journalism program, and how has it empowered you?
VC: The Georgetown Journalism program offers the flexibility and rigor I was looking for. I wanted to be challenged and I have been. I wanted the ability to be creative and I’ve found that. I wanted to meet motivated and incredible people working in this field, thankfully I found that too.
Georgetown Journalism: Which class has been your favorite so far?
VC: Audio Storytelling, which I’m taking now. I was familiar with the audio editing process from a previous internship but I never got to create for myself. I love the creative freedom this medium provides. It’s also an opportunity to improve my interviewing skills. There is something really satisfying about the moment your interviewee forgets about the mic and relaxes into the conversation. From there on your interview just becomes so much better.
Georgetown Journalism: What’s the coolest perk about where you intern?
VC: Every now and then there are events in the Ambassador’s residence and I can volunteer. It’s really the only way to see it and it is stunning.
Georgetown Journalism: What do you like to do in your spare time?
VC: Spare time? Not sure that exists anymore but I try to spend time with friends, either cooking or gallivanting around D.C.
Kevin O’Brien
March 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: @iamkevinobrien
“I chose Georgetown, not only because of all the opportunities available in Washington D.C., but also because the program forces you to develop a wide variety of skills. More than anything, it’s given me confidence when I apply to positions because I have a good foundation in the skills that these jobs require or expect, thanks to my classes.”
It’s not everyday you get the opportunity to work behind-the-scenes at one of your favorite radio shows. That’s exactly what student Kevin O’Brien is doing at his internship with ESPN Radio’s Pardon the Interruption as a production intern. Check out his tips for landing a journalism internship and some surprising things he’s learned on the job in the production world.
Georgetown Journalism: Where do you intern?
KO: Pardon the Interruption on ESPN.
Georgetown Journalism: How long have long have you been there?
KO: Since the beginning of January.
Georgetown Journalism: Why did you want to work at ESPN?
KO: More than ESPN in particular, I wanted to work at PTI because it was always my favorite show growing up and I knew it was one of the few ESPN shows that airs out of D.C.
Georgetown Journalism: How did you land your internship?
KO: Pretty randomly. I always knew Around the Horn, the show on right before PTI had an official internship program, but I never saw anything about PTI taking on interns. So, I looked for the head producer’s contact information and sent him a Facebook message. He replied a few hours later, giving me another producer’s e-mail, though he said they were usually booked for the foreseeable future. After e-mailing the second producer, he invited me to a studio taping and decided on days I could intern. It was a really informal process.
Georgetown Journalism: What advice to you have for fellow students wanting a journalism job/internship?
KO: When you’re looking for openings, don’t only go by official internship postings. There was nothing posted about a PTI internship, and I never actually expected the executive producer to respond to a Facebook message.
Georgetown Journalism: Describe a typical day at the office.
KO: We start a little later. I get in around 10 and am either researching story ideas or fact-checking. One of the show’s hosts, Tony Kornheiser, usually shows up around 1 and will start writing out his ledes for the show, which I’m fact-checking along the way. In the afternoon, I’m getting b-roll clips for some of the segments that day. Lately, I’ve been able to cut my own video for the show, which is cool, getting to see stuff you edited on air.
Georgetown Journalism: What’s the best perk about working for the Pardon the Interruption Show?
KO: Being around the show’s hosts, who I’m so used to seeing on TV, and seeing them use facts or stats that I fed them earlier in the day. Also, getting to see how things work behind the scenes at two other ESPN shows, Around the Horn and Highly Questionable, because they’re run out of the same studio as PTI.
Georgetown Journalism: What’s the most interesting part about working on the production side?
KO: How quick the turnarounds are sometimes. Even though it’s taped show, when there’s an interview, the B-roll we get is dependent on what the guests say, so we’re often getting the video clips and putting everything together minutes before airtime.
Georgetown Journalism: What are some skills from the MPJO program you’ve applied to your internship?
KO: Without the things I learned in Video Journalism, I’d be lost with the video editing responsibilities I have in the office. Even though we use Final Cut Pro at PTI, the skills I learned on Adobe Premiere are all transferrable.
Georgetown Journalism: Why did you choose to attend the Georgetown MPJO program and how has it empowered?
KO: I chose Georgetown, not only because of all the opportunities available in Washington D.C., but also because the program forces you to develop a wide variety of skills. More than anything, it’s given me confidence when I apply to positions because I have a good foundation in the skills that these jobs require or expect, thanks to my classes.
Georgetown Journalism: Which are your favorite sports teams to root for when not in work/school?
KO: Having gone to Georgetown undergrad, I’m a die-hard Georgetown basketball fan, but that’s not going well lately. Other than that, I root for the Wizards and Redskins.
Donnell Coley
February 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter/Instagram handle: @sportsinmyveins
“I came to enhance the journalism skills I previously had as a freelance reporter. I knew how important it was to be more than just a writer and to become more digitally savvy in order to survive as a ‘backpack journalist.’ Through the program, I can now add vital skills to my resume such as audio/video editing.”
Get to know Donnell Coley, sports journalist enthusiast and our latest intern of the month! Donnell came from a freelance background and enrolled in the program to diversity his skill set. Learn how the Georgetown Journalism program has made a difference in his career, and his experience interning at My Mind on Sports.
MPS Journalism: With what company are you an intern?
DC: My Mind on Sports, LLC
MPS Journalism: Why were you interested in working there?
DC: It’s a great opportunity to apply knowledge I’ve attained in the MPSJO courses. I have a passion for sports journalism, so it was a no-brainer to apply.
MPS Journalism: How did you get your internship?
DC: The Assistant Director of Georgetown Event Management Services (GEMS), Division of Student Affairs, introduced me to the CEO via email. I then applied, had a phone interview shortly after, and the rest is history.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most interesting thing about working there?
DC: The hands-on experiences! For example, I covered a Washington Wizards preseason contest and was able to obtain media access to take pictures before and after, track live stats during the game and interview players and coaches in the locker room after it was over.
MPS Journalism: What are some journalism skills you’ve gained while interning?
DC: Learning how to efficiently work digital cameras in a fast-paced, professional environment. Paying attention to detail in order to ask the most pertinent questions when interviewing players and coaches. And, time management as it relates to meeting deadlines.
MPS Journalism: Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you use at your internship?
DC: Video journalism prepared me for basic techniques such as framing, lighting, and shot variation that are important when I’m covering a particular team or player. I also applied key elements from Digital Essentials in regards to how to tailor a specific story for various social media outlets.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most surprising thing you learned about the industry as an intern?
DC: The speed at which everything happens at live events. There really isn’t much downtime during the course of a two or three hour game. You have to be aware of what’s happening both on and off the playing surface and quickly relate that to the audience, especially in the digital era we currently live in.
MPS Journalism: What advice do you have for students looking for a journalism internship?
DC: Simply, take advantage of the resources the school offers. That includes networking!
MPS Journalism: Why did you choose to enroll in the Georgetown Journalism program and how has it empowered you?
DC: I came to enhance the journalism skills I previously had as a freelance reporter. I knew how important it was to be more than just a writer and to become more digitally savvy in order to survive as a “backpack journalist.” Through the program, I can now add vital skills to my resume such as audio/video editing.
MPS Journalism: Which class at Georgetown has taught you the most that you can apply to this internship so far and why would you recommend it to others?
DC: Sports Journalism was a course I took in the Summer that was obviously a huge influence in regards to how I approach a particular story and being aware of elements like clarity and balance. It’s an outstanding class that isn’t just for sports nerds like myself. Covering live sports can be challenging because of how time-sensitive it is. This course gives you a chance to practice getting your thoughts together in a hurry, while at the same time producing quality work that your audience can easily understand.
MPS Journalism: Have we missed anything that you feel like you would like to share about your internship experience?
DC: Not only do I have real world experiences that I can use for clips and resume enhancement, but I’ve gained unmatched networking opportunities with some of the biggest names in the sports industry.
Sophia Wu
January 2017
Intern of the Month
Twitter: @sqphy
“I think the critical-thinking approach to making headlines, subtitles, and decks for social media is the most surprising part of the industry that I’ve learned. It’s integral to know, understand, and cater to your audience.”
Our first intern of the month for 2017 is Sophia Wu, who’s been working at Washington Monthly since fall semester. She enjoys delving into social, political, and education topics through journalism, and helps contribute to these types of pieces at her internship. Read on to learn more about Sophia’s experience at the bimonthly political publication, and find out what class has been her favorite so far at Georgetown.
MPS Journalism: Where do you intern?
SW: I am an intern at Washington Monthly, a bimonthly political magazine in downtown DC.
MPS Journalism: Why were you interested in working there?
SW: I am interested in long-form journalism that explores relevant social, political, and educational topics on a fact-driven, analytical format. What I like best about Washington Monthly is that it offers professional insight (many of the writers are political leaders, think tank experts, and academics), but also gives room for readers to create their own judgments. I am personally interested in writing long-form magazine articles that dive deep into issues that I care about and want to learn more about. Part of what I do is research for those articles, and it’s truly a great opportunity to expand my knowledge, particularly in politics. I studied economics in college, which is closely tied, but learning more about the challenges in our political system better completes my outlook on DC and the rest of the world.
MPS Journalism: Describe a typical work day at your internship and some of your responsibilities.
SW: I work Wednesday-Friday from 10-4, which works well for me because I am able to better adjust and balance myself with my Georgetown workload. The rest of the staff and I communicate through Slack, a professional group-chat website, in which the editors will assign me various projects. Typically, I will be assigned a story in the queue to publish, but I must read through it and correct any grammatical or spelling errors. I also craft headlines, subtitles, and decks for the website, Facebook, and Twitter. I also create tags, as well as select the photograph for the article. It’s a really creative and fluid way to fuse my interest in politics, editing, and social media. I will also be assigned articles that I must fact-check. Currently, I am working on a 1200-word feature story about mainstream media being concentrated on the East Coast and fostering a sense of journalistic elitism that does not quite connect with the rest of America.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most interesting thing about working for a magazine?
SW: I think that the slower pace of working at a bimonthly magazine really pushes me to study and analyze real-life issues and trends happening in the world. I’ve always been someone who likes to probe the “why’s” of how things work, so working at a magazine provides ample opportunities and experiences to educate myself. That being said, a slow pace does not equate a slow workload. I’m constantly reading articles, conducting research, interviewing sources, pitching ideas, and thinking what to work on next. I am always learning, and because the rest of the staff also come from political, journalism, or law backgrounds, we are able to create conversation, exchange different perspectives, and tackle ideas that we are all interested in.
MPS Journalism: Which journalism skills have you learned at Georgetown that you apply in your internship?
SW: Learning how to write headlines that are appropriate across social media platforms (i.e. a Facebook headline will be differ from an AP-style headline) is one of the key journalism skills I’ve learned in my Reporting & News Writing class at Georgetown. I incorporate a lot of ethics in my writing as well, since long-form articles tend to operate on a delicate balance between neutrality and opinion, though I try to stay are objective as possible. It’s still a learning process for me. This is also my first time working on the social media aspect of journalism, which is a great experience to connect the two and engage digitally with our audience (which I’m learning in my digital essentials course). Knowing your audience and how to respond to them is a really important part of journalism, especially since the field has grown to be so much more interactive.
MPS Journalism: What are some journalism skills you’ve gained at your internship?
SW: Since Washington Monthly is a bimonthly publication, the work intensity tends to ebb-and-flow, depending on when the magazine is about to go to print. Writing headlines and editing articles is the relative constant that happens every day, which helps improve my digital journalism skills. Learning how to interview and fact-check are also very useful skills that I’ve gained since working at Washington Monthly, especially when it comes to sensitive issues in politics. It’s important to maintain a code of ethics, which includes ensuring accuracy — whether the article you’re fact-checking has a credible source or the person you’re quoting is not being taken out of context. It is essential to be careful about that.
MPS Journalism: What’s the most surprising thing you learned about the industry through your internship?
SW: I think the critical-thinking approach to making headlines, subtitles, and decks for social media is the most surprising part of the industry that I’ve learned. It’s integral to know, understand, and cater to your audience. Image and presentation is also very important, because it best packages the content and information you are conveying. Furthermore, not only does crafty headlines and poignant photos help an article draw in readers, it is also helps maintain their viewership and incentivizes them to return to the website.
MPS Journalism: What advice do you have for students looking for a journalism internship?
SW: Pay attention and seek out jobs or internships related to what your personal interests. Journalism is a broad field with many options, so it’s important not to just pick one at random. I’ve had experiences ranging from daily reporting to writing branded content, and what was really important for me was that my personal interests in other subjects intersected with what type of journalism I wanted to go into.
MPS Journalism: Why did you choose to enroll in the Georgetown Journalism program and how has it empowered you?
SW: I chose to enroll in the Georgetown Journalism program because it’s so versatile — you don’t simply pick a track to focus on, but rather delve into all of them so that you are more experienced and prepared for any job. These days journalists are more than reporters. It’s important to know how to write, but also how to shoot video and work on social media.
MPS Journalism: Which class at Georgetown has been your favorite so far and would you recommend it to others?
SW: I loved Digital Essentials for Journalists because we were able to develop our own news websites and apply all of the tools we learned about digital, visuals-driven storytelling, as well as audience engagement and business strategies, into a really creative project. I would recommend it to others because it is an important introduction to the changing dynamics of the journalism industry and it teaches you how to adapt and thrive in it.
Past student features can be viewed here.
Thanks for visiting!
