SPJ Internship Opportunities

The Society of Professional Journalists has several exciting internship opportunities available for journalism and public relations students. Below are descriptions.

Pulliam/Killgore Freedom of Information Internships

The SPJ annually awards two Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships. One intern, with a background in law, works in the offices of the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. The other intern, with a background in news writing, works at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis.

The interns research and write about freedom of information issues while assisting the Society’s Freedom of Information Committee and First Amendment legal counsel in preparing SPJ’s annual Freedom of Information Report.

Interns receive a stipend and work during a mutually agreeable 10-week period during the summer. Recipients are notified in mid-April and should arrange to start their internships in late May or early June.

Applicants must be journalism students who are entering or just completing their senior year, a graduate journalism student, or a law student with a journalism background.

For more information, visit www.spj.org/internships_pk.asp or call Joe Skeel at (317) 927-8000, ext. 214.

About the SPJ Headquarters Internship

The intern selected to work at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis writes for the Freedom of Information issue of Quill magazine, published annually in September. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in writing and reporting.

Other duties of the Indianapolis intern include:

• Updating comprehensive contact lists for federal and state agencies
  
• Working on other FOI-related projects of the Society
  
• Attending various SPJ Headquarters-related events
  
• About the Washington, D.C., Internship

The intern selected to work in the law offices of Baker & Hostetler – the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. – primarily works on researching and writing SPJ’s annual Pulliam/Kilgore Report. The report addresses a Freedom of Information topic of interest to journalists and attorneys. The 5,000- to 6,000-word report is distributed at the Society’s National Convention.
Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in law.

Other duties of the Washington, D.C., intern include:

• Writing stories for Quill magazine
• Attending hearings on Capitol Hill that are of interest to SPJ
• Representing SPJ at various Washington, D.C., events

Archbald Communications Internship

The communications intern will work with the Communications Manager to assist in the implementation of an overall communications strategy for the organization and specific programs.

Responsibilities:

1. 1. Update and maintain SPJ’s current media lists using Vocus Professional Edition.
2. Assist the Communications Manager in handling media inquiries, organizing interviews and in preparing board members for media opportunities.
3. Research and make suggestions regarding membership outreach opportunities for student-to-pro transitions.
4. Assist in research, writing, distribution, and Web postings of news releases with guidance from the Communications Manager, the SPJ Board of Directors and other SPJ staff members.
5. Provide editorial copy for SPJ Web site, /Quill/ Magazine, /SPJ Report/, /Working For You/, and other materials as necessary.
6. Work with the Membership Department and Communications Manager to develop and distribute a weekly e-newsletter to members.
7. Participate in the distribution efforts of monthly billing statements with other SPJ Staff Members.
8. Work with all departments to design ads, postcards, newsletters and other materials to promote conventions, awards, and programs that enhance membership benefits.
9. Participate in the review of the Society’s current general publicity materials and make recommendations for necessary changes.
10. Assist in Foundation and Web site communication needs as determined by the Associate Executive Director of the SDX Foundation and the SPJ Webmaster.
11. At the end of the internship, the intern will present a written and oral presentation with suggestions about the projects he/she worked on during the eight weeks as an SPJ staff member.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. Must be a junior or senior student pursuing a degree in journalism, marketing, communications or public relations at a college or university, or a recent college graduate.
2. Must be willing to relocate to Indianapolis for eight weeks, if not already a resident.
3. Writing and/or reporting experience required.
4. Decision-making, problem-solving, and research skills are necessary.
5. Should be able to manage multiple tasks, remain organized and meet deadlines.
6. Ability to express ideas and opinions clearly and concisely.
7. Should be outgoing and self confident with a willingness to take initiative and work cooperatively with others.
8. Proficient computer skills (Microsoft Office, Adobe Illustrator, Quark Express or InDesign).
9. Strong work ethic and a positive attitude are a must.

Job Specifics:

1. This is a paid, eight-week internship. Pay is $375 per week.
2. Intern must work a minimum of 40 hours per week for eight weeks during the summer.
3. Must exhibit professionalism in the office and at all outside events where SPJ is represented.
4. Must be able to work with a diverse staff and be versatile at all times.

For more information, visit www.spj.org or contact Beth King, APR at (317) 927-8000, ext. 211 or bking@spj.org

Working Press

The SPJ is seeking 12 bright, motivated and hard-working student journalists to staff /The Working Press/, a daily tabloid newspaper that covers convention events.

We select only the best student writers, photographers and designers for these positions. The application deadline is April 19. Details regarding the application process can be found at www.spj.org/convention_twp.asp.

Please note: Internships take place at the 2006 SPJ Convention & National Journalism Conference, August 24-27, Chicago Hyatt Regency.