Be competitive. Be hungry. Be prepared.
Plum internships, like the paid, full-time summer internship at the Denver Post, are hard to land. So, what does it take to become the next Post intern? City editor, Larry Ryckman, generously opened up the "reject" and "keeper" piles for our review. Here are a few insider tips to help get you noticed, and, just maybe … considered for the position. Besides having the expected minimum 3.0 GPA…
You should:
What NOT to do:
Ok, let’s say you are chosen. Celebrate! Then…
Check in with your editor the moment you arrive. Newsrooms are insanely busy places, and the environment can be intimidating. If your editor is too busy to work with you when you arrive, he/she will let you know. Be sure to check back once things calm down. Be inquisitive, be ready to learn from constructive criticism and be ready to work hard.
Bring food and water in your purse, backpack or pocket. You never know how long you’ll be out in the field. Wear sunscreen. Have a change of clothes in your car. Have two changes of clothes in your car. Be ready to be sent to the courthouse, to a fire, to be out all day in the heat. Be prepared to learn a lot, grow as a writer and be surrounded by some of the best in the business. Good luck!
Note: Unlike many employers, folks at the Denver Post do make every effort to notify all applicants of their status. If you don’t get the internship, they’ll let you know. Try again once next year, when you have more experience and stronger clips.