Internships

The goal of WBUR is to provide its interns with a substantive, meaningful work experience so that each intern concludes the internship period with demonstrable skills in his/her area of interest, plus a knowledge of public radio, in general.

All of WBUR’s internship positions are unpaid. Each position varies, however, in terms of the total weekly commitment, the specific hours worked and the responsibilities involved.

Internship Dates (approximate)
Fall:  September 1 – December 31 (apply after July 1)
Spring:  January 1 – May 31 (apply after October 15)
Summer:  June 1 – August 31 (apply after January 1)

Start and end dates are flexible, depending on station needs and each intern’s availability.

Eligibility
Intern candidates must be a matriculated undergraduate or graduate student, or have earned a higher degree within twelve months of beginning the internship. Depending on the position, a degree or concentration in broadcast journalism is preferred, but not required. (Please note that WBUR does not accept high school students as interns.)

Course Credit
Students interested in receiving course credit must present the written consent of an adviser prior to beginning the internship.

How to Apply
• Read through the descriptions, below, of WBUR’s various internship positions and the time commitment involved.
• Visit wbur.org to familiarize yourself with WBUR’s online presence and overall efforts in the digital space.
• Send as attachments to the appropriate department/program: 1) a current resumé, and 2) a brief cover letter, describing the skills you believe you will contribute to the position in question and the experience you hope to gain.
• Writing and audio samples (not required) may be sent as attachments/URLs.

After You Apply
• If WBUR is interested in interviewing you for an internship, a staff member from the relevant program or department will contact you directly.
• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled.

Answers to FAQs
• You may apply to no more than 2 different internships per semester.
• Individual cover letters and resumés should be sent to each program/department you wish to apply to.
• Questions related to specific positions should be directed via email to the relevant department/program.
• Due to the number of applicants, WBUR will notify only those individuals selected for internships. Please check this page, or each program’s individual website, for internship updates as appropriate.
• Applicants who are not initially selected for internships may apply the following semester.

Thank you for your interest! We look forward to hearing from you.

 

WBUR INTERNSHIP POSITIONS

 

NEW INTERNSHIP OPPORTUNITY!

CommonHealth Internship

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: This internship is for students who are strong writers and interested in reporting on the topics of personal health, medical research and health policy. Applicants should also be interested in digital journalism, editing and social media. Skills in data visualization and multimedia production would  be a major plus. They should be eager to develop their own story ideas, and also truly happy to help in more clerical ways that will not give them byline glory, such as transcribing interviews, gathering sound at events, developing social media contacts and scanning sources for possible news.

Responsibilities: The intern will support the bloggers of CommonHealth in a variety of ways. These may include writing; editing; finding and formatting photos; helping to spread posts more widely through social media and email. One significant piece of the intern’s work may be listening to health-related segments on WBUR’s various radio shows and writing up appealing summaries that save readers the time of listening through the whole segment.  Applicants are encouraged to submit ideas for original posts that they would like to develop during the internship.

Skills: Candidates should be self-starters, informed, energetic, curious, organized, detail-oriented, low-maintenance and comfortable working on deadline. Excellent communication skills are required. Deep interest in health and science required. Journalism majors and web experience preferred.

Time commitment: Interns can expect tasks assigned by the CommonHealth bloggers to consume about 20 hours a week; ideally, the intern would spend significant additional time developing original stories and posts.

Contact: commonhealth@wbur.org

MARKETING

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Community Engagement and Marketing Internship

Overview: This internship provides students with an interest in journalism, promotion and event planning the chance to help develop real-world events that extend WBUR’s reach in the Boston community, as well as to brainstorm creative ways of promoting these events and strengthening the station’s presence in Boston.

Responsibilities: Interns will support the Marketing Director, the Community Engagement Director and the Promotions & Events Manager in a variety of ways. These may include gathering information from program producers on upcoming shows, researching venues and suppliers, coordinating social-media promotion of events, maintaining task lists and coordinating guest lists, and writing promotional copy for the Events and Community pages of wbur.org and other purposes.

Skills: Candidates should be organized, flexible and comfortable working with multiple deadlines. Strong communication skills, both in writing and in person, are required. Interest in politics, arts and culture and other newsworthy topics helpful, as is a passion for public radio; journalism or marketing major a plus, but enthusiasm and curiosity are more important.

Time Commitment: One available internship

About 20 hours a week, ideally 4 hours each weekday but flexible

Contact: community_internships@wbur.org

NEWS

1. Newscast Unit Internship 

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Interns in the Newscast unit work as part of the team that produces the news bulletins delivered live on the hour and/or half-hour by the on-air anchor. Interns work directly with the news producer and news writer on duty, receiving assignments from them. Stories are typically daily-oriented.

Skills: Newscast candidates should be interested in news and current events and in radio as a medium. Strong research skills, computer literacy, and knowledge of WBUR programming are preferred. A journalism major is also preferred but not required. Quick grasp of the facts, resourcefulness, strong writing, and the ability to work under deadline pressure are important skills, also the ability to work in collaboration with a news team. Interns must be able to focus quickly on tasks and communicate effectively with colleagues, as well as with interviewees and research sources.

Responsibilities:
– news gathering: monitor news wires (Associated Press), research stories
– write & update leads, readers, and cut/scripts
– track down interviewees, source/contact details
– submit interview requests
– record short interviews, usually by phone
– select and edit sound bites for cut/scripts
– vault sound for broadcast
– record in field (e.g. press conference)
– assist with reporter field debriefs (usually only for breaking stories)
– regularly check fax machine and email (for press releases, advisories)
– offer story ideas and regularly check with writer and producer regarding assignments
– maintain daily file (of press releases)
– update contact and source lists

Computer programs used:
– Adobe Audition (digital audio program)
– NewsBoss (newsroom automation system)
– Content Management System (“CMS” for wbur.org)

Time Commitment: 2-3 available internships; full shifts preferred but not required.
– Morning Edition: airs from 5-9am. Interns work from 7am-12noon.
– All Things Considered: airs from 4-6:30pm. Interns work from 9am-5pm.

Contact: newscast_internships@wbur.org

2. Newsroom Reporters’ Internship

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SPRING or SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Assists WBUR’s Newsroom reporters in preparing and producing long-form news reports and short breaking news stories. This is a higher-level internship than for Newscast, as it requires previous experience in a newsroom. (Newscast interns are welcome to apply after they have completed the Newscast internship.)

Responsibilities: The Reporters’ Intern will work directly with WBUR’s seven reporters and be overseen by one reporter. As requested by the reporters, s/he will conduct internet research, do in-field recording, accompany reporters in the field and generally learn about what a reporter does. The intern will also learn some web skills. This position offers less opportunity for writing the news than a Newscast Unit internship, but the intern will learn how to do some writing for broadcast.

Skills: Previous experience in news writing and news gathering — in radio or print — a must. Knowledge of audio editing helpful. Strong research skills; fast-thinking, strong initiative, helpful attitude, good multi-tasker. Web experience a plus.

Time Commitment: One available internship
2-3 days a week; best days M, Tu and Wed, but could be flexible. 9-5pm.

Contact: newsroom_internships@wbur.org

PROGRAMMING

1. “Here & Now” Intern

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Here & Now invites anyone interested in exploring a career in radio journalism to apply to intern three days per week on the show. Interns will be exposed to the production of a daily midday news magazine program and will learn about the technical and editorial skills needed to be a news radio producer. H&N seeks a full day’s commitment from each intern. This allows all interns to follow through from pitching a story to producing an interview to cutting it for air.

Responsibilities: Interns should expect to participate in story meetings, generate ideas, research topics, prepare briefs for the show’s host and producers, book guests, write scripts, record interviews, edit interviews for broadcast, and help organize the daily broadcast. They should have a strong interest in news and journalism. Experience with radio techniques (i.e., microphone recording and audio editing) is preferred, but not necessary. Some administrative duties will also be required.

Time Commitment: Interns are asked to work three consecutive days per week, starting at 8 a.m. They will be required to commit to being at the station until at least 1:30 on the days they intern. It is strongly suggested that they try to work full days (until 4:30 p.m.) as this will insure they get the most out of their internship experience.

2-3 available internships:
MTuW or WThF, 8:00am – 4:30pm (interns work 3 consecutive days, with an overlap on Wed.)

Contact: hereandnow_internships@wbur.org

2. “On Point” Intern

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: This internship provides students with an interest in journalism and current affairs the opportunity of contributing to the production of WBUR and NPR’s nationally-syndicated live call-in program On Point, broadcast daily from WBUR’s Boston studios.

Responsibilities: Interns will support the “On Point” host, producers and staff in a variety of ways, including researching show topics, preparing briefs, booking interviews, running script, answering phone lines and faxing. Production work possible.

Skills: Candidates should be focused, unflappable, highly detailed-oriented and have excellent writing skills. Strong communication skills also required. Previous news room and editing experience a plus, as are previous publications.

Time Commitment: Two available internships
Monday-Wednesday, 8-4pm
Thursday 9am-5pm, plus Friday, 7am-3pm

Contact: onpoint_internships@wbur.org

3. “Only A Game” Intern

[ NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR Fall 2013 ]

Overview: Sports-minded writer needed for WBUR and NPR’s Only A Game.   Heard on more than 200 stations nationwide, the show covers everything from mainstream sports to skillet tossing.

Responsibilities: The intern is responsible for writing copy, choosing photos, and creating photo galleries for OAG’s website.  This includes “webifying” radio scripts and writing copy based on radio interviews.  Occasional research and transcription duties will be assigned as needed.

Skills: Candidates should be fast, accurate, and conversational writers.  An interest in sports is a plus. A technical background is not required.

Time Commitment: One (1) available internship.
9-12 hours per week, including 5-6 hours each Friday afternoon and 2-3 hours on Wed. and Thurs.

Contact: oag_internships@wbur.org

4. “Radio Boston” Intern

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Radio Boston is WBUR’s live, daily news program devoted to issues of significance in the Boston area and beyond.

Responsibilities: Interns will primarily conduct research for Radio Boston’s on-air hosts; help identify and book guests for the show; occasionally do recordings of events in the field and man-on-the-street interviews; log tape gathered in the field; edit tape; help write scripts and questions; and help with script management and guest managing during the show.

Time Commitment: 2-3 available internships.
Approximately 20 hours per a week, with flexibility as to which days, M-F.

Contact: radioboston_internships@wbur.org

DIGITAL

1. wbur.org Intern

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Interns serve as a crucial link between WBUR’s Newsroom and content published on wbur.org.

As a WBUR.org intern you will:

-Edit materials for wbur.org integrating text, still images and video content as well as links to relevant resources/past coverage.

-Build out reports initially created by broadcast staff by adding additional quotes/background to create a more complete web story. This includes content from newscast and Radio Boston.

-Gain experience with producing the homepage, other relevant WBUR verticals.

-Instruction on WBUR’s CMS.

-Gain experience learning how WBUR uses social media like Twitter and Facebook.

-Learn aspects of visual storytelling with photo editing, packaging.

-Assist producers and reporters with story research.

-Additionally, interns may be asked to help produce story elements with third party tools like Storify and Instagram.

Educational benefits:
Intern will gain hands-on web production experience – including copy editing, headline and tease writing, exposure to SEO practices, HTML, and more. This internship also allows for those qualified to explore other aspects of online news production like social media production, photography and videography. Interns also have the opportunity to go out with our reporters and observe and assist in their reporting of a story.

Experience:
Send us your resume, two writing samples and a short cover letter describing your web production and multimedia skills and experience. Please also provide links to your website and Twitter handle if you have them. Have you had previous newsroom or internship experience, or worked with Photoshop and WordPress? Let us know.

Time Commitment: Flexible, 16-40 hours a week

Contact: wbur.org_internships@wbur.org

2. Cognoscenti Digital Intern

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: This internship provides students with an interest in digital journalism, writing, editing and social media the chance to help in the daily production, distribution and creative development of Cognoscenti, WBUR’s ideas and opinion page.

Responsibilities: Interns will support the editors and producers of Cognoscenti in a variety of ways. These may include fact checking, copy editing, writing teases and promos, uploading web components, choosing photos, and maintaining correspondence with new and existing contributors. Some administrative duties may also be required.

Skills: Candidates should be informed, energetic, curious, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable working on deadline. Excellent communication skills are required. Interest in politics, arts, culture and other newsworthy topics a must. Journalism majors and web experience preferred.

Time commitment: In order to get the most out of the experience, interns will be asked to work a minimum of 16 hours a week, over 2-3 days.

Contact: opinion@wbur.org

3. Healthcare Savvy Intern

[ NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: Healthcare Savvy is a new social network for patients living in Massachusetts. The goal is to build a community of patients who take cost and quality into account when they decide where to go for care.

Skills: an intern will need a strong back in social networks and various digital platforms (WordPress, Scribd, Twitter, Facebook, etc.) Some experience with video and photo editing is a plus.

Responsibilities: an intern will help manage the site, write posts and build tools that will enhance the value of the site for users.

Time Commitment: 10 hours a week for a period of three months. An intern has the option of working from home for some of these hours.

Please provide a writing sample with your application.

Contact: healthcaresaavy_internships@wbur.org

4. CommonHealth Internship

[ NO LONGER ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR SUMMER 2013 ]

Overview: This internship is for students who are strong writers and interested in reporting on the topics of personal health, medical research and health policy. Applicants should also be interested in digital journalism, editing and social media. Skills in data visualization and multimedia production would  be a major plus. They should be eager to develop their own story ideas, and also truly happy to help in more clerical ways that will not give them byline glory, such as transcribing interviews, gathering sound at events, developing social media contacts and scanning sources for possible news.

Responsibilities: The intern will support the bloggers of CommonHealth in a variety of ways. These may include writing; editing; finding and formatting photos; helping to spread posts more widely through social media and email. One significant piece of the intern’s work may be listening to health-related segments on WBUR’s various radio shows and writing up appealing summaries that save readers the time of listening through the whole segment.  Applicants are encouraged to submit ideas for original posts that they would like to develop during the internship.

Skills: Candidates should be self-starters, informed, energetic, curious, organized, detail-oriented, low-maintenance and comfortable working on deadline. Excellent communication skills are required. Deep interest in health and science required. Journalism majors and web experience preferred.

Time commitment: Interns can expect tasks assigned by the CommonHealth bloggers to consume about 20 hours a week; ideally, the intern would spend significant additional time developing original stories and posts.

Contact: commonhealth@wbur.org

More:

• For a listing of paid employment opportunities at WBUR, please consult Boston University’s website.
• WBUR is committed to seeking qualified candidates for all job openings and to offer equal opportunity to all persons without regard to race, religion, gender, age, sexual orientation, veteran status, disability or national origin.