Journalism Internship Program

Program Overview

The Worcester Daily News Journalism Internship Program provides hands-on experience for aspiring journalists, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, content creators, and media professionals throughout Worcester and Central Massachusetts.

Designed for high school and college students, the program offers real-world newsroom experience while helping students build professional portfolios, develop practical skills, and gain valuable exposure to the journalism and media industry.

Interns work alongside Worcester Daily News and News Talk New England staff members, contributing to coverage of local news, public safety, government, education, sports, community events, and multimedia projects.

The program is intended to serve as a pathway for students interested in journalism, communications, broadcasting, photography, videography, public relations, marketing, digital media, and related fields.

Eligibility

The program is open to:

High School Division

  • High School Juniors
  • High School Seniors

College Division

  • College Freshmen
  • College Sophomores
  • College Juniors
  • College Seniors

Students attending public, private, charter, vocational, parochial, homeschool, community college, four-year college, or university programs are encouraged to apply.

Program Goals

The internship program is designed to:

  • Introduce students to professional journalism.
  • Develop strong writing and communication skills.
  • Teach ethical journalism practices.
  • Build confidence in interviewing and reporting.
  • Provide experience covering real events.
  • Develop photography and videography skills.
  • Create opportunities for mentorship.
  • Help students build professional portfolios.
  • Prepare students for college and career opportunities.
  • Strengthen local journalism in Central Massachusetts.

Internship Tracks

Students may choose one or more areas of concentration.

News Reporting

Interns learn:

  • News writing
  • AP Style basics
  • Interviewing
  • Fact-checking
  • Research
  • Story development
  • Breaking news coverage

Assignments may include:

  • Community events
  • Local government meetings
  • School events
  • Public safety stories
  • Feature stories
  • Human-interest stories

Sports Journalism

Interns gain experience covering:

  • High school sports
  • College athletics
  • Worcester-area sports
  • Game previews
  • Postgame coverage
  • Athlete profiles
  • Sports photography

Coverage opportunities may include:

  • Worcester-area high schools
  • College athletics
  • Local sports organizations
  • Community sporting events

Photojournalism

Students learn:

  • Photography fundamentals
  • News photography
  • Event coverage
  • Sports photography
  • Editing and workflow
  • Visual storytelling

Interns may photograph:

  • Community events
  • Public safety incidents
  • Sports competitions
  • Government meetings
  • Local features

Videography & Multimedia

Students gain experience in:

  • Video shooting
  • Editing
  • Storytelling
  • Short-form content
  • Documentary production
  • Interview production

Projects may include:

  • Community features
  • Sports coverage
  • News packages
  • Mini-documentaries
  • Social media content

Broadcast & On-Air Media

Interns interested in broadcasting may learn:

  • Interviewing techniques
  • On-camera presentation
  • Podcast production
  • Studio operations
  • News presentation
  • Live event coverage

Digital Media & Content Creation

Students may assist with:

  • Website publishing
  • Social media management
  • Audience engagement
  • Digital storytelling
  • Graphic creation
  • Content planning

Learning Experience

Interns receive practical experience through:

  • Newsroom meetings
  • Editorial planning sessions
  • Field assignments
  • Event coverage
  • Mentorship opportunities
  • Portfolio development
  • Skills workshops
  • Professional feedback

Students are encouraged to actively participate in the reporting process while working under the supervision of experienced staff members.

JumpStart Journalism Program

As part of the Worcester Daily News and News Talk New England internship initiative, students may participate in the JumpStart Journalism Program.

The JumpStart Journalism Program is designed to help students begin building journalism experience before entering college or while pursuing their degree.

Participants are encouraged to:

  • Build writing samples.
  • Develop reporting experience.
  • Learn newsroom operations.
  • Create photography portfolios.
  • Produce multimedia content.
  • Gain publication credits.
  • Establish professional references.
  • Develop a strong resume before graduation.

The program emphasizes early career development and practical experience that can help students stand out when applying for colleges, internships, scholarships, and future employment opportunities.

Program Expectations

Interns are expected to:

  • Demonstrate professionalism.
  • Meet assignment deadlines.
  • Follow newsroom policies.
  • Adhere to ethical journalism standards.
  • Respect sources and community members.
  • Maintain accuracy in reporting.
  • Accept constructive feedback.
  • Represent Worcester Daily News professionally.

Benefits

Participants may receive:

  • Real-world newsroom experience.
  • Published work and bylines.
  • Portfolio development opportunities.
  • Professional mentorship.
  • Networking opportunities.
  • Letters of recommendation when appropriate.
  • College and career preparation.
  • Exposure to multiple areas of journalism and media.

Our Commitment to Student Journalists

Worcester Daily News believes the future of journalism depends on developing the next generation of reporters, photographers, videographers, broadcasters, and media professionals.

Through our internship and JumpStart Journalism programs, we are committed to providing meaningful opportunities for students to learn, grow, gain experience, and contribute to the communities they serve while building a strong foundation for future success in journalism and related fields.