News |

The Virginian-Pilot newsroom internship program

Internships for 2024 are not open at this time. If you have questions, please contact internship director Sean Kennedy, sean.kennedy@pilotonline.com.

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We’re the largest newspaper in Virginia, and our newsroom features award-winning journalists eager to help you learn. Our coverage area includes many cities, miles of beaches, the world’s largest Navy base and more.

Our interns are paid, and treated as regular newsroom staff members, learning on the job and helping to produce Virginia’s best news coverage.

You will be assigned an editor and will participate in team meetings and may join training sessions on topical subjects. Sessions in 2022 included a narrative writing workshop, SEO training, data reporting and more.

The internship period lasts 12 weeks, and we offer internships in reporting, audience engagement and videography/photography. Interns are expected to be located in the Norfolk, Virginia, area during the duration of the internship and must be able to drive to assignments. Our newsroom works in a hybrid environment, so staff can either work from home or in the office space.

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Our internships and expectations

Reporting: Produce a regular and compelling mix of stories, including news and features. Applicants should be adept at reporting, use of social media and video reporting. Must be able to write accurately and meet deadlines. Must be able to travel for news coverage as required. Applicants must have a car. We reimburse mileage. Interns will collaborate with editors and other team members on stories and brainstorming.

Photography/videography: Photojournalism interns will cover one or more assignments a day and should be able to capture compelling images that tell a story with accuracy and authenticity, including complete and accurate captions. Interns will need a basic knowledge of Photoshop and must be able to travel for news coverage as required. Applicants must have a car. We reimburse mileage.

Audience engagement: Connect with our audiences using social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. Work with reporters and editors to break down complex stories and create engagement plans. Use news judgment to manage our homepages and send alerts. Write newsletters. Use analytics platforms to create benchmarks of success. Experiment with new ways of reaching audiences.

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Education/experience

Required qualifications: Must be enrolled at time of application in a degree-granting program at an accredited college or university, or be a recent graduate within the past year.

Preferred qualifications:

Students enrolled in a journalism concentration.

Experience working at a college publication, either print or online.

A previous internship or freelance experience at a daily newspaper or professional news website.

If you’re wondering whether you have enough experience to apply, you should apply. The internship is generally aimed at juniors, seniors and graduate students. But our selection committee is open to considering anyone who meets the minimum qualifications.

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What we pay and other details

Interns are paid $15 an hour and will work 40 hours a week.

The internship is 12 weeks; the start and end dates can be flexible.

Interns must be based in Hampton Roads, or be able to move to the region for the internship.

Interns cannot freelance or work at other publications during the internship, unless given clearance by a supervisor.

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What about the pandemic?

We’re working under a hybrid system. Interns are required to work in the Hampton Roads area, but may work remotely or from our office space.

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How to apply

Apply by emailing internships@pilotonline.com. When applying, please indicate in the subject line which position(s) you’re interested in, and when you’re interested in interning here.

Submit a cover letter, resume and the names of three references.

Reporting candidates: Please include PDF copies of 5 published work samples. You may also add links to your application if you have online-only samples.

Photographer/videographers: Include in your application a link to your website or samples of your work. You may upload videos or include public links in your application. Zip files with images and captions are acceptable.

Audience candidates may also attach work samples in applications.

Feel free to include any good work you’ve done, even if it doesn’t fit the “traditional mold.”

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About that cover letter …

Here are some things to think about when writing your cover letter:

Why you wish to intern for The Virginian-Pilot.

What you are interested in doing during your internship.

Your goals and expectations for the internship.

What makes you the best candidate?

The dates you are available.

Selection will be based on portfolio, experience (college and professional), cover letter and references. Finalists will be interviewed.

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Have a question?

Contact Sean Kennedy, internship coordinator, at sean.kennedy@pilotonline.com. No question is stupid.

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2023 internship class

Michael Sauls, sports reporter, University of South Carolina. Archive and new stories from Michael, who was hired full time after his internship.

Evelyn Davidson, Virginia Gazette, Christopher Newport University. Archive stories from Evelyn.

Sydney Haulenbeek, audience, Old Dominion University. Archive stories from Sydney.

Gabby Jimenez, reporter, Louisiana State University. Archive stories from Gabby.

Tess Crowley, visuals, University of Michigan.

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Summer 2022 internship class

Noble Brigham, reporter, Brown University. Archive stories from Noble.

Emily Broyles, audience, Appalachian State University.

Lauren Girgis, reporter, University of Texas. Archive stories from Lauren.

Lianna Hubbard, data reporter, University of Florida. Archive stories from Lianna.

Madison Peek, Virginia Gazette, University of Maryland. Archive stories from Madison.

Suzannah Claire Perry, reporter, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Claire.

Billy Schuerman, visuals, Ohio University

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Fall 2021 internship class

Korie Dean, data reporter, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Korie.

Julianna Morano, reporter, University of Michigan. Archive stories from Julianna.

Trent Sprague, visuals, Wittenberg University.

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Summer 2021 internship class

Korie Dean, data reporter, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Korie.

Olivia George, reporter, Brown University. Archive stories from Olivia.

Daisy Grant, audience, University of Maryland.

Gaya Gupta, reporter, Brown University. Archive stories from Gaya.

Elizabeth Moore, reporter, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Elizabeth.

Sonia Rao, reporter, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Sonia.

Trent Sprague, visuals, Wittenberg University.

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Fall 2020 internship class

Noor Adatia, reporter, Boston University. Archive stories from Noor.

Margaux MacColl, reporter, Northwestern University. Archive stories from Margaux.

Maggie More, reporter, William & Mary. Archive stories from Maggie.

Hannah Ruhoff, photography, Ohio University.

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Summer 2020 internship class

Moss Brennan, reporter, Appalachian State University. Archive stories from Moss.

Abigail Adcox, reporter, George Mason University. Archive stories from Abigail.

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Summer 2019 internship class

Abigail Brashear, reporter, recent Central Florida grad. Archive stories from Abigail.

Abby Church, reporter, James Madison University.

Claire Colby, reporter, University of Missouri. Archive stories from Claire.

Chapel Fowler, reporter, Sports, University of North Carolina. Archive stories from Chapel.

Sabrina Goodwin, reporter, Inside Business, James Madison University. Archive stories from Sabrina.

Sarah Holm, photography, Ohio University.

Kennedi Jackson, audience, Hampton University.

Daniel Linhart, photography, Ohio University.

Alyssa Meyers, reporter, Boston University. Archive stories from Alyssa.

Mattie Monroe, reporter, William & Mary.

Nia Tariq, audience, Virginia Commonwealth University.