A lot of journalism internships are unpaid, so how do you get the most out of yours? What to do, what not to do, and important questions to ask<\/p>\n
1. Do your homework<\/strong><\/p>\n It sounds obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how many interns haven\u2019t picked up a copy of the magazine they\u2019re interning at before they start. Spend an hour or so before your first day and read a few copies of the magazine cover to cover. Get a feel for the different sections of the magazine \u2013 what is the tone of the magazine? What are the themes? The first question someone will ask you is \u2018have you read the magazine?\u2019. Say \u2018yes\u2019 with confidence, and it shows you\u2019re keen, too.<\/p>\n 2. Do introduce yourself<\/strong><\/p>\n Chances are you won\u2019t be sitting next to the editor, but when it feels appropriate and things are not busy, go and introduce yourself to people on the team. Know the editor and deputy editors\u2019 names before you start the job and ask if they have any jobs, however small they may be, that you can help with. You\u2019re only there a short period of time, so make sure you get the most out of it and make yourself known.<\/p>\n 3. Do make the drinks<\/strong><\/p>\n Sure, this shouldn\u2019t be the only thing you do, but don\u2019t underestimate the power of making someone a hot beverage! It\u2019s a great way to talk to people, show you want to be helpful, and break the ice in a busy and stressful environment. People will remember you and give you more work to do.<\/p>\n 4. Do ask for more work<\/strong><\/p>\n When you start something, ask how urgent it is and get a deadline to finish by. Something that lots of interns don\u2019t do is ask for things to do when they\u2019ve finished. Maybe because they don\u2019t want to annoy people when everyone looks busy, but often they can help with fact-checking or researching. Ask, ask, ask. You\u2019re an extra pair of hands that can really help! Which is linked to the next point\u2026<\/p>\n 5. Don\u2019t go on social media<\/strong><\/p>\n You\u2019re sitting with nothing to do, it\u2019s tempting, so you log on Facebook, and someone comes over to your desk. It looks so bad. Resist the Facebook urge!<\/p>\n 6. Do ask for feedback<\/strong><\/p>\n Ask for a short meeting at the end of your time there to summarise. Ask how you can improve and be prepared to take criticism constructively. Ask for feedback from people you\u2019ve been working with, and if it\u2019s good, ask if you can contribute after you\u2019ve left. Perhaps you could pitch blog posts for them, do online roundups or news stories? In which case, take down emails of people to pitch to, and talk to them before you leave. Leaving on good terms is a must – ask to stay in touch, and if any job opportunities come up you might be the first to know!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A lot of journalism internships are unpaid, so how do you get the most out of yours? What to do, what not to do, and important questions to ask 1. Do your homework It sounds obvious, but you\u2019d be surprised how many interns haven\u2019t picked up a copy of the magazine they\u2019re interning at before …<\/p>\n