The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, in collaboration with its six member universities, is pleased to announce the launch of a statewide paid internship program to connect local news organizations with students.
This initiative will match qualifying newsrooms with students from one of the six member universities — Kean University, Rutgers University, Montclair State University, The College of New Jersey, New Jersey Institute of Technology, or Rowan University — for an internship. The student interns will be offered jobs with local newsrooms that focus on a wide range of opportunities, including social media strategy, reporting, multimedia production, community engagement and more.
The program seeks to strengthen the local news ecosystem while giving students valuable hands-on experience in journalism and media. Interns will be placed in newsrooms based on availability, with opportunities available during the summer, fall, or spring semesters.
The Consortium is partnering with Susan King, journalist and former Dean of the Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who will lead the intern cohort and act as a liaison for participating news organizations. News organizations that express interest will be invited to a training session with Dr. King, where she will share insights on how to provide an excellent internship experience and maximize the value of student interns in a newsroom setting.
This is a fantastic opportunity for news organizations to bring fresh perspectives and new skills into their newsrooms while mentoring the next generation of journalists. By participating in the program, news organizations can strengthen their reporting capacity, expand community engagement efforts, and contribute to the growth of a sustainable local news ecosystem in New Jersey.
Are you a student looking for hands-on experience in journalism and media? The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium, in partnership with its six member universities, is launching a statewide paid internship program to connect students with news organizations across New Jersey. This is a unique opportunity to gain real-world experience, develop your skills, and contribute to meaningful local journalism.
What you’ll gain:
- Hands-on experience in reporting, social media, multimedia production, and community engagement.
- A chance to work with experienced journalists and news professionals.
- Exposure to real newsroom operations and opportunities to build your portfolio.
- Training and mentorship to help you succeed in your internship and beyond.
Who can apply?
- Students enrolled at one of the Consortium’s six partner universities:
- Kean University
- Rutgers University
- Montclair State University
- The College of New Jersey
- New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Rowan University
- Students with an interest in journalism, media, communications, or related fields.
- Students eager to learn and contribute to local news organizations.
How to apply:
- Complete the Student internship application linked here.
- Showcase your skills, experience, and passion for journalism.
- Be clear about your interests (e.g., investigative reporting, multimedia production, social media strategy).
- Proofread your responses and include any relevant work samples.
- Applicants interested in future semesters will have their information kept on file for potential placement opportunities.
Internship timeline:
- The Consortium anticipates placing approximately 3 interns from each member university, each school semester.
- Internship placements will be available during the summer, fall, and spring semesters, depending on availability.
Internship details:
- Interns will earn up to $20/hr.
- Hours will vary depending on the needs of the newsroom.
Get involved!
Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable journalism experience while contributing to the local news ecosystem in New Jersey. Apply today and take the first step toward building your career in media!
Have a question? Check out our FAQs here!
The New Jersey Civic Information Consortium is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that funds initiatives to benefit the State’s civic life and meet the evolving information needs of New Jersey’s communities. Questions? Contact the Consortium via email at [email protected].