INTERNSHIP opportunites
The Iowa Newspaper Foundation is a strong proponent of recruiting younger people to the newspaper industry to ensure the health and vitality of the industry’s future. One of the many ways it does this is by assisting newspapers with finding and supporting interns and assisting students with finding internships.
Click the link to the right to browse available internships. If you would like to be contacted by a newspaper, post your contact information by clicking the Interested Interns button.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact Jana Shepherd, INF Program Director at 515-422-9051 or jshepherd@inanews.com.
newspaper Matching Funds Program
The following newspapers were selected to receive $1,000 in matching funds to employ an intern for the Summer of 2024:
- Algona Kossuth County Advance
- Estherville News
- Fort Dodge Messenger
- Harlan Newspapers
- Humboldt Independent
- Ottumwa Courier
- Spencer Daily Reporter
In 2014, INF introduced a program that enhances internship opportunities for INA member newspapers. Through this program, newspapers receive financial assistance to employ interns with eight weeks of real-world experience in the newspaper industry. The program funded three internships in 2014 and has grown to eight. This program is a key facet of the INF’s next-generation programming—cultivating the newspapers and journalists of tomorrow.
Participating newspapers will be chosen through an application process reviewed by an INF member committee. Host newspapers will have the opportunity to interview and select their own intern, and INF will provide matching funds of $1,000 to each of the eight selected newspapers.
Selected newspapers will offer an internship that provides a well-rounded experience in the newspaper industry and will be asked to submit a follow-up report to the INF summarizing the student’s responsibilities and takeaways during the internship. The INF will provide necessary materials for an exit interview to be conducted with the student.
Through the program, interns will…
- Work a minimum of 30 hours per week for eight weeks
- Paid at least minimum wage
- Have the opportunity to experience the newspaper industry first-hand
If your newspaper would like to be considered for the 2025 Iowa Newspaper Foundation Internship Matching Funds Program, please complete the application form and return to Jana Shepherd, INF Program Director, no later than November 1, 2024. You can email the form to Jana at jshepherd@inanews.com.
Lizbeth Garcia Tellez served an internship at the Marshalltown Times-Republican in the summer of 2024 as part of the INF's Internship Matching Funds program. Here's what Lizbeth had to say about her internship experience:
"My internship at the Times-Republican newspaper was an enriching experience. Working in sales and marketing, I had the opportunity to apply my public relations and marketing studies in a real-world setting. I had the unique opportunity to create a Spanish page aimed at increasing awareness and engagement within the local Spanish-speaking community. I also had the opportunity to connect with community members and leaders. Overall, this experience has helped shaped my career path and expanded my network."
In the summer of 2024, Bri Brands served an internship at the Sheldon N'West Iowa REVIEW as part of the INF's Internship Matching Funds program. Here is what Bri had to say about her internship experience:
"My time at The N'West Iowa REVIEW has been the most valuable summer of my life. I began the summer returning from a semester abroad and unsure of how I was going to make Iowa feel like home again, especially northwest Iowa, but working here taught me the value of finding excitement in everything. I've always loved telling stories and now I can truly say there is a story to tell everywhere I look. I've been telling everyone who asks that this internship was a golden opportunity - so few of my peers can say they were offered a paid, full-time internship with two years of college still left. I was able to offer articles on the catastrophic flooding in our region and the aftermath that followed, talk with countless local businesses and personalities, and learn more about northwest Iowa and the world of journalism while doing it. I am excited to return to the University of Iowa for the next two years and use these past three months as a stepping stone to what I can only hope is a successful career in journalism."
Rachel Bare served an internship at the Spencer Daily Reporter in the summer of 2024 as part of the INF's Internship Marching Funds program. Here is what Rachel had to say about her internship experience:
"In my nine weeks at the Spencer Daily Reporter I wrote a total of 31 stories. Originally, I had expected to write feature articles for special sections, but my expectations were quickly shattered. The historic June 22 flood is mentioned, or is the subject of, 21 of those stories. By these numbers, it is obvious that the flood impacted my internship, but what is astounding is the impact the flood had on the wider community. Overnight, my town was thrust into unimaginable chaos, and I was likewise thrust into reporting on matters bigger than I had anticipated. Interviewing our city officials mere hours after the flood or highlighting the kindness and generosity of my peers in cleanup efforts showed me how deeply strong this community can be and how valuable journalism is. Not only will I use my newfound journalistic skills moving forward in English and speech activities, but I will forever remember the stories I had the privilege of sharing."