What are the responsibilities and job description for the Digital News Intern position at Chicago Public Media?
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Digital News Intern. With mentoring from the team’s digital editor, this intern will research stories, create story graphics and visual digital elements, and maintain strong relationships with the public through social media and other creative forms of engagement.
Applicants should demonstrate:
- A desire to experiment with alternative story formats and audience engagement
- Some experience with making graphics and editorial illustrations using Canva or similar tools
- Proficiency with social media platforms (e.g., Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky) and digital production tools (Photoshop, HTML, open source web-based apps, etc.)
- Comfort with the use of data in storytelling
- Journalism, multimedia, writing or reporting experience from a previous internship, class work, supervised community work, or employment
We are located at Navy Pier in Chicago, Illinois. All interns must be able to work from our office and studios at Navy Pier in Chicago a minimum of 2x a week.
Chicago Public Media interns gain hands-on experience while working alongside some of the best talent in the business. Our hope is that — after receiving a solid foundation at WBEZ — our interns continue to contribute to public media.
A bit about our internship programs:
- Many, but not all, of our interns have completed college or some other form of education and/or certification in the journalism or media field(s).
- Many go on to careers in public media or other outlets. Many have found their way back to WBEZ, too.
- We pay $20/hour, non-negotiable
Interns work full time 40 hrs/week Program term is 12 weeks (early June through early September)
- Positions are daytime work hours and on a Monday through Friday schedule, though some flexibility may be possible
What we are looking for our candidates to display in their resumes, cover letters and interview conversations:
- Knowledge about WBEZ and our mission of serving the community
- Strong interest in learning and contributing to our mission
- Curiosity and the willingness to learn
- Understanding of the value of bringing together diverse perspectives
- Why WBEZ is part of your career planning in journalism and media
- Specific skills you want to learn during the internship
- If applicable, any links to a portfolio of writing samples; audio, video, or multimedia packages; or other completed work that may be relevant to this opening
The application deadline is Friday, April 18, 2025. Managers plan to select candidates by early May.
Accepted applicants will be required to start training in Chicago on June 9, 2025. Internship ends September 5, 2025.
Salary : $20
