The Premier Internship Program recruits, mentors, and places the top Journalism and Public Interest Communication students from the University of Washington in internships at select outlets around Puget Sound.
These internships are hands-on positions for students who are reliable, can work independently, and have some experience in journalistic coursework. One of the largest benefits for students in the Premier Internship Program is that once you are vetted by UW faculty, you are placed at the outlet, without the pressure and time of applying in a general pool of interns. Students are interviewed before placement, and mentored throughout the experience. Most internships are 20 hours per week, one-quarter, paid positions that allow students to earn course credits if they’d like. Available internships vary each year depending on the needs of employers.
Applications to the Premier Internship Program are accepted on a rolling basis. Most placements occur midway through the preceding quarter. Available positions will be posted here as they are secured during the year.
Currently available internships
The International Examiner Premier Internship:
The International Examiner Premier Intern will report and create content for the regional pan-Asian Pacific American community, while also focusing on the thriving International District of Seattle. The selected intern should be able to work diligently in a tightly knit community and build connections, report ethically, and hit deadlines for both print and online work. There are opportunities to help with social media as well if the intern is interested. The candidate will be guided by editors at the International Examiner and will attend editorial meetings weekly. Students who apply for this role must be able to work independently and the intern is eligible for a $50-$100/week stipend (depending on how much they write) for the quarter and course credit is available. Students may choose remote, in-person, or hybrid attendance and reporting.
Premier Media Group Internship:
The Premier Media Group intern will take on an active role in the production of our lifestyle and business print magazines — 425, 425 Business, South Sound, and South Sound Business — and gain real-world experience in publishing, design, and journalism. Typically, an intern works 12–20 hours per week with a flexible schedule for one quarter. The right intern should have strong writing skills, intellectual curiosity, and possess the ability to tell stories. Successful candidates must understand the importance of deadlines, teamwork, and independent thinking. Duties include writing blog posts, feature and news writing, research, copy editing, and fact-checking. The internship duties can be tailored to the intern’s interest. While Premier Media Group is currently in a work-from-home model due to the COVID-19 pandemic, an intern may be tasked with an in-person reporting assignment and will need reliable transportation across our coverage area from Olympia to Woodinville. The intern receives a $1200 stipend over the quarter and course credit is also available.
To apply to the program, please email Teaching Professor Caley Cook ckcook@uw.edu with:
1) a personal statement of no more than 500 words that outlines which internship(s) you would like to be considered for and why you are a good candidate,
2) an updated resume,
3) a list of three published clips that emphasize original reporting, if you have them.