Starnes Media

Journalism Intern

June - August 2021 • Birmingham, AL

What I liked

I enjoyed the variety of feedback that I was able to experience. Starnes publishes seven different local newspapers, which means there are many different editors providing feedback on stories - and I had the opportunity to write a story for each of them at some point in my internship. It also means getting to write a variety of stories - cover meetings, school features, new businesses, interesting people and more. It's very helpful to have such a broad range of reporting, it definitely helped me become a better journalist.

What I wish was different

I was one of the first journalism interns, so communication was an issue at first - figuring out how the papers work (since they are monthly, not biweekly), and the editorial process as a newbie was frustrating at times. I wish I had been able to figure out the process earlier on so I myself could have communicated better, but it got easier with time and lots of questions.

Advice

Don't be afraid to ask questions if you don't understand something, and always ask your editors for feedback! At Starnes, all the editorial staff wants to help, but sometimes it can feel like asking makes you vulnerable or "not a good writer." That is just not true - in fact, I asked several questions in the first week (I mean at least 20) and Nick Patterson, the managing editor, was very kind and welcomed them all - even thanking me for asking.

1 One person found this helpful

intern Reporter

May - August 2018 • Hoover, AL

What I liked

I liked how the company treated me like a regular reporter rather than just an intern. I was expected to tell good stories on appropriate deadlines.

What I wish was different

I wish I had gotten paid.

Advice

Act like you belong and don't be afraid to ask questions or speak up. just because you're and intern doesn't mean you cant have great ideas to contribute to the workplace.

1 One person found this helpful