Data and research journalism intern
Dive into the deep end of data reporting with an internship that shows you where to find information, how to obtain it and how to present it to readers with dynamic visuals and compelling narratives. You'll learn the ins and outs of public information, how to file and pursue an open records request, and how to interpret the resulting data for audiences.
This internship is the perfect fit for a student who has been bitten by the reporting bug and wants to expand their know-how with hands-on, real-world experience. You'll work under an award-winning investigative journalist who will push you to do more than you realize you're capable of. Our goal is for you to walk away with strong additions to your portfolio. Some work and meetings will take place in Dallas, but much of it can be accomplished via web meetings and remotely. (NOTE: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the safety and well-being of our interns will take precedence over in-person reporting.)
Your work will be part of groundbreaking efforts on the part of a new Dallas news nonprofit. We are focusing our community journalism efforts in Dallas news deserts, and using that work to inform collaborative projects that tackle complex civic issues with solutions journalism.
We’re piloting the community journalism in South Dallas and West Dallas, two historically marginalized and disenfranchised neighborhoods in Dallas. South Dallas is predominantly Black, and West Dallas is predominantly Latinx with many residents whose native language is Spanish. We're interested in interns who reflect the culture and diversity of these neighborhoods.
This internship is for academic credit only and requires 15-20 hours per week. Students will be supervised by a professional journalist with dedicated meetings at least weekly and ongoing availability for questions and consults.
To apply: Send a cover letter, résumé and clips to Dallas Free Press executive director Keri Mitchell at keri@dallasfreepress.com. Applicants who proceed to an interview will be asked to complete an assigned story and data project as part of their application. Internship spots may fill before the application deadline.
Fall: Sept. 8-Dec. 4, 2020 (Deadline: Aug. 28)
Spring: Jan. 19-May 7, 2021 (Deadline: Jan. 8)
(Start and finish dates are somewhat flexible, according to your academic calendar.)