Search for 2008 Journalism Interns Close Next Week

30 July 2007

Search for 2008 Journalism Interns Close Next Week

Applications will close next week for the 2008 journalism internships offered by Fairfax Media. The scheme, now in its second year, will provide both study and career opportunities for up to 20 people with emerging journalistic talent. Applications close on Wednesday 08 August at 12 noon.

Through the scheme, interns will undertake training at one of five tertiary institutions before starting careers at their chosen Fairfax publications or website throughout the country.

“We’re looking for talented and committed people who have a broad foundation of knowledge as well as some real life-skills and a degree of worldliness. These are the attributes that make great journalists,” says Fairfax Media Editorial Development Manager Clive Lind.

Fairfax Media, New Zealand's largest media company established the journalism internship programme in 2006 in order to promote editorial excellence and encourage diversity amongst the profession.

“It is a priceless opportunity to enter a one of the world’s most dynamic industries while at the same time be supported by New Zealand’s leading media company, Fairfax Media.

“Securing a quality job in journalism for new graduates can be difficult in such a highly competitive industry. This opportunity puts graduates at the coal-face of the finest media titles in the country and offers the chance to learn from some of the best in the business,” says Lind.

During course holidays, participants are employed by one of Fairfax's publications, where they will work with experienced journalists and have a mentor to offer support and guidance. Interns will also receive on-going training throughout their tenure at Fairfax Media.

Fairfax Media is pleased with the quality and quantity of applicants received so far, and expects the number of applications to increase as the closing date of 08 August nears.

Applicants will be required to complete an on-line written assessment and from that, successful would-be interns will undergo further written tests, before being interviewed by representatives from their chosen publication or website and journalism schools.

Details for applications can be seen at www.fairfaxnz.co.nz/careers.

Fairfax Media Journalism Internship key facts:

* Approximately 20 interns will be selected for 2008 intake.

* Successful applicants will be announced at the end of October.

* Selection process includes interviews and testing of writing skills, general knowledge and journalistic aptitude.

* Successful candidates will undergo year-long training for a Diploma or Graduate Diploma in Journalism at one of five institutions – the University of Canterbury, Christchurch, Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru, Massey University, Wellington, the Waikato Institute of Technology, Hamilton, and the Auckland University of Technology (AUT). Where possible, successful applicants will be trained in the institution of their choice.

* Applicants can nominate which Fairfax Media publication for which they would like to work.

* During course holidays, participants will be employed by a Fairfax Media publication where they will work with experienced journalists and have a dedicated mentor.

* On the successful completion of the course, participants will be reimbursed for their course fees. Successful applicants will be required to work with Fairfax Media for two years where they will receive on-going training and career development.

* Fairfax Media owns nine daily newspapers including The Dominion Post and The Press, two national Sunday newspapers, a number of magazines, internet operations including Stuff.co.nz and RugbyHeaven, and more than 50 community newspapers throughout the country.

ENDS

© Scoop Media