Unleash Your Potential with Dow Jones News Fund Internship

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Dow Jones News Fund: Overview
3. Programs and Opportunities
   1. College Internship Program
      • Training Programs
        • Audience Engagement
        • Multi-Platform Editing
        • Business Reporting
        • Digital Media
        • Data Journalism
   2. Benefits and Support
      • Scholarships and Assistance Fund
      • Alumni Network and Mentorship
      • Membership and Access
4. Application Process
   1. Eligibility and Requirements
   2. Test and Selection
   3. Timeline and Expectations
5. Tips for Success
   • Résumé and Work Samples
   • Essay and Personal Statement
   • Social Media Presence
6. Testimonials and Success Stories
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

The Dow Jones News Fund: Launching Your Journalism Career

The journalism industry is constantly evolving, and having the right skills and experience is crucial for success in this competitive field. The Dow Jones News Fund is a non-profit foundation that aims to promote careers in journalism by offering a range of programs and opportunities for aspiring journalists. In this article, we will explore the various programs offered by the Dow Jones News Fund and provide insights into the application process and tips for success.

Introduction

As the executive director of the Dow Jones News Fund, Shirley Carswell welcomes readers to an informative and exciting article about their program. The Dow Jones News Fund is dedicated to training and preparing talented individuals for careers in journalism. They believe that their program is extraordinary and provide tips for applying, with the program manager, Heather Taylor, leading the discussion.

The Dow Jones News Fund: Overview

The Dow Jones News Fund, established in 1960, is a renowned non-profit foundation that promotes careers in journalism. Their signature program is the College Internship Program, targeting talented college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates. This highly competitive program provides interns with training and paid internships at some of the nation's leading news organizations. With an extensive alumni network and significant industry influence, the Dow Jones News Fund has played a pivotal role in launching journalism careers.

Programs and Opportunities

College Internship Program

The College Internship Program is the flagship program of the Dow Jones News Fund. It offers opportunities for talented individuals to gain valuable experience through paid internships at leading news organizations. The program is open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates, providing an unparalleled opportunity to kickstart their journalism careers.

Training Programs

As part of the College Internship Program, interns are required to attend pre-internship training programs. These programs, ranging from seven to ten days, provide essential skills and knowledge in various areas of journalism. The Dow Jones News Fund offers five training programs, each focusing on a specific aspect of journalism:

Audience Engagement

The Audience Engagement training program, hosted at Temple University in Philadelphia, focuses on search engine optimization (SEO), AP style and copy editing, copywriting design, news judgment, and producing high-quality social content. This program equips interns with the skills necessary to optimize news content for different platforms and engage with audiences effectively.

Pros: Provides interns with a deep understanding of SEO and social media engagement, allowing them to excel in the digital journalism landscape.

Cons: Limited slots available due to the program's popularity.

Multi-Platform Editing

The Multi-Platform Editing program trains interns in editing, designing front pages, and producing news products for print, web, and social media. It covers essential skills such as copyediting, headline writing, and fact-checking. Interns in this program have the opportunity to work on the front pages of leading news organizations, gaining hands-on experience in editorial decision-making.

Pros: Provides interns with a comprehensive understanding of editorial processes and the opportunity to contribute to renowned news publications.

Cons: Requires strong editing skills and Attention to Detail.

Business Reporting

The Business Reporting program offers interns the chance to Delve into the world of business journalism. The training covers essential topics such as finance, investing, reading SEC reports, and understanding market trends. Interns in this program gain valuable skills in covering business news, from local to national levels.

Pros: Provides interns with in-depth knowledge of business journalism and the opportunity to work with industry experts.

Cons: Some prior knowledge or interest in business reporting is preferred.

Digital Media

The Digital Media program, hosted at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism at ASU in Phoenix, focuses on digital storytelling tools and techniques. Interns learn how to produce videos, photos, podcasts, and other digital content while exploring the evolving landscape of online news. This program allows interns to expand their multimedia skills and adapt to the changing demands of the industry.

Pros: Equips interns with a diverse range of digital skills and prepares them for the future of journalism.

Cons: Requires a basic understanding of digital tools and platforms.

Data Journalism

The Data Journalism program, held at the University of Missouri, focuses on computer-assisted reporting, data visualization, and data analysis. Interns learn how to work with data effectively, interpret data for investigative reporting, and Create data visualizations. This program is ideal for those interested in using data to uncover compelling stories and make informed journalistic decisions.

Pros: Equips interns with data-driven journalism skills and enhances their storytelling abilities.

Cons: Requires proficiency in data analysis tools such as Python or R for certain internships.

Benefits and Support

The Dow Jones News Fund provides several benefits and support systems for its interns. These resources are designed to enhance their internship experience and prepare them for successful journalism careers.

Scholarships and Assistance Fund

Interns who complete the summer internship successfully receive a $1500 scholarship that can be used towards tuition or federal loans. The Dow Jones News Fund also has an intern assistance fund that students in need can Apply for on an as-needed basis. This fund provides financial assistance for expenses such as rent, groceries, and technology.

Pros: Financial support helps ease the burden of expenses during the internship period.

Cons: Assistance fund availability may vary depending on available funds.

Alumni Network and Mentorship

The Dow Jones News Fund boasts a vast alumni network consisting of thousands of professionals in major newsrooms across the country. Interns also have the opportunity to request a summer mentor who can provide guidance and support throughout their internship Journey. Mentorship relationships often extend beyond the program, creating lifelong connections and friendships.

Pros: Connections with alumni and mentors provide valuable industry insights and career guidance.

Cons: Mentor availability may vary depending on requests and availability.

Membership and Access

The Dow Jones News Fund provides interns with memberships to professional journalism organizations such as the Online News Association. Additionally, interns receive a one-year free access to the Wall Street Journal online. These resources offer interns valuable tools, networks, and information to stay connected and further their professional development.

Pros: Access to professional memberships and industry-leading publications enhances interns' knowledge and network.

Cons: Limited availability for certain memberships or subscriptions.

Application Process

Applying to the Dow Jones News Fund programs requires careful preparation and attention to detail. The application process consists of several steps that aspiring journalists must complete to be considered for the program.

Eligibility and Requirements

The Dow Jones News Fund accepts applications from college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates from any major or minor. International students already in the U.S. with proper visas are also eligible to apply. The application requires a resume, a 500-word personal essay, unofficial transcripts, and work samples that showcase the applicant's journalistic skills and experience.

Pros: Open to students and graduates from any major, providing equal opportunities for aspiring journalists.

Cons: The competitive nature of the program necessitates a strong application and Relevant work samples.

Test and Selection

After submitting the application, applicants receive an online test called the Higher View Test. The test covers various topics such as Current events, grammar, AP style, and geography. Additionally, there are video questions that serve as interviews. The test helps assess an applicant's knowledge, skills, and critical thinking abilities. Test scores are not the sole factor in the selection process, but they do provide important insights into an applicant's abilities.

Pros: Offers applicants the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and critical thinking skills.

Cons: Test score results are just one factor considered in the selection process.

Timeline and Expectations

The Dow Jones News Fund follows a specific timeline for its selection process. The application deadline is typically in mid-November, with the test deadline shortly after. The intern selection process begins in December and continues for several months as newsrooms sign up and finalize their internship requirements. Once accepted, interns are connected with their respective newsrooms, receive training, and start their internships in May.

Pros: Provides a structured timeline for applications, selections, and internship placements.

Cons: The competitive nature of the program may result in limited internship opportunities.

Tips for Success

To maximize your chances of being accepted into the Dow Jones News Fund programs, it is important to pay attention to every aspect of the application process. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

• Craft a concise and well-structured résumé that highlights your journalistic work and experiences.
• Write a compelling and authentic personal essay that showcases your writing and storytelling skills.
• Review and curate your social media presence to ensure professionalism and brand consistency.
• Submit work samples that demonstrate your breadth of skills and expertise in journalism.
• Make sure your résumé and essay are free of typos and grammatical errors.
• Highlight any relevant industry affiliations or memberships in professional journalism organizations.
• Stay up to date with current events and industry trends to excel in the test portion of the application.
• Leverage personal connections, such as professors or supervisors, as professional references.
• Join local chapters of journalism industry groups for networking and mentorship opportunities.

Pros: These tips provide a roadmap for creating a strong application and standing out in the selection process.

Cons: The competitive nature of the program requires careful preparation and attention to detail.

Testimonials and Success Stories

The Dow Jones News Fund has helped countless individuals launch successful journalism careers. Alumni of the program have found employment in major newsrooms and value the training and experience they gained during their internships. For example, Emily Hood, a past intern, attended the digital media training and then worked on the audience team at The Kansas City Star. Tara Smith, another intern, attended the business reporting training and interned as a business reporter at The Denver Post. Corey Dean attended the data training program at the University of Missouri and went on to become a successful data journalist at The Virginian-Pilot.

Pros: Testimonials from past interns highlight the program's impact in launching journalism careers.

Cons: Individual experiences may vary, and success depends on personal dedication and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are the eligibility requirements for the Dow Jones News Fund programs?

A: The programs are open to college sophomores, juniors, seniors, and graduates from any major or minor. International students already in the U.S with proper visas are also eligible.

Q: How many applicants does the Dow Jones News Fund typically receive?

A: The number of applicants varies each year, but it usually ranges from 650 to 750.

Q: Can grad students apply for the Dow Jones News Fund programs?

A: Yes, as long as they are currently enrolled.

Q: Can I include links to my social media accounts as part of my work samples?

A: While including links to your social media accounts is acceptable, it is recommended to provide a PDF document that showcases your work and includes a description of your role and accomplishments.

Q: Are there specific industry preferences for work samples?

A: The Dow Jones News Fund welcomes work samples from a variety of journalistic disciplines. While business reporting, digital media, and data journalism programs may benefit from relevant samples, showcasing your best work is more important than aligning specifically with certain industries.

Q: Can I include a description of each work sample in the PDF document?

A: Yes, providing brief descriptions for each work sample can provide Context and highlight your key achievements.

Q: Are there any prerequisites for applying to the Dow Jones News Fund programs?

A: While prior journalism experience is not required, a demonstrated interest in journalism and relevant coursework or extracurricular activities can strengthen your application.

Q: Is there a preferred format for attaching work samples?

A: It is suggested to attach work samples as PDF documents for ease of review.

Q: How important are test scores in the selection process?

A: While test scores provide valuable insights into an applicant's abilities, they are not the sole determining factor in the selection process. The Dow Jones News Fund evaluates applications holistically, considering all components of the application.

Q: Does the Dow Jones News Fund offer financial support for interns?

A: Yes, successful completion of the internship entitles interns to a $1500 scholarship that can be used towards tuition or federal loans. Additionally, there is an intern assistance fund available for those facing financial hardships.

Q: How does the Dow Jones News Fund support interns after the program?

A: The Dow Jones News Fund provides access to an extensive alumni network, mentorship opportunities, professional memberships, and resources to help interns transition into successful journalism careers.

Q: Is joining local journalism industry chapters beneficial?

A: Yes, joining local chapters of industry groups can provide networking and mentorship opportunities, showcasing your commitment to the industry and connecting you with like-minded professionals.

Conclusion

The Dow Jones News Fund's programs offer aspiring journalists unparalleled opportunities to gain valuable experience and training. From the College Internship Program to the extensive support and resources provided, the Dow Jones News Fund prepares interns for successful journalism careers. By following the application guidelines and leveraging personal strengths, applicants can increase their chances of being accepted into this prestigious program. So take the first step towards launching your journalism career and apply to the Dow Jones News Fund today!