NPR Internship

Internship, Washington, DC

National Public Radio–or NPR–produces some of the most popular radio programs around the country. The organization focuses on programs with the latest news and popular culture. According to a Harris telephone survey, NPR nabbed the title of “most trusted news source in the United States.” With bragging rights like that, you’ll definitely want a seat in that office.

Cool Stuff You Get to Do

Interns at NPR get to work with a highly successful staff, who are all knowledgeable in the fields of radio and news. Tara Savage-El, an HR associate at NPR, explained that interns really get to do it all. “Internships range from the newsroom, to the law department to HR.” The responsibilities vary depending on the specific internship, but they all include hands-on experience and working with the head honchos at NPR.

What You’ll Learn

You learn a lot about the nuts and bolts of the operation when working for any hugely successful company, and NPR is no different. You can find an internship in almost any division. “It really depends on the department, but you’ll learn how to conduct interviews, book guests, network, use certain equipment like cameras and collect audio and video,” said Savage-El.

How to Prepare for Your Application

Savage-El keeps it real. “Internships at NPR are incredibly competitive.” That doesn’t mean it’s impossible. Companies want you to be familiar with the organization before applying, so don’t show up not knowing what NPR stands for. Don’t memorize every show, host and guest they’ve ever had, but loving NPR and doing your research gets major brownie points. They expect a padded resume, passionate cover letter and unique writing sample, but the requirements vary depending on the specific internship. Check out their listings for what’s necessary for the one calling your name.

Skills That Impress Them

They will admire a dedicated NPR fan, but that isn’t enough to get an internship with them. They need the smart, creative masters at both research and writing. It helps to balance collaboration and independence, as interns will need to work both with a team and alone at the cubicle. What impresses Savage-El most? “Being able to see the interns progress and being able to see their growth.” So grow, kiddos, grow.

Cool Perks

“[Interns are] a powerful voice at NPR,” said Savage-El. Being able to have some sort of influence at your internship is rare, but NPR allows you to do just that. Savage-El added that you really get to be an integral part of the newsroom and you of course have the chance to network, network, network. Many people hired at NPR were interns in the past, including Ari Shapiro, Audie Cornish and Guy Raz.

The Deets

40 hours a week (full time)

The most important detail: the paycheck. Interns receive stipends based on how many weeks they work. Fall and spring interns make around $6,080, while summer interns make $4,200.

You can’t land this internship during your undergrad. NPR wants their interns to be fresh out of school, but not more than 12 months past graduation.

Were you an NPR intern? Share your internship experience in the comments below.

Need Interns?

Submit your internship opportunity here.

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