Students, are you still looking for something to do this summer to fill your time, wallet and enrich your future career? SPJ has just the opportunity for you.
Apply by Feb. 16 for one of the Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information summer internships in Washington, D.C., or Indianapolis, Indiana.
Postmark deadline: Feb. 16, 2015
The Society of Professional Journalists annually awards two Pulliam/Kilgore Freedom of Information Internships. One intern works in the offices of the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. The other intern works at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis.
The interns research and write about freedom of information issues while assisting the Society’s Freedom of Information Committee and First Amendment legal counsel in preparing SPJ’s annual Freedom of Information Report. Other responsibilities may include working on the SPJ website and assisting with SPJ programs and initiatives.
Interns receive a stipend of $400 per week and work during a mutually agreeable 10-week period during the summer. Recipients are notified in late February and should arrange to start their internships in late May or early June.
Application Requirements
*Please clearly indicate for which internship you are applying*
To be considered, applicants must include the following:
— Completed application (http://www.spj.org/pdf/i-pullkilgore.pdf)
— Résumé
— A one-page essay that illustrates your understanding of Freedom of Information issues and what you expect to gain from the internship
— No more than five writing samples
Applicants must be journalism students who are entering or just completing their senior year, a graduate journalism student, or a law student with a journalism background.
About the SPJ Headquarters Internship
The intern selected to work at the Society’s National Headquarters in Indianapolis writes for the Freedom of Information issue of Quill magazine, published annually in September. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in writing and reporting.
— Updating comprehensive contact lists for federal and state agencies
— Working on other FOI-related projects of the Society
— Attending and assisting with various SPJ Headquarters-related events
About the Washington, D.C., Internship
The intern selected to work in the law offices of Baker & Hostetler – the Society’s First Amendment legal counsel in Washington, D.C. – primarily works on researching and writing SPJ’s annual Pulliam/Kilgore Report. The report addresses a Freedom of Information topic of interest to journalists and attorneys. The 5,000- to 6,000-word report is distributed at the Society’s National Convention. Candidates for this position should possess a strong background in law or be able to demonstrate a solid interest in law and the ability to conduct the responsibilities required. Current law school students stand the best chance of being hired.
Other duties of the Washington, D.C., intern include:
— Writing stories for Quill magazine
— Attending hearings on Capitol Hill that are of interest to SPJ
— Representing SPJ at various Washington, D.C., events
Where to Send Applications/Get More Information
*Please clearly indicate for which internship you are applying*
Submission deadline: Feb. 16, 2015.
Please email application materials to Scott Leadingham (contact below) by uploading to Google Drive (preferred) or send via USPS. You are responsible for making sure the application is accessible in Google Drive if you use this option.
Society of Professional Journalists
PK Internship/C.O. Scott Leadingham
Eugene S. Pulliam National Journalism Center
3909 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46208
For more information:
Scott Leadingham, Director of Education
317-640-9304
sleadingham@hq.spj.org