Q: Thanks for writing this blog, I think it helps a lot of people.

This is my story: grew up wanting to be a journalist, but lost sight of it in college because I became involved in the activist community and decided on a major in liberal arts.  Now, almost 2 years out of undergrad school, I realize that I wanted to be a journalist all along.  I feel that I have a strong background in the subjects I ultimately want to write about, but after reading the information you have posted here, it seems impossible to get an internship anywhere without previous experience.  Isn't that what an internship is for, to get experience?

I have read that freelancing (something which, to me, seems incredibly ambiguous) is the only way to get your foot in the door at this point.  Are there any resources you recommend for more info on how to do this?  What other advice can you offer someone who missed an opportunity to write for the university newspaper?  Thank you!

Lacking Experience in DC

A: Internships are for helping people get experience, but they usually aren't the first step. Most internships require applicants to first get experience at a student paper or by freelancing.

Most internships go to students or new grads, so this is another factor that may keep you from landing one.

Freelancing is simply about writing for a publication on a piece-by-piece basis. That usually begins by pitching a good story idea, getting the green light, learning as much as you can about the editor's requirements for the piece and then nailing them.

The first step to making a good pitch is studying the publication and knowing its editorial needs.

A popular guide to freelancing and writing for all sorts of publications is Writers Digest.

Good luck.