Q. I’ve been thinking about trying to find an internship for this summer. I want it to be journalism/public relations/communications oriented, of course, but frankly I’m not sure where to start and how to find a program that would fit my needs.
A paying internship is preferable, but I’d be willing to accept one without it. If I find an internship located outside of the Michigan Tri-City area, I would need a place to stay. Do you know of any journalism internships that would provide some options for housing? It doesn’t matter if it’s a college campus, hostel, etc. — I’m just looking to intern somewhere outside of my immediate area, in Michigan or not. Ideas?
Kate McFadden
A. There are very few internships that include housing. The Scripps Howard Foundation is one. The Austin American-Statesman internship program includes housing at St. Edward’s University. The Steamboat Foundation for young leaders arranges housing for its interns as well.
In most cases, you’re on your own.
But it is a grave mistake to let housing get in the way of pursuing an internship. Seek the internship first; worry about the housing later. You can get housing in any place where you can get an internship. If you restrict your search to the very few places where the internship and housing are packaged together, I worry you will not get an internship at all.
Here’s what I wrote in “Breaking In,” my book on internships:
“If you’ll have no car, look for places close to the newspaper, of course, but also look for places on major bus lines running near the newspaper. Most editors are clueless about public transportation. They all own cars, and the only way they catch a bus is if they jaywalk. They typically do not know the bus lines, how frequently the buses run or even how much the fare is. In fact, unless you are used to taking the bus yourself, this may seem unfamiliar to you, too. Relax. If you’re any kind of journalist, you can learn the bus system. Ask to talk to someone at the newspaper who is a bus rider, or visit the transit system’s Web site and get some maps. Remember: Summer is the best time for bus riding in most places, as the days are longer and the temperatures kinder.
“Consider having a roommate. If you want to be alone, you’ll pay for the privilege. We’re talking 10 or 12 weeks here with a person whose schedule may or may not line up with yours. Unless you’re independently wealthy, at least talk to other interns to see whether you think you’d be compatible. Do not be so tight that you book yourself into a hold that will be so unpleasant it drags down your work.
“It can be a great benefit to stay with a staffer. This can give you safe, secure housing, it’s usually cheaper and you may find a mentor. However, some people who are charming in the newsroom are tyrannical on their own turf. Ask about house rules. Better yet, ask someone who has stayed with them before. Yes, ask for a reference. And don’t be bothered if they want one for you.”
Questions about internships? E-mail it to me and I will send back an answer.
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