Austin American-Statesman Internship: Requirements and Opportunities

The Austin American-Statesman, a cornerstone of news and information in Central Texas since 1871, offers internship opportunities for aspiring journalists. Serving a rapidly growing region anchored by Austin, the capital of Texas, the Statesman provides in-depth coverage of local government, business, education, the environment, and Austin’s vibrant cultural and music scene. As a trusted news source, the Statesman also produces specialty publications and digital content, including breaking news, investigative stories, lifestyle, entertainment, and sports coverage on Statesman.com.

Internship Overview

The Austin American-Statesman internship program is designed to provide students and recent graduates with hands-on experience in a dynamic newsroom environment. The program offers opportunities to work in various departments, including news, business, features, sports, photography, multimedia, and digital media.

Who Can Apply?

The internship program is open to:

Undergraduate and graduate college students.
Recent graduates.

While a major in journalism or communications is beneficial, it is not mandatory. The Statesman seeks candidates with:

A good academic record.
A strong desire to become a journalist.
Work samples demonstrating talent and promise.
College newsroom experience or a previous internship is a plus.

Important Requirements: Interns must possess a valid driver’s license, transportation, and proof of insurance.

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Internship Structure

The Austin American-Statesman offers internships during the fall, spring, and summer semesters.

Fall and Spring Semesters: These internships are tailored for Central Texas college students seeking experience in an active newsroom. Interns work in departments such as news, business, features, sports, photography and multimedia.
Summer Internships: The Statesman selects interns from a nationwide pool of candidates. These are full-time positions in news, business, features, sports reporting, still and video photography, and digital media. The summer program pays $450 a week for 11 weeks, and provides housing near the newspaper.

How to Apply

When applying for an internship with the Austin American-Statesman, candidates should submit the following:

Resume: A concise resume (1-2 pages) outlining relevant experience and education.
Cover Letter: A cover letter explaining the candidate's approach to the internship and specifying the department of interest.
Work Samples: 3-5 clips of stories written or links to digital content produced. For data journalism, code or data visualizations can be attached; editors can provide headlines, page designs, or social media posts.
Unofficial Transcript: An unofficial academic transcript.

Qualities Sought

The Austin American-Statesman seeks detail-oriented, self-starting individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment. The internship program is designed for those eager to gain professional-level experience and potentially establish a career in journalism.

Dow Jones News Fund Internship Program

The Dow Jones News Fund internship program is also a pathway to internships. The program has a history dating back to 1960. The application deadline is November 5.

Eligibility

College sophomores, juniors, seniors and graduate students who are enrolled in school full-time as of Nov. 5, 2025, are eligible to apply. This includes December graduates. Those with work visas are also eligible.

Program Components

Interns attend one-week training programs before reporting to work in paid internships at top media companies for 10 to 12 weeks. Weekly salaries start at $525.

Internship Positions

The Dow Jones News Fund offers internships in several areas:

Audience Engagement: Interns help news organizations connect with their audience by writing SEO-friendly headlines, producing engaging content for video and social media, crafting newsletters, and capitalizing on trending topics.
Business Reporting: Interns cover a range of business topics, including the stock market, new businesses and entrepreneurs, labor unions, minority-owned businesses, real estate, climate change, agriculture, and the automotive industry.
Data Journalism: Interns work with data in various capacities, including filing records requests, analyzing data using spreadsheets, reporting and writing using government data, assisting with investigative reporting projects, and using coding and technical tools to build apps and interactive visuals.
Digital Media: Interns work across print, social media, video, and audio platforms, expanding their skill sets using the latest technology and storytelling techniques.
Multiplatform Editing: Interns assess copy for accuracy, completeness, tone, and style, write SEO-friendly headlines, and design pages on deadline.

IBM Corporate Communications Internship

While distinct from the Austin American-Statesman internship, the provided text mentions an IBM Corporate Communications Internship, which offers valuable insights into the broader field of communications.

The IBM internship focuses on:

Collaborative work on strategic IBM Marketing business challenges.
Educational, networking, and social activities.
Exposure to various areas within Marketing and Communications.
Presenting final outcomes to Business Leaders and Practitioners.

The role involves advancing and defending IBM’s reputation, persuading external and internal audiences, and driving brand consideration by illustrating IBM’s strategy, innovation, and industry leadership.

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