Are you an aspiring journalist who wants to report on all the arts, music, restaurants, entertainment, and culture that Richmond has to offer? It’s that time again — RVA Magazine and GayRVA.com are seeking interns for the Spring 2020 semester. Application deadline is December 10.
Do you have the writing chops to seek out and deliver compelling stories on the latest in music, art, food, beer, politics, and current events in Richmond? Well, you’re in luck, because RVA Magazine and GayRVA are opening positions for journalism interns for our upcoming season.
Launched in 2005 as a zine to promote the bubbling revival of Richmond’s underground, the RVA regional brand started with RVAMag. RVA Magazine and GayRVA are now two of Virginia’s largest independent media outlets, and the region’s voice for arts, entertainment, and cultural news. We are always seeking to diversify our newsroom: LGBTQ and minority students are very much encouraged to apply.
Opportunities
Both publications have several opportunities for writers and students (credit/non-credit available) who are passionate, hard-working, and excited to learn under the guidance of Virginia’s largest independent media outlets right here in Richmond.
We welcome your ideas, and will open doors to interview artists, musicians, politicians, and local influencers with opportunities to pitch your own ideas as well. Interns will be published writers with the hands-on help of our editorial team, with guidance through interviewing and writing articles. Writers can attend and cover shows, write features on artists, and report on musicians, craft beer pros, restaurants, films, theater, fashion, politics, and more — right here in the River City and across Virginia.
Ideal candidates will:
- Attend college in journalism, public relations, writing/media studies, or other related fields, and be in need of 1-3 credits through their scholastic program (credits not required, your preference)
- Work on 1 article per week, and be able to meet deadlines in a professional editorial environment
- Be able to work remotely and attend a weekly editorial meeting, with the freedom to attend events in the evening for possible feature pieces
- Have a laptop, and a smartphone or digital camera
- Understand responsibilities involved when committing to a project
- Write hard news and feature stories, bringing new angles and interesting elements to local topics
- Have an open mind, with willingness to cover issues and topics that might be new to you with editors’ guidance
Juniors and Seniors studying Journalism will receive first priority consideration.
Attending a college program is not required, but those not in a program should be able to show a history of successful writing or commitment to a long-term project. Applicants in for-credit programs are preferred, as we work to help students succeed in their professional writing careers and build a foundation in journalism while learning with our editorial team.
Internship Duties:
- Interns work remotely on one article per week, interviewing sources in person or via phone on feature pieces.
- Get access to shows, arts/concerts, and events of your choice throughout Virginia.
- Have your name published in Virginia’s largest independent media, with long- and short-form writing experience.
- Have the independence to cover stories and issues that interest you. Pitch your ideas and don’t hold back your creativity: We want to hear your voice and uplift the voices of our community that aren’t usually heard.
- Multimedia web-based project experience.
- Editorial jobs are mostly performed remotely, with a once-weekly editorial meeting to update projects (some fully-remote positions available, contact us for more info).
To apply, submit your email with the following materials:
- Cover letter detailing why you want to work with RVA Magazine and what you can bring to the editorial team
- Resume
- 2-3 article-style writing samples for editorial applicants (feature and hard news if applicable)
- Website (if applicable)
- Availability from January — May 2020
Please send an email to Caley Sturgill at caley@rvamag.com and write “Internship Submission” as the subject line.
Internships are unpaid and for-credit for students to complete university credit courses, with potential opportunities for steady contributor positions following the successful completion of your internship.
