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 editorial and graphic design interns for our upcoming summer 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 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 openings for writers and creatives 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. 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 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, digital camera and/or smartphone
- Be willing to work hard
- Understand responsibilities involved when committing to a project
- Be able to write hard news and features, with ability to bring interesting elements in stories into articles through interviews and drafting relevant questions
- Have an open mind, with the willingness to cover issues and topics that might be altogether new to you
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.
Editorial Internship Details:
1. Writing – Interns will draft 1-2 articles per week: News writing, event previews, interviews of artists or musicians, album reviews, features on new businesses and local stories, political updates.
2. Interviewing – You will be speaking to lots of different people. The voices of the city and state help define the publication, and you will be seeking out those voices.
3. Pitching and developing long-form stories – We want to help you get published, we want to see you succeed. We’ll help you get there in any way possible, and provide guidance to continue your professional career in any different facets of the media industry. We can help with career counseling and help you build your resume to move forward into a media environment.
Internship Duties:
- Interns work remotely on 1 article per week, interviewing sources in person or via phone on feature pieces.
- Get access to shows, parties, 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.
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 June–August 2019
Please send an email to Caley Sturgill at caley@rvamag.com and write “Internship Submission” as the subject line. Deadline for submission is May 20 (flexible if needed — send an email letting us know beforehand if you plan to submit a late application).
Internships are unpaid and for-credit if requested, with potential opportunities for steady contributor positions following the internship.
