Recap: MNSPJ hosts another successful Intern Night

At least 50 people attended MNSPJ’s 2024 Intern Night on the evening of Oct. 22 in the USB Forum at Minnesota Public Radio in St. Paul. Panelists included representatives and hiring managers from different media organizations.

• KSTP Reporter Kirsten Swanson (Moderator)
• Minnesota Public Radio News Deputy Managing Editor Nancy Lebens
• Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal Editor Dirk DeYoung
• Mpls.St.Paul Magazine Digital Editor Peter Diamond
• Star Tribune Business Team Leader and Intern/Hiring Committee Member Megan Ryan
• Minnesota Reformer Deputy Editor Max Nesterak
• Racket MN Founder Jay Boller
• KSTP Assistant News Director Daren Sukhram
• Sahan Journal Editorial Director Chao Xiong

Talia McWright, who was recently hired as a full-time reporter with the Pioneer Press, gave her perspective as a recent intern at several different local media outlets.

“Focus on your growth, not on being perfect,” she said.

In response to a slate of questions posed to the panel about the do’s and don’ts of internships, Sukhram said being present and being on time is a big part of maximizing the opportunity. Diamond added that getting into a cadence of writing consistently is important, and DeYoung agreed.

Ryan said she looks for a good cover letter to show her an applicant can write and tell a story. Diamond agreed that a cover letter was an opportunity for a future journalist to shine.

“Do something to stand out,” Sukhram said. “Any little thing to make a difference.”

Most panelists agreed that interns who are not afraid to take initiatives will succeed.

“Don’t come into an internship the first day asking: ‘What’s my assignment?’” Ryan said.

DeYoung said he doesn’t assign stories so much as he assigns reporting beats, relying on reporters to find stories and stay on top of their topic. Ryan encouraged young reporters, and particularly those who had to overcome obstacles to pursue a career in journalism, not to be discouraged or give up.

“Even if you feel out of place,” she said, “there is a place for you.”

Lebens of MPR also encouraged internship applicants to persist in applying for openings — even if they don’t get a job the first time around, they might get it the second time, she said.

Questions came up in smaller group sessions concerning technology and media interface with multiple audiences. It was noted that experience in different software apps and in managing different platforms is becoming just as important as having good writing skills. Several groups discussed how to write to different audiences and drive engagement, one concluding that it is often necessary to identify an audience, find out what’s important to them, and guide them through a story or issue.

Sukhram summarized to one group the approach an intern might take: “Be fearless, but have a plan.”