This fall, I will be starting my sophomore year of high school. I’m very interested in data and political journalism, and I currently have a very (very) small blog with a few posts that I started just recently. I was wondering how I can improve some of my skills and perhaps achieve something to show my worth as a journalists to college, something that I can put on my application. I was considering an internship but I have scoured the Internet to no avail - most opportunities are only for juniors and you have to be 16 (unfortunately, those will not happen at the same time for me, which may be a problem for those that say you must be both at the same time), none of which will happen for at least 2 years.
Is there anything I can do in the meantime? I would appreciate any advice or opportunities that you may find. I’m willing to try anything!
People are WAY too worried about “spikes” out here. Do the ECs that interest you. Colleges don’t expect you to be a fully formed adult with a portfolio in your major area. They like to see some things that relate to your major, but they also like kids who explore and learn new things. And don’t get hung up on the phrase “internship” – high school “internships” are usually just gopher jobs, and colleges know it – very few of them actually give you much exposure, because you don’t have many skills yet.
Can you write for your school paper? Volunteer for a campaign or ballot initiative for the 2018 elections – there are probably a LOT of opportunities there this summer, and they don’t care how old you are. If you are interested in political journalism, it would be huge for you to understand more about the political process and campaigns by volunteering. Get out and DO (don’t just blog). The best writers have good writing skills, but they also know a lot of stuff through experience. Check with your local paper, and see if you can volunteer with them. Maybe they need someone to cover city council meetings or something at the state legislature this summer. Even if you just bring back info that leads to stories, again – you will learn a lot.
Colleges like a go-getter – someone who goes out into their community, interacts with other people, and makes their own opportunities.
Sometimes the best you can do is knock on doors. Go to every local publication and see if there is any way you can help out. Ask if any of the journalists would be willing to talk to you about their lives and what they do. Try to establish a relationship and maybe that person will become a mentor to you.
Of course, if your school has any publications, write for them and hopefully rise to a leadership position. If they don’t have one, start one. Seek out writing competitions for high school students and enter them. Submit articles and editorials to all of your local papers and see if you can get anything published.
If you are interested in political journalism, make sure you participate in the political opportunities in your school and community. Do model UN, work for local politicians and get involved in their campaigns. Talk to your favorite teachers and ask for suggestions.
Tell everyone you know and everyone you meet, on the train, at your church (or other house of worship), at the supermarket checkout line — everywhere – just tell people about your interest and that you are looking for ways to get involved. You would be surprised how people want to help.
I have a friend who wanted to make a film about the Indian experience in NY. He told every person he met about his goals. Every day, he told someone new and one day he was sitting on the train next to someone with an interest in filmmaking, who got him in touch with someone who funded his film.
Do you have any very small local publications? You don’t have to intern at the New York Times.
Many moons ago I volunteered at my local weekly paper … for free, I got bylines and a chance to see how it all worked together. I also wrote and edited my school newspaper, but I think the local nothing-special paper and its real clips showed I was interested.
I majored in newspaper and political science at Syracuse - again, a long time ago but I think you work with your opportunities big or small.
IMO the whole “spike” thing is way overrated. Find things you want to do and pursue them with diligence and passion. If you want to write for a paper there should be plenty of outlets – your HS newspaper (perhaps you can rise to an editor level by senior year), your local newspaper, blogs etc. If you have to wait until 16 for some opportunities then seek out other things to do until that time.