Jim Welch Newsroom Internship Program

In the 16 years since it was founded, VTDigger has become Vermont’s essential source of news and investigation — and a model for sustainable, nonprofit journalism across the country.

We work to promote our mission of producing rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, promotes public accountability and fosters democratic and civic engagement each and every day.

VTDigger considers applications from early-career journalists for the Jim Welch Internship Program on a rolling basis. (Read more about Jim's career here, and donate to the program here.)

The following describes the basic expectations of a general assignment reporting internship in the VTDigger newsroom. Some internships may require different or additional duties.

• Produce clear, concise stories — whether on breaking news or enterprise projects — that reflect all credible sides of an issue, generally at a pace of a few stories per week.
• Communicate clearly, respectfully and proactively with sources and colleagues, including editors, photographers and other reporters.
• Engage in an active exchange of learning with your editor, your mentor and other colleagues. Ask questions about what you don’t know or want to explore.
• Provide news coverage in an aggressive, responsible and fair pursuit of the truth, without fear of any special interests or favor toward any individual or group.
• Cultivate news sources that can lead to future coverage. 
• Make effective use of data, public records requests and narrative storytelling devices to enrich coverage of key topics.
• Stay abreast of other state and local news outlets.
• Apply photographic and multimedia skills such as audio and video wherever possible. On stories requiring more refined skills, ensure that you’ve devised a plan with your editor as far in advance as possible.
• Take part in exchange of information in news meetings that reflects our newsroom culture of collegial cooperation and professional support.
• Consult with editors before granting anonymity to news sources.
• Strive to avoid errors but be sure to alert an editor in a timely fashion when a correction or clarification might be warranted.
• Take seriously what you are doing, but don’t forget to have fun along the way.

Internships at VTDigger are paid positions and the current range is $17-$18/hour. Students receiving school credit also may be considered. Please note: Because this position requires in-person reporting, candidates should plan to live in Vermont during their internship.

Questions? Contact Geeta Anand, editor-in-chief, at [email protected].

Interested applicants should click the "apply now" button below and submit the following with their application:

• Resume
• Cover letter

After submitting your application, please send three reporting samples as PDFs to [email protected].

VTDigger tends to hire interns in three distinct periods throughout the year, though specific start and end dates are discussed on a case-by-case basis. Please indicate in your cover letter which period you’re applying for and what dates you expect to be available:

• Spring — Typically January through May — Please apply by Nov. 30
• Summer — Typically June through August — Please apply by Feb. 14
• Fall — Typically September through December — Please apply by June 30