Want To Be An NPR Intern? : NPR
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Want To Be An NPR Intern? A learning experience like no other. Find out how you can contribute your diverse talents to gain invaluable experience at the heart of a thriving multimedia organization.

Want To Be An NPR Intern?

NPR has made the difficult decision to cancel the Summer 2024 internship program. We are committed to providing a positive intern experience and hope to be able to reinstate it soon. Interns remain a vital asset to our content and culture — many of NPR's best-known journalists, hosts, and executives started as interns. We fully understand the value of this program for NPR and the public radio system.

Working alongside top professionals in the field, interns at NPR play a vital role in NPR's daily operations in almost every division of the organization — from NPR News and Music, to Communications and Engineering.

Come join us on our mission to create a more informed public and help NPR do the kind of journalism that embraces the rich diversity of the country whether it's researching NPR's sources for our newsroom, assisting with audio production, editing web pages, conducting research for shows, pitching ideas, engaging with our social media channels, designing and developing embedded graphics for our digital platforms, or coding survey data.

The point is that there is a place for you. Every department at NPR contributes to our stories and we want you to bring your unique perspective and skill sets as you learn and grow as an NPR intern.

Eligible Candidates

Qualified applicants must be current students (in an accredited degree program) or have graduated no more than 12 months prior to the start of the internship. We do not accept high school students.

Candidates don't have to be backseat listeners, but we want folks who share our mission to create and reflect a more informed public.

For more details on unique requirements for individual internship positions (cover letter, writing sample, design portfolio for example), see the internship descriptions for more details.

Interns must be authorized to work in the United States. For any of our internships with remote flexibility, you must reside in the United States for the duration of the internship.

Application Process

Visit our Career Portal and read the complete description and requirements for each available position. Through the portal you'll be able to create a profile and upload a resume, cover letter, and writing samples (when appropriate).

Applicants can filter opportunities by searching for a specific division under the Internship listings. You may apply for multiple internships. If you are uploading more than one cover letter, be sure to name each file for the corresponding internship title.

If you'd like to include references, log into your profile or "My Presence" and select "My References" at top right corner. You can then add information of reference. You will not be able to edit your application, but you can add or delete any uploaded documents under the "My Presence" tab. You may also continue to do this even after the application deadline has passed.

If you have received a confirmation email regarding your application, please be assured that NPR has received and will review it. NPR does not have a phone system that will share your message with the appropriate staff.

When to Apply and Important Dates

NPR offers internship semesters twice a year. The Summer semester is 12 weeks, and the Fall/Winter Semester is 28 weeks. Once the application deadline has passed, we will no longer be accepting any applications. You are welcome to apply to the next internship cycle if you are still eligible.

NPR will not be hosting an internship program for the Summer 2024 session. Check back to find out future program dates.

Internship Details

Locations and Hours:
NPR's Internship Program is offered onsite, fully remote, or a hybrid of the two as determined by each individual team's structure. See specific internship postings for more details.

Internships are typically full-time at 40 hours per week, but there is flexibility on a role to role basis. Any positions that are part-time will be indicated on the job posting.

Many Member stations offer internships of their own: check your local station's website for details.

Pay:
All interns are paid $18.50 an hour.

NPR does not offer transportation or housing assistance.

Want to learn more?

Training Resources:
You can access NPR Training's free website today to start learning - check out this helpful guide on "How to write a cover letter for a journalism job or internship" and much more!

Social Media:
For behind the scenes details on what it's like to be an intern at NPR check out our NPR Interns Instagram. Want even more NPR? Follow the stories behind the stories on our NPR Extra blog.