Writing internships may be paid or unpaid as well as online or offline. They are distinguishable from unpaid or low-paying writing assignments as they typically offer credit or references in exchange for completion of a set period of work for an organization or business. Academic, technical, marketing, fashion, political, screenwriting and sports are some of the different writing internships that may be available at any given time through businesses, schools or other institutions.
Sports journalism internships may be offered to students in the field by local newspapers or press associations. This type of writing internship may combine interning with training. Oftentimes, sports interns are sent to cover high school sports games and community events. They may assist a senior reporter and benefit from on-the-job training during the writing internship.
Major television networks often have screenwriting internships. Chosen interns usually work at least part-time hours and are often paid a reasonable entry-level wage during a set internship, which tends to be during the summer. Most writing internships for networks are located in either Los Angeles or New York. Film studies or screenwriting students chosen for a television network internship may or may not be provided with accommodation, meals and transportation.
Political journalism internships such as those offered in Washington, D.C., do often include apartment-style accommodations on Capitol Hill. Political writing internships may be for university credit only and may be included within a semester of regular study. Interns may learn about writing political pieces for television and radio as well as online and offline publications.
Fashion magazines that offer writing internships typically look for students in fashion-oriented fields that may include merchandising or design. Writing interns may work for a magazine and be sent to cover fashion shows. They typically also run errands and learn about computer design for magazine layouts. Fashion writing interns often write blog posts, but may be permitted to write smaller pieces for publishing in the magazine such as an article about how to wear the latest accessories.
Advertising agencies and public relations firms are often good sources of marketing-related copywriting internships. Interns may do copy editing and work under the direction of a senior copywriter in the creative department. Typically, participates chosen for this type of writing internship are highly creative and persuasive with words. They may work individually or as part of a team on promotional web, print or broadcast advertising copy.
Technical writing interns may work in the field of information technology, medicine, law or another industry. These may be paid internships for recent college graduates looking for entry-level work. For technical writing interns who successfully complete the internship, it may lead to a full-time job offer from the same firm or a different company.