Creative Arts​/Media, Content Writer ​/ Copywriter, Journalism

Position: 2026 Spring Internship
The USA TODAY NETWORK is offering paid journalism internships to college students and recent graduates at newsrooms nationwide. This posting is for candidates interested in the following site:

Des Moines Register, Des Moines, IA

Who can apply:

College juniors and seniors
Recent graduates
Graduate students

Program details:

Duration:
Spring semester (Dates TBD)
Hourly rate: $18.00 per hour

Schedule:

20 hours per week based on candidate's schedule

What you'll do:

Gain hands-on experience
Covering breaking news, sports, features, and politics
Writing headlines, creating social media content, and multimedia storytelling
Photography, videography, and investigative journalism
Participation in training led by veteran journalists on topics like interviewing, writing on deadline, ethics, source development, and open records

Responsibilities:

Write 2-3 stories per week, including breaking news, features, and event coverage
Conduct interviews (in person, by phone, or virtually)
Research and gather information from various sources
Produce multimedia content to support stories
Collaborate in brainstorming sessions

Requirements:

Enrolled in or recently graduated from a journalism program (junior year or beyond preferred)
Strong writing, research, and fact-checking skills
Familiarity with AP style
Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail
Valid driver's license and reliable transportation
Availability for some evening and weekend work
Ability to pass a background check

Application Instructions
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume (1-2 pages)
A cover letter explaining how you'd approach the role
Links to 3-6 samples of your work

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.