JOURNALISM INTERN, AEROSPACE AMERICA

Description/Job Summary

Journalism Internship - Aerospace America (Part-time, remote/hybrid)

Are you an undergraduate journalism student or recent graduate eager to work with a highly skilled staff on a fascinating science and technology beat?

Aerospace America, the flagship magazine of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, is seeking a summer intern to join its editorial staff for 10 weeks between June and August, 2023. This part-time (approx. 24 hours per week) position will focus on the science and technology of aerospace, especially the bustling space sector. Topics will range from fascinating efforts to develop a space economy to the search for life on other planets and the ongoing efforts to return to the moon.

The successful candidate will be a curious person itching to learn how to distill complex and seemingly contradictory information into writing that is understandable to non-specialists and interesting to experts. The intern will primarily write stories for our website but will also have opportunities to contribute to our monthly print and digital magazine. Previous experience reporting about space technology is a plus, but not required - What is most important is a passion for storytelling and strong journalism ethics.

This internship will be primarily remote based, with coverage tailored to the intern's city or town of residence. Candidates must reside in: VA, MD, DC, DE, NJ, FL. If the intern is based in the Washington, D.C., area, the intern will have access to AIAA's office in Reston, VA. Housing and transportation will not be provided. Hourly rate is $17.

Responsibilities/Duties

• Generate original stories for the Aerospace America print magazine and website through a mix of on-site and remote reporting, and with the guidance of staff
• Assist with copy editing and proofing news and magazine stories
• Craft entries for Aerospace America's online glossary, the Knowledge Guide
• Create an internal "early bird" list of space stories by competitors
• File news stories on deadline and according to AP and Aerospace America style
• Secure photos or other visual assets for news items and print articles as assigned
• Help identify potential subjects for recurring sections, plan reporting schedules, conduct interviews and complete assigned stories
• Ensure stories are accurate and objective, written clearly and with a contemporary, real-world flare
• Maintain notes in written or electronic form
• Share articles and news via social media
• Represent Aerospace America at aerospace-related social events and cover news as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Actively enrolled in, or recently completed, a bachelor's or master's degree program for journalism or other writing/communications field
• A strong interest in science and technology
• Class standing of sophomore or above
• Must be able to work 24 hours per week for 10 weeks between June and August - Start and end dates will take into account the candidate's course schedule
• At least 1 year writing experience for print or online publication, which may include college-level experience such as published campus or local community reporting
• Strong writing, verbal communication and analytic skills
• Meet professional and journalistic ethics of the Society of Professional Journalists
• Demonstrated proficiency in MS Office suite
• Experience with current online and social media tools [including but not limited to, Twitter, LinkedIn,] a plus
• Demonstrated ability to meet deadlines

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional demeanor and comfort speaking with corporate executives, government and military leaders, academics and their communications/support staff both in person or by phone
• Forward-thinking and team-oriented attitude
• Strong organizational skills
• Ability to adapt to or learn new editing and publishing tools; prior experience with Adobe InCopy, InDesign and PhotoShop a plus

Details

About AIAA:

AIAA's purpose is to ignite and celebrate aerospace ingenuity and collaboration, and its importance to our way of life. AIAA is the world's largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. We are comprised of individual and corporate members from around the world. AIAA carries forth a proud tradition of more than 80 years of aerospace leadership.

AIAA is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, genetics, gender identity, disability, veteran or military status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. This position will require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history.