Internships at the Sergeant Bluff Advocate

The Sergeant Bluff Advocate is proud to offer hands-on journalism internships designed to give students real-world experience in community news reporting. Our internships provide an opportunity to step directly into the role of a working journalist—covering local stories, engaging with the community, and building a professional portfolio.

About the Internship

This is not a “sit and observe” internship. At the Advocate, interns actively contribute to the newspaper from day one. Students report, write, and photograph stories that are published both in print and online, gaining meaningful experience in a working newsroom.

Interns work closely with the editor/publisher and receive guidance throughout the reporting and writing process, while also developing independence and confidence in their work.

What You’ll Do

Interns at the Sergeant Bluff Advocate may:

• Report and write news and feature stories
• Conduct interviews with community members, business owners, educators, and local officials
• Cover community events, school activities, and public meetings
• Take photographs for publication
• Pitch story ideas and develop feature articles
• Assist with digital content and social media (optional)

Assignments are tailored to each intern’s skill level and interests, while ensuring broad exposure to community journalism.

What You’ll Gain

This internship is designed to prepare students for careers in journalism, communications, and related fields. Interns will:

• Earn published bylines in a community newspaper
• Build a strong portfolio of clips
• Gain experience covering a community beat
• Develop interviewing, writing, and photography skills
• Learn how a small newsroom operates, including deadlines and editorial workflow
• Receive one-on-one mentorship from an experienced editor

By the end of the internship, students typically leave with multiple published pieces and increased confidence in their reporting abilities.

Internship Structure

The internship is flexible and can be adapted to meet academic requirements.

• Typical commitment: 10–15 hours per week
• Duration: Semester-based (Fall, Spring, or Summer)
• Format: In-person preferred, with some hybrid opportunities available

Interns are generally expected to:

• Complete 1–2 stories per week
• Attend and cover local events
• Communicate regularly about assignments and deadlines

Academic Credit

The Sergeant Bluff Advocate welcomes students completing internships for academic credit. We are happy to work with colleges and universities to meet program requirements, including:

• Learning objectives
• Time tracking
• Midterm and final evaluations

If needed, we can assist in becoming an approved internship site for your program.

Who Should Apply

We are looking for motivated students who want real-world experience in journalism.

Preferred qualifications:

• Majoring in journalism, communications, or a related field
• Strong writing and communication skills
• Interest in community and local news
• Willingness to learn and take initiative
• Ability to meet deadlines and work independently

Previous experience is helpful but not required—students with strong interest and work ethic are encouraged to apply.

Why Community Journalism?

Community newspapers play a vital role in keeping residents informed and connected. Interning at the Sergeant Bluff Advocate offers a unique opportunity to:

• Tell stories that matter locally
• Build relationships within a community
• Experience journalism that has a direct, visible impact

Interns don’t just practice journalism—they actively contribute to it.

Start Your Journalism Career Here

If you’re looking for an internship where your work will be published, your voice will be heard, and your skills will grow quickly, the Sergeant Bluff Advocate invites you to apply.