WDET is looking for mature and self-motivated interns with a passion for learning about journalism and the business side of media. We offer opportunities in news reporting and photojournalism, social media engagement and marketing, audio production, sales and much more. There’s an opportunity for applicants to learn valuable, high demand skills.
WDET offers paid internships. Complete an application and gain the skills you need for a successful future.
Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page for more information about our internship program
Internship Dates
Application Deadlines: 2023-2024
Fall: Early Decision: July 17; Deadline: August 7
Winter: Early Decision: November 13; Deadline: December 1
Summer: Early Decision: March 11; Deadline: April 15
Learning Descriptions
The intern in this area will work with professional audio equipment to produce both music and news in a major market. This internship is a great opportunity for students who are pursuing a career in audio arts and have some prior familiarity with operating a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). They will provide assistance when recording musical groups and interviews.
Learning Objectives
- Develop skills with audio equipment to produce news and music
- Develop audio techniques such as compression, equalization and conversion
Education
- Students pursuing an education in audio and production are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Attention to detail
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research on relevant content topics
An intern in the business unit of WDET, will learn skills that are essential in the administration of a public radio station and many other types of business offices. The intern will do data reconciliation, data entry, compile reports and assist with day to day operations of the business office.
Learning Objectives
- Learn day to day business administration functions of WDET and develop an understanding of how it functions within a public university
- Account(s) reconciliation
- Account receivable and payable functions
- Develop an understanding of fiscal operations and budget development/management
- Develop an understanding of grant contract administration
Education
- Students pursuing an education in Business, Marketing and Liberal Arts are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Attention to detail
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Problem-solving
- Open to learning
- Report Generation
- Data Entry
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research
Experience the rush of covering breaking news alongside WDET’s team of award-winning broadcast journalists. Interns are given a foundation in the basics of journalism, with a focus in broadcasting, and the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experience. Newsroom interns are encouraged to pitch their own stories, build sources across the region, generate headlines, interview newsmakers, report on events, record and edit audio, take photos, create digital posts, engage readers through social media and even produce their own newscasts for WDET.
Learning Objectives
- Reporting for a multimedia newsroom
- Preparing stories for on-air broadcast
- Interviewing and sound gathering
- FOIA requests
- Reviewing public documents
- Fact-checking
Education
Students interested in Journalism, Statistics, Data Analytics, Communications and related areas of studies are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Open to learning
- A curious mind
- Self-motivated
- Attention to detail
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- A drive for public accountability
- Ability to conduct research
Preferred Qualifications
- Basic computer/software skills
- Familiarity with Metro Detroit
- Knowledge of public and local media
- Understanding of journalistic practices, ethics and core values
Culture Shift interns get a chance to see what goes into creating a professional, live daily radio show that blends news, music and conversation. Students work alongside a team of producers to help produce a live show, create web content, research and collect information.
Learning Objectives
- News copywriting
- Basic Audio editing
- Researching and prioritizing Arts and Culture stories
- Interview preparation
- Web copy and building web posts
- Booking Segments with artists and authors
Education
- Students interested in Journalism, Communications, Media Arts, Political Science and related areas of studies are encouraged to apply
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Ability to work with people
- Social media skills
- Attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to do research
- Self-motivated
Reporting interns at WDET spend their time reporting. As Detroit’s NPR station, WDET offers news content that ranges from newscasts to long-form features to podcasts to documentaries. Interns will be trained to conduct interviews, report in the field, write for radio and the web, voice news stories, edit audio and more.
The Detroit Evening Report is a daily weekday podcast focused on news specific to city residents and local communities of color. DER interns will assist in the production of this newscast with original reporting and other tasks as needed.
Learning Objectives
- Broadcast Newswriting
- Digital Audio Editing
- Studio and Field Recording
- Interviewing
- Voice Training
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Strong Organization skills
- Time Management
- Ability to work with changing demands
Preferred Qualifications
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Attention to detail
- Ability to conduct research
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Commitment to engage with the public ethically
- Critical thinking
- Curiosity
Learning Objectives
- Journalistic writing
- Research
- Show Logistics
- Pitching (Internally & Externally)
- Audio projects
Education
- Students interested in Media Arts and Studies, Political Science, Liberal Arts, Law, History and Communications are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Understanding of journalistic practices, journalistic ethics and public radio’s core values.
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Online content creation and engagement
- Open to learning
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research on relevant content topics
Reporting interns at WDET spend their time reporting. As Detroit’s NPR station, WDET offers news content that ranges from newscasts to long-form features to podcasts to documentaries. Interns will be trained to conduct interviews, report in the field, write for radio and the web, voice news stories, edit audio and more. Education Reporting interns will assist in covering Southeastern Michigan’s dynamic K- 12 school environment as well as issues in higher education. In addition, the education reporting intern will assist in coordinating WDET’s Homeroom project which works to engage Detroit students as experts and sources in our education coverage.
Learning Objectives
- Broadcast Newswriting
- Digital Audio Editing
- Studio and Field Recording
- Interviewing
- Voice Training
- Project Management
- Source Development
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Strong Organization skills
- Time Management
- Ability to work with changing demands
Preferred Qualifications
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Attention to detail
- Ability to conduct research
- Ability to multi-task
- Ability to work independently and within a team
- Commitment to engage with the public ethically
- Critical thinking
- Curiosity
A design intern will work closely with the marketing and social media staff to design slide decks, produce various digital and printed materials for events, including but not limited to signage, maps, invitations, and email communications and social media campaigns
Learning Objectives
- Collaborate with staff and help shape the ideal end-user experience
- Produce design deliverables
- Create social media postings
- Track analytics and success on social media posts/releases
Education
- The internship in this area should have a background in Communications, Marketing, Art, or Design
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva
- Experience with Photoshop and Illustrator
- Knowledge of major social media platforms
- Print and digital background
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail
A marketing and communication intern will work closely with the Marketing staff to help plan, organize, coordinate and analyze activities identified on the annual marketing and communications plan, as well as special projects in support of WDET listener growth and engagement. Assignments could include overall brand print material needs, email campaign management, program or event promotional campaigns, gathering audience, competitive or environmental information for planning and assessment reviews, creating reports and managing traditional media and digital production schedule/calendar.
Learning Objectives
- Collaborate with staff and help shape the WDET campaigns to meet stated objectives and provide an ideal end-user experience
- Knowledge and utilization of WDET brand guidelines
- Coordination of campaign and project schedules to meet deadlines
- Compile and help analyze program/project success across media
Education
- The internship in this area should have a background in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Art or Design
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Cloud is helpful
- Experience with Photoshop and Illustrator
- Knowledge of traditional and digital marketing tools and channels
- Print and digital background
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
- Attention to detail
Membership interns gain an opportunity to develop knowledge in the area of philanthropy. They will participate in fundraisers, member relations and managing donor relationships.
Learning Objective(s)
- Member interactions – from event activity to telephone contact, including problem-solving (12 interactions)
- Composition of donor contact reports for the 12 interactions
- Identification of stewardship touchpoints and development of 8 touchpoints
- Knowledge of the revenue streams that comprise Individual Giving
- Attendance at no less than 2 editorial meetings and 2 OAF meetings to understand the way programming, news and membership work together
Education
- Students pursuing education in Business, Economics, Marketing, Sales, Communications, and Liberal Arts, are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style.
- Understanding of fundraising and non-profit organizations
- Developing Donor Relationships
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Online content creation
- Open to learning
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Customer service experience
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Familiarity with the public broadcast funding model is a plus
Ability to learn new software applications
Music interns will learn all aspects of how to create a listener-oriented radio program, from concept to completion.
Interns will assist on-air hosts in programing and developing segments, including booking guests, background research, conducting interviews, reviewing music, creating on-air segments, developing web posts, and drafting scripts for on-air broadcasts.
Learning Objectives
- Dynamic digital audio editing
- Concise broadcast copywriting
- Innovation broadcast segment creation
- Fact checking
- Engaging interviews
Education/Experience
- Students currently seeking a bachelor’s degree with interest in pursuing a career in journalism and related areas are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Outgoing/willing to reach out to potential guests
- Attention to detail
Preferred Qualifications
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Audio editing (Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, etc.)
- Ability to conduct research
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets
- Video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, etc.)
Learning Objectives
- News copywriting
- News selection
- Interviewing
- Fieldwork
- Segments
Education
- Students interested in journalism, communications and related areas of studies are encouraged to apply
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Understanding of journalistic practices, journalistic ethics and public radio’s core values
- Attention to detail
- Self-motivated
- Work under tight deadlines
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research
Learning Objectives
Education
Essential Skills
Preferred Qualifications
If you like work that is different every day, this is the internship opportunity for you. An intern working in Administration at WDET will have the opportunity to develop skills in program administration and project management. This experience includes working on a variety of new projects, working with diverse groups of people and supporting the Executive Leadership of WDET.
Learning Objectives
- Program Development
- Applicant Screening
- Process & Procedure Development
- Project Management
Education
- Students pursuing an education in Business, Human Resources, Management, Marketing, Public Administration
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Strong Organization skills
- Time Management
- Data analysis
- Ability to work with changing demands
Preferred Qualifications
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Attention to detail
- Ability to conduct research
- Ability to multi-task
Learning Objectives
- Writing news for the ear
- Story selection
- Interviewing
- Fieldwork
- On-air performance
Education
- Students interested in journalism, communications and related areas of studies are encouraged to apply
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Understanding of journalistic practices, journalistic ethics and public radio’s core values
- Attention to detail
- Self-motivated
- Work under tight deadlines
- Teamwork
- A drive for public service
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with public radio
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research
For this internship you will learn how to report audio stories for broadcast radio, podcasts and the web. You will also use engagement to bolster and promote WDET’s connection with the community.
Learning Objectives
- Record audio in the field and in the studio
- Conduct “person on the street” reporting
- Publish web stories for WDET using a WordPress CMS
- Learn how to edit audio using Audition software
- Learn how to voice audio
- Promote podcast episodes and engage with audience
Requirements:
There are no specific education requirement. However, applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
- Must be able to read out loud and not sound like you’re reading.
- Be comfortable using computers, basic software and google online applications
- Most be willing to approach and call strangers
Preferred Qualifications
- Familiarity with WDET
- Familiarity with audio documentary storytelling from listening to WDET, NPR or sound-rich narrative podcasts (or willingness to study up fast)
- Ability to read out loud without sounding like you’re reading
- Applicant does not need to own a vehicle but they do need to be able to get to/from reporting assignments
- Familiarity with social media
- Ties to the City of Detroit, Hamtramck or Highland Park
As a public radio station, WDET believes that it is important to reflect the communities we serve in our programming, staff, and leadership.
Learning Objectives
- Reporting for a multimedia newsroom
- Preparing interviews for broadcast
- Interviewing and sound gathering
- Reviewing public documents
- Fact-checking
- Computer editing and mixing
- Education
Essential Skills
- Open to learning
- A curious mind
- Self-motivated
- Attention to detail
- Good verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Ability to work with diverse groups of people
- Ability to work with a short deadline
- Preferred Qualifications
- Basic computer/software skills
- Familiarity with Metro Detroit
- Knowledge of public and local media
- Understanding of journalistic practices, ethics and core values
- Reliable transportation
Learning Objectives
- Develop knowledge of market research
- Gain an understanding of the role of social media in sales
- Gain knowledge of public radio marketing
Education
- Students pursuing an education in Business, Marketing and Liberal Arts are encouraged to apply.
Essential Skills
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
- Attention to detail
- Time Management
- Teamwork
- Open to learning
Preferred Qualifications
- Organizational skills
- Computer/software skills
- Familiarity with WDET
- Ability to learn new software applications
- Ability to conduct research
- Proficient with spreadsheet programs
- Experience “cold-calling” to initiate sales or to follow-up on behalf of someone else
Frequently Asked Questions
An applicant must be 18 years of age or older and have work authorization in the U.S.
Please see above for dates.