Newseum Production Assistant Intern, Washington D.C.
One of the newer museums at the D.C. mall, the Newseum offers several internships to launch students into communications-related fields. In addition to being a really cool museum that memorializes important aspects of journalism, most students flock to the Newseum to take advantage of its internship opportunities.
What it’s actually like
Cynthia Rudolph, the primary support for the video interactive production department, leads the recruiting process at the Newseum. “Our interns are engaged in real-time work,” Rudolph said. Interns act as assistant editors for several visual exhibits and galleries. Responsibilities include archiving media, writing text for audio and video and digitizing video tapes that are part of the archives.
Cool stuff you get to do
The internship offers students the opportunity to get hands on, not just fetch coffee. They also gain access to top quality editing services. “[You get to] work in professional editing studios with experienced professionals that are willing to pour their knowledge into you,” Newseum video production intern Alexus Addison said. “You get a first look at exhibits that aren’t available to the public and edit features of different projects, giving you bragging rights to say your work is being displayed in a museum.” If you’ve ever been to the Newseum you know just how cool it is just to go there. Imagine what its like to work there.
What you’ll learn
Interns increase their knowledge of editing software, like Final Cut Pro, sound editing software and final production software. They learn how to put videos and sounds together to make engaging videos and audio pieces for display in the Newseum. “I’ve gotten to be involved in a pretty diverse variety of projects spanning all stages of the production process including researching, brainstorming, story-boarding, shooting interviews and b-roll, video editing and sound design,” video production intern Kai Keefe said. The internship also exposes many interns to unique ways of editing and production. “The most exciting thing for me has probably been the opportunity to work with virtual reality video,” Keefe said. “The nature of the video content produced at the Newseum is unique in that it is a pretty even blend of entertainment, marketing and journalism. As such, I feel that I’ve been well prepared for a job in any of those fields.”
How to prepare for your application
You’ll need a solid resume and portfolio that shows your passion for video editing. Because this is a video production internship, having a video portfolio helps show off your editing skills. The Newseum expects most interns to be ready to go if accepted.
Skills that impress them
Rudolph, who performs the initial screening for interns, says she looks if the candidate has real time work. “[Interns] really need to show us that they have some interest and some background that would fit for coming on board and working in a creative production unit,” Rudolph said. Hiring teams are impressed by candidates who show enthusiasm for editing videos.
Cool perks
“You get a discount on food in the Newseum Restaurant, you get to visit any exhibit in the museum for free, [you get] your own spacious cubical and access to video editing training tutorials and you gain positive professional relationships [that are] great for references,” Addison said. “Also, I was super stoked that I got to wear a badge complete with lanyard; swiping it to move up and down the employee elevator was pretty sweet. It made me feel important.” To most interns, the best part about the opportunity is seeing their work live. “Here, I can step outside and sit in one of the theaters playing content that I’ve produced or helped produce and see people reacting to my work, which is a really rewarding feeling,” Keefe said.
The deets
Hiring teams look at students through various mediums of applications including deans programs, through the Newseum website or through the student’s career department. After the internship is complete, The Newseum sometimes offers interns the opportunity to work as paid freelancers or contractors to come back and work on specific projects.
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