Internships

Want to be a WFDD intern?

Whether you’ve been listening to Public Radio for years and you want to be part of the “cool kids club,” or you just discovered us and you are looking to explore your career options, an internship with WFDD is a great choice.

As an intern, you’ll get the chance to work alongside industry professionals and discover how those stories you hear every day on the radio come to life. Now, you should know that this is a very hands-on program, so if you’re looking to just do coffee runs and not do any real work…then this might not be the program for you. But if you’re eager to challenge yourself every day that you come in, then…you’re exactly the person we’re looking for.

"From going out in the field and seeing the endless tasks required of a journalist to the daily work life of splicing audio to produce the most striking and hard-hitting pieces to continue informing and supporting the community, the knowledge I gained from this experience I would have never gotten from a book or class." -David Ajamy, Summer 2018 news intern

Image of a WFDD intern holding a mic

Our internship program begins with a comprehensive training and orientation aimed at showing you what we’re all about and the service we provide to the community. You will also learn how to use the tools and equipment our reporters and other staff members use every day. Once you’re ready to hit the road, we’ll come up with an action plan tailored to your own interests and goals. Finally, you’ll be asked to come up with measurable deliverables for your time with us. All of this will ensure not only that you have a great experience, but also that you take away as much as you can from the internship.

Interns are part of our team. They participate in staff meetings and actively contribute to the goals of WFDD.

Many of the people who currently work at WFDD started as an intern. While a position at the end of the internship is never guaranteed, being part of this program allows us to really get to know you. And when a position opens up, you will already be on our minds.

The internship program takes place in our studios located on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.

Who Should Apply?

The WFDD internship program is designed for undergraduate and graduate students currently enrolled in a degree-granting program. In the past, we’ve had students majoring in:

  • Journalism
  • Communications
  • English
  • Strategic Communication
  • Marketing

But what you’re currently majoring in doesn’t really matter. What matters is that you show us that you are excited to learn and to contribute to the mission of WFDD.

If you’re in high school, we recommend that you check out our Radio 101 program. This is a better fit for high school students. Don’t worry, the internship program will be here when you get to college!

"Not only was everyone on staff incredibly friendly, but they let me get my hands dirty with real work. I was able to sit in on meetings and learn about how a public radio station functions. I got to record sports to go on air, and I learned miscellaneous skills, like InDesign." -Erin Patterson, Spring 2016 marketing intern

WFDD intern headshot

How to Apply?

First thing you’ll need to do is to get all your materials ready. You’ll need:

  • Your resume 
  • A cover letter
  • A writing sample
  • A recommendation letter
  • Links to anything you’ll like to show us (online portfolio, social media…etc.)

Once you’re ready, fill out the application form.

When to Apply?

Internships are offered three semesters throughout the year: fall, winter/spring, and summer.

We do consider applications on a rolling basis depending on the amount of work there is for interns at that specific point in time. So...shoot your shot!

Internship Details

  • All internships take place in our studios located on the campus of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC.
  • You will be provided with the equipment needed, but you’re welcome to bring your own laptop.
  • Interns are expected to work an average of 18-20 hours per week. Some evenings and weekends might be needed.
  • You can receive Academic Credit for your internship.
  • All internships are unpaid.

Apply Now

WFDD  is committed to being an inclusive workplace that welcomes diverse and unique perspectives, all working toward the same goal – to create a more informed public. Qualified applicants receive consideration without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, religious belief, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions, lactation, and reproductive health decisions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, transgender status, gender non-conforming status, intersex status, sexual stereotypes, nationality, citizenship status, personal appearance, marital status, family status, family responsibilities, military status, veteran status, mental and physical disability, medical condition, genetic information, genetic characteristics of yourself or a family member, political views and affiliation, unemployment status, protective order status, status as a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking, or any other basis prohibited under applicable law.