When we surveyed the 150 or so students working for the Student Media at North Carolina State University, we learned what skills they value as part of their experience working for a radio station, a literary magazine, a daily newspaper, a weekly newspaper or an online medium. Words and phrases like “teamwork,” “service” and “learning about journalism” popped up over and over again.

Jobs

And our students have proven successful during their college years—where some 50 percent of the students entering the program say they have no intention of pursuing journalism or a related field as part of their career path but 80 percent of those when they graduate report pursuing a career in journalism or a related field—and beyond. Graduates have gone to work for such publications as the Orlando Sentinal, Capstrat Communications, Raleigh News & Observer and USA Today.

All non-entry level positions within the Student Media are paid positions. Even some entry-level positions are paid with reporters and photographers earning money for all published works. To be eligible, students must complete all training classes, must be eligible to work in the United States and must complete all necessary paperwork.

Internships

We’ve had students do internships at the Cary News, News14, Detroit Free Press, St. Petersburg Times, Fauquier-Times Democrat/Citizen, the Evening Sun (Hanover, Penn.), The Monroe Evening News (Monroe, Mich.), North Carolina Wildlife Resource Commission, the Independent, washingtonpostonline.com, USA Today online, and the N.C. State Alumni Association. We’ve even had a student selected to participate in the most prestigious newspaper internship program sponsored by the Dow Jones Newspaper Fund.

Grants

The daily newspaper, the Technician, has five, $1,000 grants available to students with fewer than 36 college course hours. The Technician awards a grant to incoming freshmen and full-time students who have completed fewer than 36 credit hours and who want to be a part of N.C. State’s student newspaper. Students who will be considered should plan on holding a leadership role with the newspaper in the near future. All recipients must have and/or must maintain a 2.25 university grade point average.

Students who are awarded the scholarship will receive $500 at the beginning of each fall and spring semester, while still being paid as a regular reporter, editor, designer or photographer. Up to five grants will be awarded for each academic year. Deadline for the application is the second Friday in August at 5 p.m. Recipients will be notified the following week.

Applicants should send a letter of interest, three clips (not entire publications) of past publication (if available), a resume and two letters of recommendation to:

Technician Grant
NCSU Student Media
321 Witherspoon CB7318
Raleigh, NC 27695

Remember when submitting applications to any such scholarship or grant that presentation counts. Send the required amount of material but do not send extra material that the committee will have to wade through the material.