Iraqi Students Get Taste of Professional Journalism as Interns

For the first time, journalism students in Baghdad will be able to practice their craft before launching professional careers in a new internship program IREX has launched. With the cooperation of the College of Information at Baghdad University, in July IREX instituted two one-month internships for journalism students. Ten students were placed at al-Summaria television station, and 15 in Addustoor newspaper.

Employees at the media outlets were assigned to work with the students, train them on various aspects of professional journalism, and assign the students to various departments in the outlets. Professors at the university also supervised the students.

At al-Summaria television, some of the students were assigned to work with correspondents in the field. They observed the editing process and learned how to put television news pieces together, help compile interview lists, and conduct “vox pops” on the street. A similar internship was held for print media at Addustoor newspaper, where 15 students received similar training and mentoring.

The media outlets were so pleased with some of the students, that they were promised employment upon completing their studies.

IREX plans to maintain the internships throughout the year, with students working one day a week. In the future, IREX plans to introduce similar programs in other parts of the country with the aim of establishing self-sustaining programs that do not require donor support. The participating universities may contribute to the internship programs themselves. Because the current program provides small stipends for the interns, future sustainability depends on the media outlets and students committing to an unpaid experience that is beneficial for the interns’ education and the outlet as a potential employer.