Internships

Overview:
A production internship with WQED Multimedia provides students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to learn how local documentaries, feature stories, direct-to-web content, public affairs and other programs are produced — from concept to actual live and taped production. Student interns work in the field, studio, editing suites and production offices of WQED.

Areas of Focus:
Interns have the opportunity to obtain a broad overview of content production and/or focus on specific roles during the internship including producing, videography, editing, on-air reporting, and more. Interns will work with the award-winning WQED production staff.

Qualifications:
Junior and senior college students with a background in communications, journalism, broadcasting, production or media studies are preferred – but not required. Students who are seeking an internship to earn college credit are also preferred. Applicants should have a strong interest in production, direct-to-web content, on-air and/or technical work in the broadcast industry. They should also understand the importance of social media and its role in broadcasting. For interns interested in a focus on editing, some knowledge of Avid post-production is preferred, but not required. Some college freshmen, college sophomores and high school internship opportunities might also be considered.

Time Commitment:
College credit internships require an average of 15 hours per week unless the students’ college intern programs require more. Not-for-credit internship time requirements are negotiable.

Interested applicants, please send resume and cover letter and one letter of recommendation to: interns@wqed.org

Important Dates for Production Internships:

January-April (Spring Internships) – Applications due by November 15

May-August (Summer Internships) – Applications due by March 15

September-December (Fall Internships) – Applications due by July 15

Overview

A radio internship with WQED-FM provides students with a unique, hands-on opportunity to work alongside local classical artists, orchestras, symphonies, and ensembles. Interns will take part in producing direct-to-web content including podcasts and radio broadcasts. Learning new skills and honing those they already possess, interviewing guests, and much more, our interns will have a front-row seat at radio production. We encourage applicants to apply who are interested in pursuing careers in communications, creative writing, journalism, sound engineering, broadcasting, media, production, and similar studies.

Areas of Focus

• Script writing for pre-recorded radio spots, and for radio programs such as Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra or Performance in Pittsburgh
• Table at various WQED-Sponsored events including public-facing interaction
• Edit interviews and arts news for broadcast and web
• Some on-location field recordings
• Assist with archival process, including lifting boxes up to 20 pounds (occasional)
• Edit audio podcasts and radio programs using Sequoia (no experience with Sequoia needed, but previous audio-editing software preferred)
• Some live remote broadcasting
• Teamwork and brainstorming
• Social media content creation if needed
• Observing interviews
• Interviewing guests

Qualifications

• Current university students in junior or senior years are preferred, but not required. College freshman and sophomores, as well as high school seniors will still be considered.
• Well-organized, excellent writing and communication skills, and an eye (and ear!) for detail
• Interested in radio and podcast production
• Experience with audio-editing software preferred or a desire to learn
• Familiarity with classical music a plus

Time Commitment

College credit internships differ in semester credits, but generally require an average of 16 hours per week, with as few as 9 hours and as many as 25. Not-for-credit internships are welcome to apply and are negotiable. Our internships are flexible based on time commitment. We understand that your specific school’s semester may not align exactly with the months and dates listed on our website. We still encourage you to apply and are happy to work on the details later.

Contact Us

Interested applicants, please send a resume or CV, and cover letter to interns@wqed.org.

Important Dates for Radio Internships:

• January – April (Winter/Spring Internships) – Applications due by November 15, 2024
• May – August (Summer Internships) – Applications due by March 15, 2025
• August – December (Fall Internship) – 2024 Applications Closed (July 15, 2025)

VIRTUAL HOURS: 6-10 hrs/wk
OR
IN-PERSON HOURS: 10-12 hrs/wk (approx. 22 hrs/wk for summer)
Internship runs: approximately 14 weeks (fall/spring); 8 weeks (summer)

Mission of Organization: WQED Film Academy (a part of WQED Multimedia) supports film
and digital media arts for ALL. Our work bridges art and industry with a pathway from
education to employment. WQED Multimedia has educational, experiential learning and
professional work programs for high school students and artist support programs for
independent filmmakers in the Pittsburgh region.

General Position Summary: Teaching Assistants will assist Teaching Artists in facilitating
in-house, after school programming through our WQED Film Academy, Internship level, and
Teen Film Crew programs, on site client projects, and in school programming, as necessary.

Principle Duties and Responsibilities:
● Reports to and communicates with Program Director and On-Site Supervisor on a
consistent basis
● Tracks attendance and manages distribution of and collection of necessary materials to
students including but not limited to: start paperwork, permission slips, zoom links, pre
and post surveys, and recorded content
● Regularly captures still and video behind-the-scenes (bts) footage for archival,
marketing, and social media purposes.

● Monitors virtual and in person sessions and events regarding time, attendance,
recording/pausing (virtual), and monitoring chat (virtual)
● Assists with and manages social media accounts, including posting and creating content
● Assists Teaching Artists with facilitating lessons on the basic of filmmaking, which
includes but is not limited to: discussions, lesson plans, activities, and hands-on
technical instruction
● Assists with coordinating events, guest speakers, and field trips for students, including
but not limited to: contacting leads, coordinating schedules, coordinating transportation,
and distributing/tracking/collecting permission slip forms
● Works closely with students in both small, project-based groups, as well as large working
groups
● Assists with set up and break down as well as physical maintenance of program (i.e.
setting/cleaning up any food/meal times, cleaning and organizing studio and office
space, etc)
● Attend all required meetings, classes and trainings
● Support and willingness to represent WQED at events and meetings in the Community
● Other duties as assigned