Spring 2025 Editorial Internships

Spring 2025 Editorial Internships

The American Prospect is devoted to promoting informed discourse on public-policy matters from a progressive perspective through narrative interpretation of complex issues. We don’t just make magazines, we make a difference. The Prospect hosts three classes of interns each year with flexible dates ranging from January to April; May to August; and September to December. Individual work schedules can be adjusted on a case-by-case basis to reflect candidates' coursework schedules. For Spring 2025 applications, the deadline is 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Monday, November 18th, 2024. Editorial Interns assist with research, fact-checking, social media, data entry and library services for both the print magazine and the daily website. Interns are encouraged to contribute editorially, writing book briefs and articles as assigned, and participating in generating story ideas, as well as pursuing their own projects under the guidance of Prospect staff. We encourage our interns to fully integrate themselves into the Prospect’s editorial operations while taking full advantage of the public events only available in Washington, D.C. This is the perfect internship for journalism, political science, and economics majors. Juniors, seniors and grad students are encouraged to apply. Full and part time internships available. $17.50 per hour. Positions are remote or in-person at our Washington, D.C., headquarters.

PLEASE NOTE: This Internship application is DIFFERENT from the Writing Fellowship application.

Here's what recent interns have to say:

The internship with The American Prospect helped me grow so much as a reporter and writer. Under the careful guidance of Prospect editors, I was able to pitch, report, and write stories almost immediately as an intern. Interns are treated as real members of the Prospect team, getting to sit in on editorial meetings and contribute to fact-checking the print edition of the magazine. All members of the Prospect staff were extremely available and eager to help me, whether offering advice on a story or looking out for career opportunities after the internship.

—Elizabeth Meisenzahl, Summer 2023

My summer with The American Prospect gave me the freedom to explore topics I am passionate about and wanted to cover. TAP also allowed me to write more creatively and expressively than other outlets I’ve worked at. The editors and staff writers at TAP are able to provide new perspectives and wonderful guidance when it comes to writing and researching new topics. I loved learning from the journalistic experiences of the staff and asking for advice on stories, job applications, and more. I highly recommend any internship opportunities at The American Prospect.

—Emma Murphy, Summer 2023

TAP’s internship is a marvelous opportunity for aspiring political journalists to gain a wealth of hands-on editorial experience in a friendly, small-staff environment. Whether you’ve never written a news story before or have dozens under your belt, there is a great deal to learn from the magazine’s incredibly knowledgeable and accomplished staff. Everyone is extremely approachable, including those at the top of the masthead. While interning there as a recent journalism graduate, I not only sharpened my skills as a writer and reporter, but acquired new skills in fact-checking and social media management. We were strongly encouraged to participate and share ideas in editorial meetings and had plenty of room in our daily schedules to work on our articles. I cannot recommend this internship more emphatically.

—Imani Sumbi, Spring 2023

I know it’s called an internship, but “apprenticeship” would also be apt. Each aspect of the work I did helped me grow as a journalist and writer, including reading several TAP pieces a week to do my part to maintain our social media presence. Fact-checking was particularly eye-opening because I was able to see how other reporters keep track of their notes, interviews, and how they piece together a story. Several people on staff made sure to meet with me and hear about my interests and offer their advice. In the end, I learned so much about pitching, revising, working on assignment, and about the industry overall. I know other internships are probably great, but this one was extraordinary.

—Liz Rosenberg, Summer 2023

How To Apply:

Applications are submitted via Submittable. Your TAP Internship application should include the following:

Your résumé.

Three writing samples. Consider clips or posts, academic papers, short reports/essay submitted as coursework, and unpublished pieces.

Your cover letter. In your letter, please give your assessment of the current political moment. In addition, your cover letter should express your interest in The American Prospect's journalism OR how an internship with the Prospect would align/advance your personal/career goals.

For Spring 2025 applications, the deadline is 11:59 pm Eastern Time on Monday, November 18th, 2024.

The American Prospect prioritizes attracting diverse talent and cultivating an inclusive environment that encourages collaboration and creativity. All qualified applicants will be considered, regardless of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetics, age, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other such characteristic.