Big Island Press Club Internship
Introduction
Members of the Big Island Press Club are working members of the media, published writers, photographers, public relations professionals, and everyday folks who are committed to protecting the public’s right to know.
The BIPC annually awards scholarships to students pursuing higher education in journalism, a related field or are engaged in journalism at the collegiate level.
Internship Responsibilities
This internship is a new and unique opportunity with BIPC and available only to students at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. The intern will learn:
- About the profession of journalism and career options in communication
- Journalism standards
- Communication, media and information literacy skills
- Media writing skills to explore technology-driven digital media platforms.
- Project management skills
- Social media strategy
- Research, inquiry, investigation and analysis skills
In addition, they will:
- Recognize and apply a basic understanding of journalistic terms, standards and principles, including Associated Press style
- Apply self-directed learning and critical thinking to internship responsibilities and assignments.
The internship is project focused rather than requiring a specific work schedule or hours. The intern will work with the BIPC Advisor to develop a project or project that meets the requirements and responsibilities of the internship.
UH Hilo Directed Studies Option:
In collaboration with the BIPC Advisor, the intern will work with Assistant Professor Dr. Patsy Y. Iwasaki to develop a plan, outline and description of the work to be undertaken to receive three (3) UH Hilo credits equivalent to a 16-week semester. The UH Hilo directed studies option is subject to approval by Dr. Iwasaki.
This internship allocates 25% of its time to The Big Island Press Club and 75% to Hawaiʻi Tracker. Hawaiʻi Tracker is a digital platform for delivering volcano, storm and news for Hawaiʻi Island with over 118,000 subscribers.
Requirements for the 25% Big Island Press Club:
- Membership in The Big Island Press Club
- Monthly reporting of progress either by attendance at the Saturday Zoom meetings of the Board of The Big Island Press Club or by submitting a one paragraph summary in advance of the meeting
- Develop draft plan for Big Island Press Club social media platforms
- Possible research into the potential for a student auxiliary club for the Big Island Press club and development of a plan to establish one
- Other duties as assigned by the Board of the Big Island Press Club
- Work with the chair of the social media subcommittee Royelen Lee Boykie
Requirements for the 75% allocation to Hawaiʻi Tracker:
- 1-hour weekly mentorship meeting
- Produce 1 piece of content and distribute on 3 social media platforms and 1 website per week, tailored to need and student’s strengths and preferences with UH Hilo approval (16 weeks total)
- Complete Hawaiʻi Tracker’s Social Media Moderation training seminar, which includes the role of social media during disasters and successful strategies. This is an important part of combating the spread of misinformation.
- Practice moderation on the Hawaiʻi Tracker Facebook Group, with at least 3 moderation actions per week (8 weeks total, once training is complete)
- Practice using artificial intelligence (AI) tools to aid production and moderation
- The Big Island Press Club will receive a mention in the byline for any articles, videos or publications by Hawaiʻi Tracker involving the student
This internship receives a $500 stipend for one semester.
Expectations: The goal of this internship is to supplement the academic and professional journey of UH Hilo students. Strong interest in journalism, media, communication, public relations, community service and engagement are suggested.
Please find more information about the Big Island Press Club and Hawaiʻi Tracker.
Application Procedure
Use a social media platform (or combination of platforms) to make a persuasive case for your selection. Creativity, competence, and enthusiasm will be highly valued in the selection process. Use the hashtag #YourNextInternBIPC. Send links to your posts with a cover letter to Royelen Lee Boykie (royelen@bigislandpressclub.org). Selection will begin in August 2023.