Call for Applications for Traineeship Programme for Young Journalists

If you are a senior journalism student, recent graduate or a young journalist at the beginning of your career and are looking for an opportunity to learn from highly dedicated media workers and editors in some of the most respected outlets in the Western Balkans, you are welcome to apply for this programme.

Most media receive applications for internships on a rolling basis, but rarely do they have the time and resources to offer a structured programme, with interns usually missing out on proper training, mentoring and feedback. This four-month-long programme, however, will first provide key theoretical foundations, followed by a systematic, yet very practical and realistic demonstration of work in an ever-busy newsroom.

Selected candidates will receive online training on the basics of journalism from an experienced international trainer at the beginning of the programme and spend the traineeship in one media outlet, where they will receive support from senior staff to understand and learn about some of the most relevant editorial procedures.

Trainees will become full-time members of the newsroom for four months, they will attend editorial meetings, learn how to pitch ideas, chose relevant angle for a story, learn how to cover daily events, how to perform different kinds of interviews, write analyses, feature stories, etc.

We are offering 12 traineeship placements in six Western Balkans countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia (two placements per country, see the full list of host media here).

Due to the travel restrictions and health concerns caused by COVID-19, applicants will be placed in the outlet in their country of residence. Applicants may express their preferences as to which media outlet they would like to spend their traineeship with, but the organisers maintain the right to make the final decision about placement.

Who can apply?

Senior year journalism students, recent graduates or young journalists from Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia may apply.

Applicants must be between 18 and 26 years old.

Candidates from all parts of the country in question are encouraged to apply, as the project can provide funds for travel within one country, as well as accommodation costs.

How to apply?

Applicants should complete and submit only one application that is attached to this CfA.

All applications should be submitted in English before October 4, at midnight Central European Time to [email protected] along with the following documents:

Applicant’s CV (in English)
Motivation letter (in English)
Work sample (in English or local language)
Evidence of status (in English or local language)

The motivation letter should show how you would benefit from this programme and your motivation to participate.

Applicants who do not have any published work can submit their student assignments from practical courses in journalism.

Applicants should provide evidence of their current status – whether they are students, recent graduates or working as journalists. This evidence includes, but are not limited to, confirmation of enrolment for the following year OR confirmation of graduation in the last two years OR evidence of your current employment.

Language:

All applications must be submitted in English, as well as applicants’ CV and motivation letter, while work samples and proof of status may be in local languages.

Working language of the initial online training on the basics of journalism will be English, so advanced knowledge of English language is required.

Traineeship programme will be delivered in local languages.

Financial support:

All selected participants will receive financial support during their placement to cover minimum living costs.

In case candidates need to travel or relocate within the country during the course of the programme, travel and accommodation costs will also be covered by the organisers.

COVID-19 restrictions:

Initial training will be delivered online, due to the different travel restrictions in the region, as well as relevant health recommendations.

Traineeship programme is set to be delivered in person, if possible, or as a combination of conventional offline approach and online, remote work.

Our main priority is to protect the health of all involved in this process, including the trainees and their mentors in the host media, so we will continue to closely monitor coronavirus-related developments and adjust relevant activities accordingly.