2026 Fall Newsroom Internship, Des Moines, Iowa
The Des Moines Register, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is offering a fall 2026 paid journalism internship to Iowa college students and recent graduates. The fall, 20-hour-a-week internship is open to candidates interested in news reporting, photography or videography. It is based in Des Moines.
The successful candidate will have some experience in journalism, in school or in a professional setting. They will be able to work 20 hours per week in a high-pressure newsroom setting.
Program details:
- 10 weeks (targeted start date: Sept. 14)
- Hourly rate is $18.00
- 20-hours per week (some flexibility in setting which hours are worked)
- There will be rolling application reviews through Aug. 31.
Gain hands-on experience in:
- Covering news and enterprise
- Guidance from veteran editors
- Working Election Day/night and with the politics team in the days leading up to Nov. 3
- Work will be published in the Des Moines Register and desmoinesregister.com
Responsibilities:
- Research and gather information from various sources
- Produce written and multimedia content
- Collaborate in brainstorming sessions
Requirements:
- Enrolled in or recently graduated from an Iowa college or university program (junior year or beyond preferred)
- Familiarity with newswriting style
- Critical thinking, adaptability, and attention to detail
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Availability for some evening and weekend work
- This is a Des Moines-based internship.
Application Instructions:
- We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done:
- Your resume (1 page)
- A cover letter outlining how you would approach the internship and what you hope to gain from the experience.
- Working links to 3–6 samples of your work or your portfolio.
- Contact information for at least two references.