Science journalism internships for early career scientists

Ever wondered what it’s like to swap a pipette for a pen? Imagine turning yours and other’s discoveries and passion for science into compelling stories that captivate a wider audience. Welcome to the thrilling world of science journalism, where your knack for curiosity and love for storytelling can take you from bench to byline.
 
If you have just graduated with a degree in biochemistry but aren’t sure what career path is right for you, an internship can provide experience and potentially even a salary to inform your next steps. What are you waiting for?
 
I love writing because I enjoy sharing information, but there are many other reasons to try your hand at science journalism: the chance to interview leading scientists about their research, exploring your creative writing skills and connecting to audiences outside of your field. Having published scientific new stories can also work in your favor even if you do not pursue a journalism career, as the ability to communicate with variety of audiences is one of the most important soft skills employees look for in candidates.
 
While the deadlines for many 2024 internships have passed, now is the perfect time to update your resume, collate your writing samples into a portfolio and ensure you have strong letters of recommendation for next year. I’ve collected a list of internships, mostly three month or summer positions, that you should consider. If the opportunity doesn’t indicate that it will open for summer 2025, keep the website in your bookmarks in case the program runs every two years.
 

AAAS, Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellowship

If you have looked at potential science journalism internships before, you have definitely come across the prestigious American Association for the Advancement of Science Mass Media Fellowship. This 10-week opportunity is open to undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate scientists. AAAS places fellows with media organizations all over America, including the Los Angeles Times and National Public Radio, or NPR.
 
AAAS also offers a Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Internship that focuses on fostering the skills of underrepresented journalists. This program lasts 11 weeks and gives interns the opportunity to work at Science magazine.
 

C&EN, Editorial Fellowship Program

Chemical & Engineering News, published by the American Chemical Society, is one of the foremost chemistry, biochemistry and environmental sciences newsletters. The Editorial Fellowship Program lasts six months and is a full-time position, perfect for recent grads who need time to consider their next career move. Fellows are placed at the C&EN Washington, D.C. headquarters. C&EN boasts that their fellows have continued their science journalism careers at publications like Science, Nature and C&EN.
 

Society for Science, Science News Internship

The Society for Science is a nonprofit organization based in Washington, D.C. that was founded in 1921 with the mission of “expanding scientific literacy, access to science education and scientific research.” Their magazine, Science News, targets a general audience. The Science News Internship is a paid 10- to 12-week position that runs three times a year — spring, summer and fall — offering more flexibility than the standard summer internship.
 

The National Association of Science Writers, Internship Fair

Want more internship options and resources? Check the NASW website for the next virtual internship fair in early 2025. Formerly held during the AAAS Annual Meetings, the NASW Internship Fair is now a virtual conference to expand access to students and recruiters. This fair is only available to NASW Student Members, who must be currently enrolled in a degree-granting program.