Summer Internships: Tips for Finding a Perfect Fit

This summer, I had the unique opportunity to immerse myself in not just one, but two incredible summer internships in media and storytelling that brought me closer to my dream of becoming a broadcasting journalist. It was a summer filled with learning, growth, and a whole lot of excitement! Here’s some tips in choosing the right one for you using my own experience.

From Rabat’s Newsrooms to Virtual Writing Desks

I kicked off the summer back home in Morocco with a three-week in-person internship at SNRT (Société Nationale de Radiodiffusion et de Télévision), Morocco’s national broadcaster. It was surreal, walking through the halls of a place I had admired from a distance, seeing familiar faces I’d watched on TV, and realizing that I was now part of that world, even if just for a short while.From Rabat’s Newsrooms to Virtual Writing Desks

On my first day, my nerves were high. But once I got through the initial jitters, I found myself in a fast-paced, warm, and energetic environment that felt like a perfect fit. We started with a full tour of the facilities, exploring the different departments and channels. From there, we dove right into work. Our skills were assessed based on writing, speaking, and presenting. It was thrilling.

Advice: If you land a media internship, don’t be afraid of the first-day nerves. Ask questions, take notes, and show eagerness to learn. The professionals around you know you’re there to grow, and they’ll respect your initiative.

Wednesdays quickly became my favorite days: field days. Interns, accompanied by mentors, would hit the vibrant streets of Rabat to conduct interviews, gather news, and experience reporting firsthand. It was there, surrounded by like-minded peers and seasoned journalists, that I truly felt this career was more than a dream. It was attainable.

At the same time, I was also interning remotely for a global company called SalesEra as a writing intern, a position I found through LinkedIn and started in May. What most people don’t see is the effort that comes before landing an internship. Three months before starting at SalesEra, I was applying non-stop to every opportunity I could find. I even emailed multiple media branches directly, introducing myself and asking if they had openings.

Advice: Never assume that a company is “too big” to reply to a student email. You’d be surprised how often professionals respond, even if they aren’t hiring. Branches need people like us, and many admire the gesture because they started their own careers the same way you’re starting now. Being proactive makes you memorable.

That persistence paid off. Even when some branches weren’t hiring, they replied and told me they’d keep me in mind for the future. That’s the hack: don’t shy away from doing what you need to do to get what you want. Meanwhile, I was fortunate to land the SNRT internship through family connections, but even then, I networked intentionally. I collected the contact information of journalists, editors, and mentors I met, showed them I was capable, and made sure to stay connected for future opportunities.

Advice: Whether you get an internship through open applications, direct outreach, or personal connections, always make the most of it. Network, follow up with mentors, and leave a strong impression. These relationships can open doors later in ways you don’t expect.

Balancing both internships taught me not only discipline but also how to seamlessly switch between Arabic and English work environments. It gave me a whole new level of confidence. I managed full workdays at SNRT from 8 AM to 5 PM, then shifted to my SalesEra writing tasks by 5:30 PM.

Writing with Purpose

My experience at SalesEra has been equally enriching. The internship is fully remote and involves writing blog posts, newsletters, and case studies based on topics we choose weekly. We have regular team meetings three times a week to update each other on our progress. The team is incredibly welcoming and supportive, always ready to provide guidance and feedback.

One of the biggest lessons I learned through this experience was the importance of writing for others, not just for myself. Coming from a background where I wrote to express my own voice, shifting to a tone that reflected the company’s vision taught me how to adapt, receive constructive criticism, and write with greater clarity and purpose. I now write faster, more strategically, and with the audience in mind.

Advice: If you take on a writing internship, focus on the reader first. Always ask yourself, “Who am I writing for, and why would this matter to them?” That mindset will instantly make your work stronger and more impactful.

Confidence, Community & Clarity

What made this summer truly unforgettable wasn’t just the technical skills I gained. It was the people I met, the mentors who believed in me, and the environments that pushed me to grow.

Being in a newsroom with people who shared my passion for media, feeling the thrill of live reporting, and having the space to write and be mentored in a virtual setting gave me a deep sense of fulfillment. It reassured me that I’m on the right path and that my passion for storytelling and broadcasting is valid and worthy.

As I head back to university this fall, I carry with me not just two internship experiences but also a renewed sense of purpose, professionalism, and pride. This summer taught me how to listen better, work smarter, and most importantly, believe in myself.

Why Summer Internships Matter for Students in Media and Storytelling

To anyone wondering if they should take on that extra internship, send in that application, or juggle multiple opportunities, do it. You’ll be surprised by how much you can learn, grow, and accomplish when you step outside your comfort zone.

Internships in media and communication give students practical skills, build professional networks, and strengthen confidence in pursuing careers in journalism, writing, and broadcasting. As Indeed’s internship guide notes, internships provide “a bridge between the academic and professional world,” something I now fully understand after this summer.

Conclusion: Building a Future in Media

My two summer internships in media and storytelling, one as a writing intern and the other as a broadcasting intern, gave me more than technical experience. They offered me clarity about my future, the confidence to pursue broadcasting journalism, and the skills to adapt across different media landscapes.

These opportunities were more than just résumé-builders. They were stepping stones to a career I am excited to pursue. And if there’s one piece of advice I’d share, it’s this: every internship, no matter how short or small, can shape your path in ways you never imagined.