Convention Newsroom Journalist Intern

Description

The National FFA Organization is seeking college students or recent college graduates pursuing degrees in journalism, agricultural communications, public relations, telecommunications, or a closely related field to share with the world the stories coming out of the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo, which runs from Oct. 29-Nov. 1, 2025, in Indianapolis. 

FFA Newsroom journalist interns will gain inside access to one of the largest conventions in the country; experience a fast-paced working newsroom; receive communications coaching from experts with backgrounds as on-air TV journalists and anchors, radio broadcasters, newspaper and magazine editors, and PR professionals; and have the opportunity to build their portfolio with news stories distributed to a potential audience of more than a million people, including the organization’s 1,027,273+ members. 

Interns are expected to arrive in Indianapolis on Monday, Oct. 27 and work a minimum eight-hour shift daily from Tuesday, Oct. 28, through Saturday, Nov. 1. The National FFA will cover travel expenses, including airfare and hotel, provide all meals from Monday upon arrival to Saturday, and offer a $400 project stipend. 

This internship may be eligible for college credit. Please consult with your school’s advisor. 

NEWSROOM JOURNALISTS 

More than 70,000 National FFA members, advisors and supporters from across the nation will convene in Indianapolis for the organization’s premier event of the year, the 98th National FFA Convention & Expo. Members come to compete, find personal and career inspiration, meet fellow members from across the country, and grow as leaders. Advisors, alumni and corporate partners come to support student members in their growth. 

Your job will be to tell their stories in meaningful and impactful ways through produced video news segments and digital stories. Interns will be in front of the camera conducting live and recorded interviews, gathering firsthand accounts of events, and organizing the material into a cohesive and interesting story. Interns will then package the story for video streaming and web stories. 

Interns are expected to conceptualize and create one feature story daily, formatted for TV broadcast and online publication. A camera operator will assist in capturing your interviews, and an editor will put together the video for your story. 

Examples of newsroom journalist stories from last year’s national convention can be viewed here: 

• Behind the Scenes With Student Reporters 
• Putting Passion Into Action With Meals on Wheels 
• The 2024 American Star Winners are SAE Superstars 
• Student Engagement and Travel Assistant Grants Remove Barriers 
• Career Demonstration Explores Unexpected Opportunities 

Your work is likely to be published in a variety of ways, including through the convention live stream, FFA media partners, FFA.org, @nationalffa social media platforms, local and national media, and the organization’s national magazine, FFA New Horizons. Interns will leave the experience with a strong portfolio of work. 

Requirements

The National FFA Newsroom staff will assign stories, but you’ll also be expected to use your networking skills to find organic stories important to the convention experience and the lives of our members. 

Desired skills include professionalism and comfort in front of a camera; the ability to find and write stories on deadline; and the competency to draft interview questions and conduct live interviews. While you do not have to be a current or former FFA member, agricultural studies major, or well-versed in agriculture or National FFA, prior experience and knowledge of the industry or organization is a bonus. 

Interns must be able to navigate the Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium to conduct interviews and create content, which may involve extended periods of walking, standing, and carrying equipment

To apply, please answer the following questions and provide a resume, cover letter, and portfolio of your work. 

• Share your experience working in the news media. 
• Share your experience with writing feature news stories. 
• Share your experience doing live audio or video interviews. 
• Share any advanced or technical skills you have as they relate to shooting, editing, or producing broadcast news features. 
• Share why you want to serve as an FFA Newsroom journalist intern. 
• Cite examples of when you have worked in a fast-paced environment and how you have met deadlines.
• Share how you approach finding and telling great stories. 
• Describe your experience or interest in FFA, agriculture, or student leadership. 

Application Deadline: Friday, Aug. 15, 2025. However, applicants will be reviewed and interviewed on a rolling basis, and the positions may fill before Aug. 15.