Big Island Press Club Internship

Members of the Big Island Press Club are working members of the media, published writers, photographers, public relations professionals, educators, and everyday folks who are committed to protecting the public’s right to know. The BIPC awards internships to students pursuing higher education in media writing, a related field, or are engaged in media or journalism at the collegiate level.

Internship Responsibilities

This internship is a unique opportunity with BIPC and available only to students at the University of Hawai`i at Hilo. The intern will learn the following:

• Media writing, the journalism profession, and career options in communication

• Media writing and journalism basics and standards

• Communication, media and information literacy skills

• Media writing skills to explore technology-driven digital media platforms.

• Project management skills

• Social media strategy

• Research, inquiry, investigation and analysis skills

In addition, they will:

• Recognize and apply a basic understanding of journalistic terms, standards and principles, including Associated Press style

• Apply self-directed learning and critical thinking to internship responsibilities and assignments.

The internship may be project focused and/or require a specific work schedule and hours. The intern will work with the BIPC Advisor to develop a project or work on an existing project that meets the requirements and responsibilities of the internship.

UH Hilo Directed Studies Option

In collaboration with the BIPC Advisor, the intern will work with Professor Dr. Patsy Y. Iwasaki to develop a plan, outline and description of the work to be undertaken to receive three (3) UH Hilo credits equivalent to a 16-week semester. The UH Hilo directed studies option is subject to approval by Dr. Iwasaki.

This internship may: 1) allocate 100% of its time to The Big Island Press Club or 2) allocate 25% of its time to BIPC and 75% of its time to another educational organization. An example of such an educational organization includes the Hawaiian Volcano Education and Resilience Institute (HVERI); HVERI is a digital education platform designed to improve disaster preparedness, response and recovery through education, monitoring, resilience network building, and youth development.

Requirements for the 25% Big Island Press Club

• Membership in The Big Island Press Club

• Monthly reporting of progress either by attendance at the Saturday Zoom meetings of the Board of The Big Island Press Club or by submitting a one paragraph summary in advance of the meeting

• Example of the projects assigned by the BIPC board:

  • Develop a draft plan for Big Island Press Club social media platforms

  • Possible research into the potential for a student auxiliary club for the Big Island Press club and development of a plan to establish one

• Work with the chair of the Internship subcommittee, Dr. Patsy Iwasaki

In addition to building up a professional portfolio, the intern receives a $500 stipend for the semester.

Internship Goals

This internship is designed to supplement the academic and professional journeys of UH Hilo students. Ideal candidates should demonstrate a committed interest in journalism, media, communication, public relations, and community service and engagement.

Application Procedure

Send a cover letter, resume, and examples of work (writing samples, online engagement, etc.) to Dr. Patsy Iwasaki at piwasaki@hawaii.edu.