About the role#
The Houston Chronicle is looking for a curious and versatile student journalist to join its Audience team for the summer 2027 internship. You will work alongside editors, reporters, and audience strategists to shape coverage, craft headlines, and engage readers across platforms. This role focuses on how journalism reaches people and how to build a returning audience using data. You will gain experience at the intersection of storytelling and digital strategy.
What you'll do#
- Monitor real-time analytics to identify patterns in what readers view, share, and return to.
- Help editors and reporters frame stories for clarity, relevance, and impact.
- Write and refine headlines, social copy, push alerts, and promotional language with attention to SEO.
- Create social posts and contribute to strategies for platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and Reddit.
- Assist with newsletter planning, writing, and audience-focused story selection.
- Package stories for the homepage and other digital platforms.
- Research search trends, audience interests, and emerging platforms.
- Pitch ideas for reaching new audiences and deepening connections with existing readers.
- Collaborate across the newsroom to translate journalism into useful digital experiences.
What you'll need#
- Current junior or senior status, or recent graduate.
- Prior experience at a college news publication or professional news organization.
- A personal laptop and reliable Wi-Fi or hotspot access.
- Majors in Journalism or Communications.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, paid internship based in Houston, Texas.
- You must obtain your own housing in Houston.
- The role requires working in the Chronicle office at least 3 days a week.
- The position operates on a hybrid model.
- Sponsorship is not available for this role.
About Hearst
Hearst is a diversified media and information company founded in 1887. The company operates in sectors including television, publishing, and financial services. Its portfolio includes brands such as Fitch Group, Hearst Health, and various cable networks like ESPN and A&E. Based in New York, the organization maintains a global presence with over 10,000 employees.
How to get in at Hearst
Securing an internship at Hearst requires speed because early applicants often capture the attention of recruiters before the volume of submissions becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing provides a distinct advantage in a competitive hiring environment. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the people managing the hiring process. Intern Insider surfaces the specific recruiters behind Hearst roles so you can contact them directly to ask about the position or a potential referral. This direct approach often yields better results than submitting an application into a general queue.
