What is the Hearst Fellowship?
The Fellowship is a two-year program focusing on multimedia journalism. It consists of two 12-month rotations at Hearst’s top metro papers. The program has produced dozens of successful journalists now working at Hearst newspapers and other top places around the country.
I am a journalism graduate looking for a job. Am I eligible for a Hearst Fellowship?
Anyone who has completed coursework and obtained a college degree by August 1, 2023 following the application deadline is eligible. A bachelor’s degree is the minimum requirement.
I have worked in journalism, but my degree is in something else. Am I eligible?
Yes. You also are eligible if you have a journalism degree from a non-accredited program.
Do I have to be a recent college graduate?
No. Early-career journalists who have something to offer Hearst and would benefit from the program are welcome to apply.
I am not a U.S. citizen. Am I still eligible?
Yes, Canadians and other foreign nationals are eligible to apply. However, the program does not sponsor visas or pay for travel to the final judging from outside the U.S. You qualify for the program if you have (or can obtain independently, not based on acceptance into the program) a visa that would allow you to work for two years beginning in August.
I am a broadcast journalist. Am I eligible for the Fellowship?
Because the Fellowship focuses on multimedia skills, broadcast journalists may apply, but successful candidates will be those who show strong writing and technical digital skills. The program offers no on-air talent positions.
How do I apply?
Materials should be submitted electronically any time from mid-September to the February deadline for the Fellowship, which begins in late August. All application materials must be received by January 6, 2023. Details about that process are made available shortly before the submission period begins. Each application includes a brief application form, a resume with certain required information, references, links to work samples and letters of recommendation. Read the instructions with the application carefully. It will answer most of your questions.
Can letters of recommendation be submitted separately?
Yes, as long as everything is clearly labeled with the applicant’s name.
When is the deadline?
All application materials must be received by January 6, 2023.
How should I submit my work samples?
The format is not as important as the content, as long as publication is verifiable. Stories and photos from the web are both acceptable, as are legible PDFs. If you have a website and it contains your best work, you don’t need to duplicate it. All application materials including work samples should be uploaded through our applicant tracking system when applying. Please have your two letters of recommendations emailed to fellowships@nullhearstnp.com.
How many work samples should I send?
Send only your best work and enough to give judges an idea of your range and abilities. Think practically. How a previous news organization played or presented your stories is less important than the content itself. Do not submit double-bylined material.
How many Fellowships are offered each year?
The number changes but usually ranges from six to eight.
What is the judging process?
Applications are reviewed by editors and professionals, and 10-15 finalists are invited to virtually interview with Hearst’s top editors. We have temporarily paused domestic travel for in-person interviews at our newspaper properties due to COVID-19.
I have had internships. How is the Fellowship different?
This is not an internship. Fellows are full-fledged journalists expected to make significant, valuable contributions in a variety of roles and platforms at our top locations. They differ from regular employees in that they have an adviser to help maximize their success and everyone’s return on investment. Hearst Fellows are full-time employees of Hearst Newspapers with competitive salary and benefits, including vacation, health insurance and moving expenses. You must be able to move after one year. Fellows are responsible for their own housing.
How does the Fellowship work?
Those selected will be assigned an adviser for the duration of the program and will work one-year rotations at two sites, assigned from among: Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, Albany Times Union and one of our papers in Connecticut. Assignments will be based on developmental needs. Our goal is to help forge a top-notch multimedia journalist. So, for example, if you are a sports or feature writer who has never covered news or business, you probably will.
Where will I go for my two rotations? Do I get to pick them? Can I do both in one market if they’re in different departments?
The program coordinator and your adviser determine your rotations, based primarily on opportunity and developmental needs. Other considerations are secondary. Fellows do not remain at one newspaper for the program’s duration. That would undermine one of the program’s most important elements – growth through a variety of experiences.