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, 2024, following the application deadline is eligible. A bachelor’s degree with 1 – 2 years of journalism experience is required.
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?
No, Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the entire 2-year term of the Fellowship Program. At this time, we will not be sponsoring or taking over the sponsorship of an employment visa for candidates of the Fellowship Program.
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 before the deadline to be considered. Each application should include the following:
- One-page resume that includes academic major and minor, date or expected date of graduation, permanent and current addresses, email, website, and social media addresses
- One additional page that include hot links to digital work samples
- Cover letter no longer than two pages highlighting your qualifications and making your case for becoming a Hearst Fellow
- Three work references including titles, email addresses and phone numbers
- Two letters of recommendation. These need to be emailed separately to fellowships@nullhearstnp.com
Can letters of recommendation be submitted separately?
Yes, everything needs to be clearly labeled with the applicant’s name and submitted in PDF format. Letters of recommendation should be emailed separately to fellowships@nullhearstnp.com from the recommender.
When is the deadline?
All application materials must be received by January 7, 2024.
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 it usually ranges from two to eight.
What is the judging process?
Applications are reviewed by editors and professionals, and 10-15 finalists are invited to interview with Hearst’s top editors either virtually or in-person at one of our top metro newspapers.
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.