WTAE-TV Internship Program Overview

WTAE-TV offers internships during the spring, summer and fall academic terms to college students who are contemplating careers in broadcasting.

Based on individual career interests, student interns are assigned to the applicable department and are under the direct supervision of the respective department head. However, students are mentored by various staff members and participate in each function of the assigned department. This well-rounded exposure allows students to acquire career related skills and valuable experience which will facilitate their transition from the academic environment to the business world.

Eligibility: WTAE-TV internships are offered to college juniors and seniors who have taken courses to support their area of interest in communications/broadcasting. WTAE-TV also offers a limited number of internships to students enrolled in two-year programs who are pursuing associate degrees in broadcast-related fields. These students must be in their final semester of study prior to graduation.

Compensation: All WTAE-TV internships are for college credit only. There is no monetary compensation.

Hours: WTAE-TV prefers eight to ten weeks of full-time participation by interns however, number of hours/weeks is determined by actual time needed to accrue each credit as required by the school. Some schools require 40 intern hours per credit, others require 60 hours per credit. Depending on the semester and student=s availability, these hours are spread over an 8 to 10 week period. WTAE-TV works with the schools and students to make sure they are scheduled adequate hours to obtain their credits. On average interns spend 30 to 40 hours per week at WTAE-TV over an 8-10 week period.

Departments Participating: The departments participating in WTAE-TV's internship program are News, Sports, Weather, Production, Sales/Marketing, Promotion and Technical. We occasionally receive and accommodate a request for an internship in our Accounting Department.

Orientation: Each term, students who are chosen to participate in WTAE-TV's internship program will be required to attend an orientation session on a date to be determined by the television station. Non-availability to attend the orientation session could result in retraction of the internship offer.

Point Person: All internship requests are screened and processed through the Human Resources Director. Final selection of interns is the responsibility of each department head and interns report directly to the respective department head.

How to Apply: Students should submit a current resume to WTAE-TV, along with a letter stating the type of internship desired and a list of courses that have been completed to support the area of interest. The letter should include the number of credits to be received upon completion of the internship and the Term desired. The deadline for applications for the summer term is February 15; fall is July 1; and the spring term, November 15.

Information should be mailed to:

WTAE-TV Internship Program
400 Ardmore Boulevard
Pittsburgh, PA 15221