Internships at WDET, Summer 2027

WDET is looking for mature and self-motivated interns with a passion for learning about journalism and the business side of media. We offer opportunities in news reporting and photojournalism, social media engagement and marketing, audio production, sales and much more. There’s an opportunity for applicants to learn valuable, high demand skills.

WDET offers paid internships. Complete an application and gain the skills you need for a successful future.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions below for more information about our internship program

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WDET helps launch careers in media, communications

Internship Dates

Application Deadlines: 2027-2028

Summer 2027: March 1

Fall 2027: June 1

Winter 2028: October 1

Internship Opportunities

Judy Adams Music Internship Opportunity

This internship is named in honor of former Program Director, Judy Adams. The Judy Adams intern will assist on-air music hosts in programing and developing segments, including booking guests, background research, conducting interviews, reviewing music, creating on-air segments, developing web posts, generating promotional materials and drafting scripts for on-air broadcasts. 

Learning objectives

• Dynamic digital audio editing
• Concise broadcast copywriting
• Innovative broadcast segment creation
• Engaging interviews
• Fact Checking

Education/experience

• Students seeking a degree or with a background in music are encouraged to apply.

Essential skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
• Teamwork
• Open to learning

• Outgoing/willing to reach out to potential guests  
• Attention to detail 

Preferred qualifications

• Computer/software skills
• Familiarity with WDET
• Audio editing (Adobe Audition, Pro Tools, etc.) 
• Ability to conduct research 
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and/or Google Sheets 
• Video editing (e.g., Adobe Premiere, etc.) 

If you want to give to the WDET Internship Program, please visit wdet.org/give

If you have questions about the internship program contact Diane M. Sanders at diane.sanders@wdet.org

Learn about the career of Judy Adams.

Assistant Producer - News/Talk

WDET has a daily news and public affairs program: The Metro (10 a.m.-12 p.m. Monday-Friday). The internship for news and talk show assistant producers is an opportunity to work in the fast-paced, high impact area of daily news and talk programming. Assistant producers will write for web, social, and broadcast at the direction of the producer and senior producer. Interns will gain hands-on experience in public radio, multimedia broadcasting, and news and cultural affairs programming.

Learning Objectives

• Produce written and multimedia content for a public media organization
• Prepare for a daily radio show and podcast
• Listener and audience engagement
• Work with a production team

Audio Production

The intern in this area will work with professional audio equipment to produce both music and news in a major market. This internship is a great opportunity for students who are pursuing a career in audio arts and have some prior familiarity with operating a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation).  They will provide assistance when recording musical groups and interviews.

Learning Objectives

• Develop skills with audio equipment to produce news and music
• Develop audio techniques such as compression, equalization and conversion

Business

An intern in the business unit of WDET, will learn skills that are essential in the administration of a public radio station and many other types of business offices. The intern will do data reconciliation, data entry, compile reports and assist with day to day operations of the business office.

Learning Objectives

• Learn day to day business administration functions of WDET and develop an understanding of how it functions within a public university
• Account(s) reconciliation
• Account receivable and payable functions
• Develop an understanding of fiscal operations and budget development/management
• Develop an understanding of grant contract administration

Civic & Investigative Journalism

Experience the rush of covering breaking news alongside WDET’s team of award-winning broadcast journalists. Interns are given a foundation in the basics of journalism, with a focus in broadcasting, and the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experience. Newsroom interns are encouraged to pitch their own stories, build sources across the region, generate headlines, interview newsmakers, report on events, record and edit audio, take photos, create digital posts, engage readers through social media and even produce their own newscasts for WDET.

Learning Objectives

• Reporting for a multimedia newsroom
• Preparing stories for on-air broadcast
• Interviewing and sound gathering
• FOIA requests
• Reviewing public documents
• Fact-checking

Detroit Evening Report

The Detroit Evening Report is a daily news podcast designed to serve residents of Detroit and communities of color. We strive to provide timely, tailored and hyperlocal content that is generally not found in mainstream news content. DER interns assist with reporting, producing, and building relationships with community organizations.

Learning Objectives

• Broadcast Newswriting
• Digital Audio Editing
• Studio and Field Recording
• Interviewing
• Voice Training

Education Reporting

Reporting interns at WDET spend their time reporting. As Detroit’s NPR station, WDET offers news content that ranges from newscasts to long-form features to podcasts to documentaries. Interns will be trained to conduct interviews, report in the field, write for radio and the web, voice news stories, edit audio and more. Education Reporting interns will assist in covering Southeastern Michigan’s dynamic K- 12 school environment as well as issues in higher education. In addition, the education reporting intern will assist in coordinating WDET’s Homeroom project which works to engage Detroit students as experts and sources in our education coverage.

Learning Objectives

• Broadcast Newswriting
• Digital Audio Editing
• Studio and Field Recording
• Interviewing
• Voice Training
• Project Management
• Source Development

Events Coordinator

The Events Coordinator internship opportunity will provide support to the Events Manager and the associated events produced by WDET.

Learning Objectives

• Preparing and executing events
• Budget development and management

Graphic Designer

A design intern will work closely with the marketing and social media staff to design slide decks, produce various digital and printed materials for events, including but not limited to signage, maps, invitations, and email communications and social media campaigns

Learning Objectives

• Collaborate with staff and help shape the ideal end-user experience
• Produce design deliverables
• Create social media postings
• Track analytics and success on social media posts/releases

Education

• The internship in this area should have a background in Communications, Marketing, Art, or Design

Essential Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
• Teamwork
• Open to learning
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Cloud and Canva
• Experience with Photoshop and Illustrator
• Knowledge of major social media platforms
• Print and digital background

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with WDET
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail

Marketing & Engagement

A marketing and communication intern will work closely with the Marketing staff to help plan, organize, coordinate and analyze activities identified on the annual marketing and communications plan, as well as special projects in support of WDET listener growth and engagement.  Assignments could include overall brand print material needs,  email campaign management, program or event promotional campaigns, gathering audience, competitive or environmental information for planning and assessment reviews, creating reports and managing traditional media and digital production schedule/calendar.

Learning Objectives

• Collaborate with staff and help shape the WDET campaigns to meet stated objectives and provide an ideal end-user experience
• Knowledge and utilization of WDET brand guidelines
• Coordination of campaign and project schedules to meet deadlines
• Compile and help analyze program/project success across media

Education

• The internship in this area should have a background in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Art or Design

Essential Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
• Teamwork
• Open to learning
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite; Google Analytics, Adobe Creative Cloud is helpful
• Experience with Photoshop and Illustrator
• Knowledge of traditional and digital marketing tools and channels
• Print and digital background

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with WDET
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail

Member Relations

If you are interested in gaining experience developing organizational skills and creatively solving problems, this is an opportunity for you. You will work with donors to establish and maintain positive relationships. You will also gain knowledge of how organizations and their external environments function.

Learning Objectives

• Relationship building
• Fundraising
• Gathering and analyzing data

Membership

Membership interns gain an opportunity to develop knowledge in the area of philanthropy.  They will participate in fundraisers, member relations and managing donor relationships.

Learning Objectives

• Member interactions – from event activity to telephone contact, including problem-solving  (12 interactions)
• Composition of donor contact reports for the 12 interactions
• Identification of stewardship touchpoints and development of 8 touchpoints
• Knowledge of the revenue streams that comprise Individual Giving    
• Attendance at no less than 2 editorial meetings and 2 OAF meetings to understand the way programming, news and membership work together 

News

Experience the rush of covering breaking news alongside WDET’s team of award-winning broadcast journalists. Interns are given a foundation in the basics of broadcast journalism and the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experience. Newsroom interns scour local and national headlines, interview newsmakers, report on events, record and edit audio, take photos, create digital posts, engage readers through social media and even produce their own feature story for WDET.

Learning Objectives

• News copywriting
• News selection
• Interviewing
• Fieldwork
• Segments

Photojournalist

The photojournalist intern will play a pivotal role in visually shaping WDET’s editorial content. The photojournalist will be responsible for capturing compelling images across metro Detroit, in-studio guests and at WDET events. These images will be integrated into our editorial and promotional content across all WDET digital platforms, including wdet.org, social media, the WDET mobile app and email marketing campaigns.

Learning Objectives

• Photographing news stories and events
• Utilizing different photography techniques
• Applying editorial best practices when shooting photos

Podcast

Podcast Internships at WDET will provide hands-on experience for interns with a focus on podcast production, editing, distribution, and marketing that align with career goals and previous experience. An intern who completes the Podcast Internship will have an understanding of some combination of the following: producing and editing a podcast, creating marketing and promotion materials, creating web assets including writing web posts, RSS feed descriptions, social media copy.

Learning Objectives

• Write scripts for podcast hosts, promos, radio broadcasts
• Editing podcast audio, promos
• Produce podcasts and associated content including research, booking guests, conducting interviews
• Web production and distribution of podcasts on digital channels, RSS feeds
• Marketing and promotions for podcasts
  

  Program Administration

  If you like work that is different every day, this is the internship opportunity for you. An intern working in Administration at WDET will have the opportunity to develop skills in program administration and project management.  This experience includes working on a variety of new projects, working with diverse groups of people and supporting the Executive Leadership of WDET.

  Learning Objectives

  • Program Development
  • Applicant Screening
  • Process & Procedure Development
  • Project Management

  Education

  • Students pursuing an education in Business, Human Resources, Management, Marketing, Public Administration

  Essential Skills

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation, and style
  • Teamwork
  • Open to learning
  • Strong Organization skills
  • Time Management
  • Data analysis
  • Ability to work with changing demands

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Computer/software skills
  • Familiarity with WDET
  • Attention to detail
  • Ability to conduct research
  • Ability to multi-task

  Programming Data

  The intern in this area will work with WDET Program Director and other staff to produce new processes and instruments of data collection, collation, and analysis to help increase intelligence for programming decisions. This internship is a great opportunity for students who are pursuing a career in statistics/mathematics for business or cultural organization. Qualified candidates will have education in statistics and data analysis.

  Learning Objectives

  • Learn how to translate organizational objectives into customized processes for data collection and analysis.
  • Learn about radio and media metrics, learn how to develop strategies for integrating datapoints across traditional and digital media platforms.

  Education

  • Probability and Statistics, Mathematics, Data Analytics, Business Administration

  Essential Skills

  Excellent verbal and written communication skills

  Proficiency with standard spelling, grammar, punctuation and style

  Teamwork

  Open to learning

  Strong grasp of data collation tools including MS Excel, and other data visualization software systems

  Skill with creating efficient systems for automating data intake, collation and reporting

  Preferred Qualifications

  • Skilled with MS Office Suite
  • Familiarity with WDET
  • Familiarity with radio and or media metrics is a plus

  Radio News / Hosting

  Experience the rush of covering breaking news alongside WDET’s team of award-winning broadcast journalists. Interns are given a foundation in the basics of broadcast journalism and the opportunity to gain invaluable real-world experience. Radio journalism interns scour local and national headlines, interview newsmakers, report on events, record and edit audio, take photos, create digital posts, engage readers through social media and even produce their own newscasts for WDET.

  Learning Objectives

  • Writing news for the ear
  • Story selection
  • Interviewing
  • Fieldwork
  • On-air performance

  Reporting & Engagement

  For this internship you will learn how to report audio stories for broadcast radio, podcasts and the web. You will also use engagement to bolster and promote WDET’s connection with the community.

  Learning Objectives

  • Record audio in the field and in the studio
  • Conduct “person on the street” reporting
  • Publish web stories for WDET using a WordPress CMS
  • Learn how to edit audio using Audition software
  • Learn how to voice audio
  • Promote podcast episodes and engage with audience

  Street Beat Reporter

  Do you want to experience the heartbeat of the Metro Detroit Area? This is the opportunity for you. You will be out talking with the citizens of the metro Detroit area and sharing their voices in the Community.

  Learning Objectives

  • Reporting for a multimedia newsroom
  • Preparing interviews for broadcast
  • Interviewing and sound gathering
  • Reviewing public documents
  • Fact-checking
  • Computer editing and mixing
  • Education

  Students interested in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Audio Production, Political Science and Public Affairs are encouraged to apply.

  Studio Operations

  The Operations internship aims to help train, improve and maintain skills needed for public radio station operations.

  Learning Objectives

  • Operate station equipment
  • Run Emergency Alert System tests
  • Maintain studio sound boards and auxiliary equipment
  • Program, maintain and pull audio from NPR Content Depot and PRX web portal

  Underwriting and Sales

  The intern in this area will research and generate lists of potential customers, help develop client relationships and retain existing accounts, assist in evaluating new sponsorship opportunities, maintain documents and sales records. The intern will have an opportunity to analyze sales and marketing data.

  Learning Objectives

  • Develop knowledge of market research
  • Gain an understanding of the role of social media in sales
  • Gain knowledge of public radio marketing

  Education, essential skills and preferred qualifications for each internship area are listed on WDET's internship page: wdet.org/intern.

  Frequently Asked Questions

  Who can apply for an internship?

  An applicant must be 18 years of age or older and have work authorization in the U.S.

  How do I apply?

  Apply for WDET internship online 

  What are the deadlines for applying for an internship?

  Please see above for dates.

  Who do I contact about the status of my application?

  Please reach out to the Internship Coordinator with questions.

  Diane Sanders, diane.sanders@wdet.org

  What type of internship learning opportunities are available at the station?

  The areas that are available for internships are News, Production, Digital, Audio, Detroit Today, Culture Shift, Membership, Sales and Business. However, there may not be opportunities during some semesters.

  Can I apply for more than one internship area?

  Yes, you can apply for more than one area. However, interns can only work in one area each semester.

  Can I receive academic credit?

  Academic credit can be received for an internship. Applicants interested in receiving credit must submit an approved form from their advisor at the beginning of their internship.

  Do I have to interview?

  Yes, you will have an interview if selected by the screening panel.

  How will I know if I was selected for an interview?

  You will be notified by e-mail within 2 weeks of the application closing period for the semester you selected.

  If I missed the application deadline, can I still apply?

  We recognize there may be extenuating circumstances and they will be reviewed on a case by case basis. Please reach out to the Internship Coordinator to discuss your particular situation.

  Is there any flexibility in start and end dates?

  There may be limited flexibility. If you have a situation that may impact start and end dates, you should immediately notify the Internship Coordinator.

  How long do internships last?

  Internships are for approximately 14 weeks.

  What is the wage for interns?

  Interns are paid $14 per hour. The total compensation received during the internship is based on hours per week and the length of the internship period. Interns can expect to work up to 20 hours a week .

  How do I receive my pay?

  Your compensation will be transmitted from the Wayne State University (WSU) Payroll system. As an intern at WDET you will be classified as a part-time temporary employee, or as a Student Assistant if a student at WSU.

  How often do I get paid?

  You will be paid bi-weekly.

  Do I have holidays off?

  Yes, you will have the same holidays off as other WDET Staff. Remember WDET serves the community 24/7/365. If there is a breaking story we may ask you to come in and work with the staff, which augments your learning of how media organizations operate. If you are a student and would like to have spring break off, we will accommodate that time.

  If I am awarded an internship, will it guarantee me a position with WDET?

  No, an intern is not guaranteed future employment with WDET.

  What are the typical hours of a work day?

  The hours can vary depending on the area of the internship.

  What is the attire for the station?

  It can vary depending on your role, but proper casual attire is acceptable. Your coach will guide you on appropriate dress.

  What is the work environment like?

  The work environment at WDET is relaxed but professionalism is expected at all times.

  Do I have to prepare a presentation at the end of my internship?

  Yes, you are expected to do a presentation representing the learning you achieved in your internship at WDET.

  Do I have to attend an orientation?

  Yes, you are required to attend an orientation. During the orientation you will learn station protocols, meet the staff, tour the station, receive your internship agreement and equipment where applicable.

  Do WDET Interns have an Alumni Association?

  WDET is currently developing an intern alumni association.