NYU - New York University

22/07/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 23/07/2024 02:26

Ask the Intern: Jordan Brown at the Washington Post

Photo by Allison Robbert

"I love to talk, so getting to write about the cool stories I hear from people for a living is a dream come true," says Jordan D. Brown (GSAS '25), a graduate student in the Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute's Reporting the Nation program.

This summer, Jordan landed a coveted internship at the Washington Post, a leading national publication that also happens to be her hometown paper. (She was born and raised in Bowie, in Prince George's County, Maryland.) But getting a spot in the prestigious summer internship program wasn't as easy as just returning home-it's a story of perseverance.

"I was rejected from this internship twice before applying again for this summer's cycle," Jordan explains. "I dedicated myself to improving my craft and working to become a better journalist so that I could be the best candidate for the next intern class. When I received the offer in December 2023, I was thrilled that my hard work paid off, but I could not let that distract me from the new goals I set for myself in order to be successful in this role."

As an intern on the Metro desk this summer, Jordan covers local news.

Photos courtesy of Jordan Brown

THE GIG: I have to find unique, local stories from Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Virginia and pitch them to my editor. Reporting on emerging news means that I have to meet fast-paced deadlines under high pressure. I cover general assignment news, which can include everything from profiles on business owners to the ongoing heat wave or a tragic car accident that killed three prominent football players.

Headline images courtesy of Jordan Brown

BIGGEST PERK: In local news, it's extremely important to build direct connections with the community. I've really enjoyed meeting all sorts of people of different races, neighborhoods, identities, and more. But the coolest company swag I've received has to be my Washington Post backpack-I wear it almost every day.

LUNCH BREAK ROUTINE: I spend my lunch break eating on the rooftop here at the office with other interns! The Washington Post also hosts brown bag sessions for interns to meet seasoned reporters and editors in the newsroom.

DREAMS AND GRATITUDE: For a dream job I would love to do something similar to what I'm doing now: covering a local community and finding ways to tell unique stories that we don't often hear or see, mostly from minorities and communities of color. My perfect role would incorporate my writing skills as well as my photography and multimedia talents in reporting on local news. In the meantime, this internship has granted me real-life experiences as a journalist, and I'll walk away knowing that I've grown as a reporter thanks to the Washington Post. I also have to thank my family and NYU professors for supporting me and helping me get to where I am today!

Photo courtesy of Jordan Brown