10 Lessons I Learned During My Journalism Internship (That No One Teaches You)
1. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone
During my internship at Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung (WAZ), I did a lot of things that used to make me uncomfortable (and some still do!): picking up the phone to call strangers, speaking up in editorial meetings, approaching people for spontaneous interviews. And the more I did it, the easier it became. Each time I chose courage over hesitation, I expanded what felt possible.
2. Think Fast, React Faster
Schedules change. Interview partners cancel. Stories evolve mid-conversation. I learned to adjust on the fly. My carefully written questions might not fit the direction the interview takes, and that’s okay. Being flexible means being present and staying sharp.
3. Listen Like It Matters—Because It Does
I’ve always considered myself a good listener (fun fact: the name Samantha is rooted in the Aramaic word for “listener”). But journalism demanded more: I had to listen actively, emotionally, and responsively. Sometimes, interviews became so intimate they moved me. I started recording (with permission!) instead of taking constant notes so I could focus fully on the moment. Now, I only jot down notes when recording doesn’t work out.
4. Let Conversations Flow
At first, I clung to my list of questions like a lifeline. Now I use it as a guide. The most compelling interviews happened when I let the conversation breathe and followed up on surprising answers or emotional turns. Curiosity is often more powerful than preparation.
5. Be Over-Prepared
I love planning, and this internship took that to a new level. Every morning starts with coffee and my notebook, where I write down every task and appointment. For interviews, I bring a full list of questions, background research, the interviewee’s contact details, even the address, just in case. When I walk into a newsroom meeting, I know exactly what’s going on with current and future stories in my own pipeline.
✨ This is the structure I currently use for my daily notes during the traineeship!
6. Ask for Feedback (and Actually Use It)
Submitting an article without feedback is like writing into the void. I want to grow. If I don’t get feedback, I ask for it. My current boss in Herne takes the time to call me into his office and go through my articles line by line. It’s detailed and honest—and incredibly helpful. Feedback isn’t always sweet, but it’s always worth it.
7. Ask Questions—Even the Obvious Ones
For the shy or introverted among us, asking questions can feel awkward. But questions are the heart of journalism. I learned to voice my curiosity, even if the answer seemed obvious. It broke the ice, deepened conversations, and often led to insights I wouldn’t have found otherwise.
8. Confidence is a Skill (Not a Trait)
My first press conference felt like walking into a lion’s den, until I reminded myself why I was there. I acted like I belonged. I shook hands, introduced myself, talked to the host, chatted with other journalists. I’ve learned to channel my inner future self, especially the one who’s already a confident, successful journalist, when I’m nervous.
9. Adapt Like a Chameleon
Newsrooms run at different paces. Stories break. Deadlines appear out of nowhere. Sometimes, the newsroom feels like a train station where you either jump on board or run to catch up. I learned to adapt quickly, take over last-minute appointments, and breathe through the chaos.
10. Find Your Voice But Stay Open
I’ve written about food, politics, culture, animals, and more. And I’m glad I did. But over time, I found that what sticks with me are the deeply human stories, where someone shares their experience, trauma, or strength. I love giving people a platform. I love making readers feel, rethink, reflect. That’s where my voice lives.
Bonus: Reach Out and Connect
One morning, on the tram to my internship at WAZ Velbert, I read an article by Tobias Asmuth. It was so powerful I couldn’t stop thinking about it. So I did something brave: I emailed him. He wrote back within a day and suggested a phone call. We talked for an hour about his research, his trip to Kenya, the article, and the award. That one conversation opened my eyes to a world I hadn’t known existed. I’ve been reaching out to journalists I admire ever since. These small connections mean a lot. And one day, I hope to receive an email like that myself.
✨ This podcast episode with Cliff Weitzman and Ali Abdaal (one of my favorite podcasters and YouTubers) taught me everything I needed to know about cold emails.
