Sports Fall Intern

Join The Charlotte Observer, an award-winning news organization in Charlotte, N.C., in Fall 2026 as a paid sports intern and gain practical education and professional experience - while being inspired by some of the best journalists in the business.

Our interns are a vital part of our news organization, and we treat them as if they are full-time reporters.

Our goals:
Train aspiring journalists in the principles and rigors of their desired profession. Put you to work. You'll write stories, shoot photos and videos, and create engaging social media content that will be seen by thousands of readers. Bring new voices to our newsroom to give us fresh perspectives. Provide ongoing access to editors who want you to succeed and help you make invaluable connections with fellow journalists for future employment.

About the internship:

This internship is full-time for 10 weeks and typically starts at the end of August or beginning of September. The schedule may include evening and weekend hours. Interns do not work on holidays.
Internships are in-person and are based in Charlotte. A driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
We are looking for the best candidate to work as a sports reporter.
Editors and mentors will work with you to develop your goals, perfect your journalism, help solve problems, and make the most of your experience with The Charlotte Observer.
The internship is open to juniors, seniors, and graduating seniors. Interns must currently be enrolled in a four-year degree program, graduate program, or have recently graduated.

The Charlotte Observer was a Pulitzer Prize finalist for Breaking News in 2025 for our coverage of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath. Charlotte is among the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. In sports, we cover the NFL's Carolina Panthers, the NBA's Charlotte Hornets and Charlotte FC of Major League Soccer in addition to NASCAR, college sports at UNC Charlotte, Davidson, Queens, Johnson C. Smith, Winthrop, and local high schools.

Qualifications should include:

Solid news judgment, accuracy and high ethical standards.
Experience working at a college publication, either print or online, is preferred.
A previous internship or freelance experience at a daily newspaper or professional news organization is a plus.
Curiosity, the ability to develop story ideas, and the drive to find answers.
A collaborative work ethic and a strong desire to learn.
Quick study of technology and tools used in newsgathering.
Understanding of the professional use of social media in newsgathering and audience engagement.

How to apply:

The deadline is Friday, July 17. Applicants are strongly encouraged to apply early and before the deadline. Applications will be screened and interviewed on a rolling basis.

Candidates must include the following:
A one-page cover letter that summarizes what you would bring as a journalist to our newsroom.
A resume that includes links to your public social media accounts (X, Instagram, TikTok).
Links to samples of your work, or if available, a personal website or portfolio.
At least two references. (Names and their contact information may be included on your resume or with your cover letter).