Every academic term, Diplomatic Courier (DC) takes editor apprentices to assist with a variety of editorial functions while they receive mentorship from DC senior leadership, earn academic credit, and learn the essentials that will prepare them for a career in media. An apprenticeship is similar to an internship in that it is intended for undergraduate students and should qualify for independent study, experiential learning, and internship credits. It differs from an internship in this; an intern largely learns simply by carrying out assigned tasks, perhaps with some direction. An apprentice receives active mentorship from and one-on-one interaction with experts. Apprentices also enjoy more autonomy than most interns, and are expected to be motivated to take it on themselves to get the most possible value out of their apprenticeship. For DC, a primary aim of the apprenticeship program is to help develop the next generation of high impact thinkers and editors—both for its own sake and to help grow our own future hiring pool.
Apprentices are expected to devote approximately a minimum of 10 hours per week to their duties, and assignments will reflect that work load. All apprentices will spend time learning the editorial process as well as the basics of researching and writing for public consumption. Editor apprentices will primarily carry out copy editing tasks but will also be coached in higher-level structural editing. These skills will be developed through direct mentorship by one or more members of DC’s editorial team.
We recognize that students have unpredictable schedules with varying workloads. There will be times that an apprentice has limited availability. We will always give space for students to succeed in their classes as a priority. One of your greatest responsibilities as an apprentice will be to actively communicate with us about your circumstances—whether that’s your course load at school or questions you may have/struggles you may be experiencing around assignments. Our mentors are there to support your growth, but to maximize that growth you are expected to openly communicate and engage.
Apprentices who regularly fail to complete assignments, take on instruction for development, and engage meaningfully with mentors may be released from the program.
As an apprentice, your job is largely to build skills. A successful apprentice should have these basic traits to build off of:
• Communication—to get the most out of your mentor relationship.
• Work Ethic—mentors don’t look over your shoulder.
• Coachability—taking on critical feedback to improve.
• Media Literacy—basic ideas of how to recognize reliable/valid media.
• Research—basic understanding of good research practices.
• Critical Thinking—DC engages with complex global issues.
• Writing—strong upperclassmen-level, to learn to write for public impact.
• Editing—be able to demonstrate some practical experience editing content.
• Digital Literacy—understanding the largest social media platforms and online trends.
Applying: Apprenticeship applicants should gather and submit all materials by the rotating deadlines outlined below. Before applying, ensure you’ve made yourself familiar with our work and tailor your materials to show us why you’re a good fit. Please note that if you are applying through one of DC’s institutional partners, it is not necessary for an academic advisor to email us a letter of recommendation. All materials should be submitted to editors@diplomaticourier.org with the subject: “NAME Apprenticeship Application.”
Materials:
• Resume—No more than two pages long.
• Cover Letter—No more than 300 words telling us about you, why you’re a good fit for us, and how we provide value for you.
• Writing Sample—This should include research and a coherent argument but be no longer than 3,000 words. It’s ok to send us a coherent section rather than a whole piece.
• Reference Letter—This should be sent directly to us from an academic advisor from their official university email address. This should include concrete examples of their experiences with you that demonstrate your exceptional qualities and potential for growth.
Deadlines:
• Fall Semester—August 1 (Start in late August - mid September).
• Spring Semester—December 1 (Start in mid-January - late January).
• Summer Semester—May 1 (Start in mid-May - late May).
