By Gibril Conteh
The smell of fresh ink, and the thrill of seeing my words imprinted on the newspaper--these were the sights, and sensation that defined my internship at Politico Newspaper. It was this whirlwind experience that ignited my passion for journalism and provided invaluable insight into the intricacies of the print media industry. The newsroom is a whirlwind of activity, of journalists buzzing with energy and purpose. As a very curious intern, I was thrown into this vibrant ecosystem, where every second seems to count. The scent of freshly- printed newspapers filled the air, a tangible reminder of the power of the written word.
My internship at Politico Newspaper was a remarkable one, for I had the opportunity to practice what I have learnt in the classroom; the significance of accuracy, objectivity, and attention for details. The friendly atmosphere in the newsroom and the willingness to help me learn ignited my urge to pursue journalism as a career. I was tasked to conduct interviews, researching topics, and writing news articles under the guidance of Deputy Editor, Alpha Abu.
My days were filled with meeting deadlines, doing interviews and witnessing editing sessions with the deputy editor. I was able to navigate the labyrinth of the newsroom, seeking out seasoned reporters’ guidance. They were my mentors; their wisdom was a beacon in the sea of information. I watched in awe as they transformed raw facts into compelling stories, weaving narratives that resonate with readers. This experience allowed me to develop my research skills, improve my writing abilities, and gained deeper understanding of the news gathering process.
One of my most cherished experiences was the first time my story took the lead on the front page of Politico, I felt a surge of excitement as I saw the colourful soft copy of the front page in the Politico Open Editorial Whatsapp group for all staff. One of the most significant aspects of the internship was the opportunity to contribute to the daily news cycle, seeing myself as a contributing factor to the development of society.
During my days as intern, I approached this opportunity with a mix of excitement and apprehension, eager to learn but unsure of what to expect. However, I quickly found myself immersed in a dynamic environment where every day brought new challenges and exciting experiences.
From the moment I stepped into the newsroom, I was struck by the frenetic energy. Journalists were constantly on the move, phones ringing, trying to meet deadlines, and the air buzzing with a sense of urgency. It is a world of fast-paced action, where information was constantly being gathered, processed, and disseminated.
Furthermore, I have the opportunity to observe experienced Journalists in action. I watched in awe as they crafted compelling narratives, and transformed raw information into engaging stories. I have learnt about the art of storytelling, the power of language, and the importance of finding unique angles and perspectives.
I also had the chance to contribute to the publications in a small but significant way. I wrote articles and conducted interviews. These experiences were incredibly valuable, giving me a taste of what it is like to work as a journalist and allowing me to develop my own writing and editing skills.
Beyond the technical skills, my internship provided me with invaluable soft communication skills. I learnt the importance of communication, teamwork, and adaptability. I was able to work independently, manage my time effectively and meet deadlines under pressure. I also developed story interpersonal skills, as I interacted with colleagues, editors and even sources on daily basis.
The internship provided me with a deeper understanding of the role of the media in society, the importance of journalist’s ethics, the responsibility of journalists to inform the public, and the challenges of maintaining objectivity in world of competing narrative. I witnessed first-hand the impact that media coverage can have on public opinion and the power of the press to hold those in power accountable.
However, my internship was not without its challenges, I faced moments of self-doubt; I struggled to meet tight deadlines, and occasionally felt overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information especially when I was given the task to cover Petroleum Regulatory Agency quarterly report. However, these challenges, while daunting at times, ultimately served as valuable learning experience. They taught me the importance of perseverance, resilience, and the ability to learn from my mistakes.
Looking back, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have been an intern at Politico. It was an enriching experience that provided me with invaluable skills, knowledge, and insights into the world of print media. I am confident that the skills and knowledge gained during my internship will be invaluable as I pursue my future career goals.
As my internship ended, I realised that I had not only gained technical skills but also a deeper understanding of the role of the press in society. The newsroom had become my second home, its rhythms ingrained in my being. I left with a sense of accomplishment and a renewed commitment to the power of the written word.
© Copyright (2024) Politico (23/12/24)
