Introduction
If you're a student or recent graduate with a passion for climate communication, a three-week paid journalism internship at Carbon Brief could be your gateway to impactful storytelling. This summer placement (13–31 July) offers hands-on experience in research, writing, multimedia, and social media—all while earning the London Living Wage (£14.80/hour) plus a £100 travel bursary. In this guide, we'll walk you through each step to submit a competitive application, from gathering materials to polishing your pitch. By the end, you'll know exactly how to position yourself as the ideal candidate for this hybrid, London-based opportunity.
What You Need
Before you start, ensure you have the following items and qualifications. These are the prerequisites Carbon Brief looks for:
- An up-to-date CV (1–2 pages) highlighting relevant experience, education, and any journalism or science communication work.
- Interest in climate change and a desire to explain complex topics to a general audience.
- Some writing experience on a technical subject—this can include self-published blog posts, university papers, or freelance articles.
- Commitment to journalistic integrity and accuracy.
- Competency with word processing and spreadsheets (e.g., MS Word/Excel or Google Docs/Sheets).
- Excellent spoken and written English.
- Optional but beneficial: experience with social media platforms like Twitter/X and Instagram.
- A short covering letter (max 300 words) explaining why you're a good fit and how you'd benefit from the internship.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Step 1: Revise Your CV to Match the Role
Your CV is your first impression. Tailor it to highlight climate-related coursework, writing samples, and any experience with data or visuals. Use bullet points to show how your background aligns with Carbon Brief's work—for example, if you've written about carbon offsets or climate migration, mention it. Keep it to two pages maximum and ensure formatting is clean and professional. Save as a PDF named YourName_CV.pdf.
Step 2: Write a Focused Covering Letter
Draft a covering letter of no more than 300 words. Start with a strong opening that states your enthusiasm for climate journalism and Carbon Brief's award-winning analysis. Then, in one paragraph, explain why you're a good fit—refer to your skills (e.g., research, writing, social media) and how they match the job description. In a second paragraph, describe how you would benefit: mention specific skills you hope to gain, such as producing data visualizations or learning to write for a global audience. End with a call to action: express your readiness to contribute and your availability for the July dates.
Step 3: Gather Supporting Materials (Optional but Recommended)
While not explicitly required, adding links to your online portfolio, blog, or social media accounts can strengthen your application. If you have published articles or infographics, include them in a separate document or as a link in your CV. Carbon Brief values multimedia skills, so a sample of your visual work (even a simple chart) could set you apart.
Step 4: Double-Check the Details
Before submitting, verify that you meet all particulars:
- Location: You must be able to work in a hybrid format, spending some days at Carbon Brief's office near London Bridge (central London) and others remotely.
- Hours: 9am–5pm, Monday–Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.
- Duration: 13–31 July (three weeks).
- Salary: London Living Wage (£14.80/hour) plus £100 travel expenses.
- Reporting line: You'll report to Associate Editor Daisy Dunne.
If you have any conflicts (e.g., other jobs, exams), resolve them now. The internship is intensive and requires full commitment.
Step 5: Prepare Your Application Package
Combine your CV and covering letter into a single email (or attach them separately as PDF files). In the email body, write a brief, polite message: introduce yourself, state the position you're applying for, and attach the documents. Use a clear subject line like “Application: Summer Journalism Internship – [Your Name]”. If you have links to online samples, include them in the email or in a separate document.
Step 6: Submit Before the Deadline
Send your application to the address provided (the original text doesn't specify an email, but presume it goes to careers@carbonbrief.org or similar—if applying, check Carbon Brief's website for the exact email). Do not wait until the last minute – allow a day or two for any technical issues. After submission, you may receive an automated acknowledgment. If not, follow up politely after one week if you haven't heard anything.
Tips for Success
- Show your curiosity: In your covering letter, mention a recent Carbon Brief article you found insightful and explain how you'd contribute to similar coverage.
- Emphasize adaptability: Highlight your ability to work both independently and collaboratively, as the internship involves shadowing different team members (journalists, visual specialists, social media staff).
- Practice your writing voice: Carbon Brief values clear, accessible language. If you can, include a short sample (e.g., a 200-word explainer on a climate term).
- Network smartly: Follow Carbon Brief on social media and engage with their content before applying. This shows genuine interest.
- Be precise: Double-check spelling and grammar. A typo in a journalism application can be a red flag.
- Prepare for an interview: If shortlisted, you might be asked about your writing process or how you'd handle a controversial climate topic. Think through examples.
- Read the fine print: The internship is paid at London Living Wage—this is a strong benefit. Use it to justify your interest if asked about compensation.
By following these steps, you'll present yourself as a well-prepared, passionate candidate ready to dive into the world of climate journalism. Good luck!