News reporting • Data/graphics • WSJ Opinion • Market data • Product/strategy • Analytics — what to expect, how to apply, and how to stand out
United States • Media/Markets • ~10–12 weeks (varies by desk/location)
This is your complete playbook for a competitive Dow Jones internship. You’ll learn the core tracks, a realistic timeline, how to assemble a clips/portfolio that survives editorial scrutiny, and how to navigate standards & ethics, interviews, and newsroom tools. Use this checklist-driven guide to move from curious applicant to confident hire.
Quick snapshot (what strong candidates show)
Your application proves…
- Crisp writing with clean ledes and verified facts.
- Numbers fluency (earnings, inflation, jobs, simple ratios) and clear charts.
- Ethical judgment with transparent sourcing and attribution.
What you’ll gain
- Hands-on newsroom experience: pitches, edits, deadlines, and collaboration with editors.
- Business literacy: reading filings, market drivers, beats and audience insights.
- Portfolio assets: bylines, visuals, explainers and data-driven briefs (as allowed).
Important: Titles, desks and pay vary by season; always follow the current official posting for specifics.
Tracks & responsibilities (typical)
News Reporting
Markets Companies Economy
Pitch, report, verify and file concise copy; develop sources; cover beats with context and standards.
Data/Graphics
Charts Explain Interactives
Acquire and clean data; design accessible visuals; annotate methods; write short explainers.
WSJ Opinion (selective)
Editing Fact-check Op-Ed
Research, vet facts and assist with edits; observe style and rigorous argument standards.
Market Data/Newswires
Earnings Filings Alerts
Parse filings quickly, write alerts, assemble briefs and maintain accuracy under time pressure.
Product/Strategy
Audience Packaging Growth
Test headlines, modules and formats; analyze engagement; draft specs with editorial partners.
Analytics
Metrics A/B Retention
Build dashboards, analyze funnels and collaborate with desks to inform coverage and presentation.
Pay & expectations (typical ranges)
| Track | Duration | Typical Pay (hourly) | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| News Reporting | 10–12 weeks | $20–$28+ | Daily briefs, quick turnarounds, source development and rigorous edits. |
| Data/Graphics | 10–12 weeks | $22–$32+ | Clean datasets, reproducible charts, visual explainers with clear notes. |
| Market Data/Newswires | 10–12 weeks | $20–$30+ | Filings, alerts, corporate actions; speed with accuracy under deadline. |
| Product/Strategy/Analytics | 10–12 weeks | $22–$34+ | Experiments, dashboards, packaging tests and insights for desks. |
Ranges vary by location and season. Always confirm details in the official posting.
Timeline (2025→2026 cycle)
| Month | Focus | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| Aug–Sep 2025 | Prep & shortlist | Update resume/portfolio; select 3 clips (or 2 clips + 1 chart); draft 8 pitches. |
| Sep–Dec 2025 | Applications | Apply weekly; tailor answers; collect references; respond fast to edit/data tests. |
| Jan–Mar 2026 | Interviews | Behavioral + desk exercises: writing tests, data cleaning, chart critiques. |
| Apr 2026 | Offers | Clarify desk, editor, schedule, hybrid/remote expectations and pay paperwork. |
| May–Jun 2026 | Onboarding | Tool access, ethics/training, CMS basics, style/format refreshers. |
| Jun–Aug 2026 | Internship | Weekly goals, mid-point review, final package, permissions for portfolio use. |
How to apply (step-by-step)
- Pick two tracks (e.g., Reporting + Data). Depth beats scattergun.
- Results-first resume: 6–8 bullets that end with outcomes (scoops, time-to-publish, CTR, unique views, chart engagement).
- Clips/portfolio: 3–5 pieces with one-line context: role, action, and result.
- Pitch pack: 6–8 story ideas using logline → angle → why-now → sources → suggested visuals.
- Warm intros: reach out to alumni/editors with one highlight link and a short ask for advice.
- Apply weekly (5–8 tailored submissions). Track stages and follow-ups in a single sheet.
- Practice tests: write 250–300 word briefs from sample filings; recreate a chart from a tidy CSV.
- Offer choice: pick desk + mentor + growth over brand alone.
Clips/portfolio that work (templates)
Reporting clip (template)
- Clean lede, supported by one concrete number.
- Two verified quotes or paraphrases with context.
- One chart/graphic that improves comprehension.
Data/graphics clip (template)
- Dataset source + method note (one line).
- Accessible chart (alt text + highlight takeaway).
- Short explainer (120–180 words) with an explicit caveat/limitation.
Data & graphics basics (fast checklist)
- Reproducible steps (CSV in, code/notes out). Keep a methods snippet.
- Use chart types that match your question (trend = line, distribution = histogram, parts = stacked bars, ranking = bars).
- Label directly; avoid clutter; ensure color contrast for accessibility.
- Always show units and date ranges; annotate anomalies.
Standards & ethics (non-negotiables)
- Verify with two or more credible sources; check primary docs where possible.
- Attribute clearly; avoid plagiarism and composite quotes.
- Conflicts & corrections: disclose, recuse if needed, and correct promptly.
- Data hygiene: cite sources, note limitations, and avoid manipulative axes or cherry-picked windows.
Interview prep (behavioral + skills)
Behavioral
- Six STAR stories: scoop, deadline crunch, correction handled well, difficult source, team conflict, ethics call.
- 60–90 sec answers; end with impact and one improvement you’d make next time.
- Bring a one-page leave-behind with links to your best work.
Skills
- Writing test: 250–300 word brief from an SEC filing; tight, accurate, and well-sourced.
- Chart critique: explain what’s unclear and propose a better design.
- Data task: fix a messy CSV; describe steps taken; show before/after.
Hybrid/remote tips
- Daily status note in the team channel (yesterday → today → blockers) with links to WIP.
- Mid-week sync + Friday demo (screenshare edits or charts).
- Keep a decision log for assumptions, edits and approvals.
International applicants (visa notes)
U.S. internships can use F-1 CPT/OPT (during/after study) or J-1 categories depending on school/employer. Confirm with your international office and the employer’s HR. Follow rules on hours, location and remote arrangements.
FAQs
Is the internship paid?
Many desks are paid; confirm compensation and eligibility in the current posting.
Do I need prior business reporting experience?
No—but you must demonstrate curiosity about markets, comfort with numbers and clean, accurate writing.
How many applications should I submit?
Plan for 20–30 targeted submissions over 8–10 weeks, with weekly networking and practice.
Can I publish work from the internship?
Only with written permission. Keep personal copies of publicly released pieces and obtain approval before posting.
• Program details change each year. Always verify on the official internship page.