The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks talented, ambitious and diverse students and recent graduates from around the world for its 2025 news internship program, with paid positions available in the U.S. and internationally. Applicants may express interest in one or more positions. This internship lasts 20 weeks, beginning June 2, 2025.

As an intern in Tokyo, you will primarily report on general breaking news in all formats, including text, video and photo. You will be expected to work in Japanese and English and produce video using a Sony camera kit and Adobe Premiere Pro.

The AP internship program is a full-time, paid working experience where participants join newsgathering and production colleagues in conceiving and executing our daily all-formats news report. We are seeking strong storytellers who demonstrate solid news judgment and are eager to put what they have learned in an academic environment into professional practice. AP’s internship program also seeks to provide opportunities for journalists from nations other than the U.S. to work for a global news agency in their home countries. Interns will be paired with a mentor/coach who will offer training, support and guidance throughout the program. 

Qualifications: Strong interpersonal, organizational and planning skills are a must, as is a deep interest in the news and current affairs. You should be creative, innovative and agile. Skills in more than one format (text, photo, video, audio and data) are a plus.

We are seeking intern candidates who have demonstrated the potential to work effectively in a deadline-driven, dynamic and competitive newsroom and field environment. AP interns should have experience working in college media, as a freelancer or as an intern for another news organization. You must be a self-starter with the ability to collaborate effectively and inclusively on teams.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use your essay to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Eligibility:

• Applicants must be current full-time students within two years of earning an undergraduate degree (i.e. juniors and seniors), current full-time graduate students or recent graduates (fall semester 2024 and thereafter).
• You must have authorization to work in the country where the position is located for six months in 2025.
•  You should have advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English and Japanese. Professional competency in additional languages is a plus.

Submission materials:

• A resume, which includes details on projected graduation date and/or education status.
• In lieu of a cover letter, please attach the following materials in a single document:
  •  A 300-word personal essay discussing the qualities and accomplishments you would bring to the AP as an intern: Why do you want to work for the AP, and how would this specific internship position align with your career goals?
  • Four to five examples of your best work. Links to an online site of your work are preferred.
  • A reference letter from a prior internship supervisor, media-related employer or faculty adviser on college/university letterhead.
• In addition to the above packet, photo and video journalists should submit a link to an online portfolio.

Application Deadline is December 31, 2024 at 11:59pm EST. 

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.