Inside The National’s Graduate Programme: Read our blog

By Laura Koot, Managing Editor at The National

Thirty years ago, when I knew I wanted to be a journalist, I spent years clawing my way into newsrooms for work experience and internships, planting myself in front of opportunities, fetching coffee, volunteering to work the worst shifts and doing whatever was necessary to leech instruction from the seasoned writers and editors I had the privilege of working near.

My path of perseverance allowed me to be exposed to most of the jobs and sections of the newspaper, doing everything from writing news, features and commentary; copy editing; headline writing; designing and building pages; and learning the hard way that you never, ever shrink the crossword puzzle.

I maintain that this exposure to all the moving parts of the news operation so early in my professional life provided me with the foundation to carve out a fulfilling and exciting career.

The National’s Graduate Programme aims to take this ethos and deliver a specialised opportunity for three recent graduates from UAE-based universities to benefit from a six-month position that provides a 360-degree understanding of the news organisation. Through strong mentorship, hands-on practice of the craft, strict goals to deliver work and practical placements tailored to skills and interests, our graduates conclude their tenure with an excellent portfolio of work.

With only three spots available, the candidates endure a rigorous selection process that involves pitching stories, interviews with senior editors and a news writing test.

And then we put them straight to work.

Currently, we are hosting Eiman Alblooshi, Rana Afifi and Ahmed Almansoori.

And who better to tell you all about what it is like to participate in this programme and work at The National than these fine new journalists? You can read all about their personal experiences at The National by visiting their blog.

We will be launching a new application process for the programme in the spring. If you have graduated from a UAE institution in the past two years and are keen to apply, send an email noting your interest to: [email protected]

When the application criteria and deadlines are decided for the 2024 cycle we will share them with you.