Inspiring the next generation of journalists: meet our summer newsroom interns

We are proud to support many young people with their career journeys, and right now 11 interns are working at Reach hubs across the country, including the Manchester Evening News and the Liverpool Echo, as well as national titles like the Mirror and the Express, or focusing on their audiovisual and video skills with Reach Studio.

Here’s what six of our interns had to say about their internships so far, and the unique insight they are getting into the world of journalism.

The Mirror - Ugochi Benjamin

Ugochi is an A-Level student from Tottenham, London, interested in health, world affairs and marginalised communities.

“It was super exciting to get involved in the coverage for the Euros 2024. I was sent over to Bukayo Saka’s old childhood home where I spoke to neighbours to gain an insight on what the footballer was like growing up.?

I spoke professionally on camera for the first time and was able to improvise and speak confidently which was an amazing experience. I’ve also enjoyed pitching my own story idea, which involved me interviewing young creatives who have used their art to bring about social change on issues like housing and crime and challenge the government.”

ChronicleLive, Newcastle - Emily Gray

Emily is an English Literature and History graduate from Whitley Bay, interested in women’s health journalism.

“I am really enjoying my placement so far: covering the general election in Northumberland, reviewing theatre trips and visiting the local Newcastle hoppings. I'm so grateful for this opportunity, initially coming from a non-journalist background, I have already gained new skills and grown my confidence massively.?

It was great to see my name in the paper for the first time, and my article on Lost Voice guy inspiring young adults with disabilities to take on the Great North Run was featured in the Reach weekly round up. However, I am most proud of attending the Women’s Health Innovation Conference 2024, meeting so many inspiring individuals and organisations who I featured across a couple articles, including a hairdresser who founded her own wig company after being diagnosed with breast cancer.?

Writing about women's health is a topic close to my heart, so I am keen to be able to pursue this further.”

BirminghamLive - Zainab Haji

Zainab is an International Relations and Arabic student at the University of St Andrews interested in political journalism.

“I have loved working in the Birmingham newsroom this past month, learning from talented reporters across a range of areas. One of my highlights so far has been covering the general election overnight at the city’s vote count, bringing in results from eight different constituencies.

I’ve also enjoyed speaking with local communities. The other week I reported on how councillors have ignored residents' complaints of unsanitary living conditions in council properties for years. Earlier, I wrote a feature on an inner city initiative that uses gardening to support those passing through difficult times.?

I’ve had a great experience and am looking forward to the weeks ahead.”

Manchester Evening News - Alfie Mulligan

Alfie is a journalism student from Salford.

“So far my experience at the Manchester Evening News has been unbelievable, having the opportunity to work alongside so many fantastic reporters, who have taught me so many essential lessons for my development in the newsroom. Having the chance to pick the brains of editors and senior reporters has been a great chance to develop and advance my skills further than I could have imagined.?

There have been so many memorable moments, from going with Reporter Chris Slater to the election count of Ashton-under-Lyne, Staylbridge and Hyde, where I saw Angela Rayner win her seat and become Deputy Prime Minister. The experience gave me a real and true insight into election coverage, and is something that will last with me forever.?

Another story that will stick with me, is a story myself and Reporter Neal Keeling worked on, where an eight-year-old girl's quick thinking stopped her Nana from having life-changing surger y. The opportunity to meet her, her school teachers, and family to discuss the taught lesson was mind-blowing and seeing how emotional and proud the family were was really heartwarming.”

NottinghamshireLive - George Palmer-Soady

George is a journalism student at Nottingham Trent University, and music editor for student publication Platform Magazine. He is particularly interested in political journalism.

“I’m now just over halfway into my internship at NottinghamshireLive, and so far, it’s been such an eye-opening and brilliant experience. I’ve been given the opportunity to work on so many different stories and projects, from reporting on the ground and live blogging at police scenes to door-knocking and vox-popping across local communities and covering a historic count in Rushcliffe on the night of the General Election . The stories that I’m most proud of are those where I’ve spoken to members of often underrepresented communities about their experiences. Speaking to the local refugee community about their experiences within the UK , and being told by the CEO of a local disability support charity that, due to council cuts, disabled people across the city were being pushed “to the bottom of the pile" was more eye-opening than I could have ever imagined.?

I’m looking forward to continuing to cover so many interesting stories and people across the city while learning invaluable experiences and gaining new skills. While I’ve definitely made mistakes during my internship, it feels like every day I’m becoming a better journalist because of it.”

Reach Studio - Molly Wilkinson

Molly was previously Features Editor of the Manchester Tab, and is passionate about visual storytelling and social media.

“I am interning with Reach’s Creative Studio in Canary Wharf and within my first month I have had the opportunity and support to work on lots of different and engaging projects.?

A particular highlight for me was working overnight for the General Election. I was helping to create videos for the MirrorPolitics TikTok account - which was named by Press Gazette as “winning” the first TikTok election! I wasn’t old enough to vote in the 2019 election so the opportunity to be in the Mirror’s newsroom when the results were announced was incredibly exciting. Witnessing world-class journalists report live on the results gave me unrivalled access to Reach’s commitment to fast, accurate and informative reporting.?

I have also been assisting on The Division Bell podcast , co-hosted by The Mirror’s John Stevens and The Express’ Sam Lister. Learning about the work that goes into creating a podcast has been invaluable, from the research and planning to watching it being recorded.?

My keen interest in social media and digital reporting has been nurtured by the Creative Studio. I have also been trusted to make vox pops about the Euros Final result, and content for Hear Me Out and Curiously . I can’t wait to continue learning throughout my internship.”