As journalism students, we all want pretty much the same thing: to get published. Getting a piece published in, say, The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal, probably won’t happen right off the bat, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start building your portfolio.
Here are 9 publications that college students can write for to start getting hands-on experience.
1. ROOSTERGNN Global News Network (RGNN.org)
ROOSTERGNN Global News Network is where I got my start as a contributor, and now I will be attending their Internship & Mentoring Program in summer 2019. Contributors can write from any location; it’s a great way for young journalists to get experience in news and content writing. You can apply here to get published as a contributor. Weekly contributors even get access to benefits such as press accreditations, which is awesome! As for the Internship & Mentoring Programs, head over to ROOSTERGNN Academy to find out more, you’ll be able to engage with and learn from some of the most successful journalists throughout the world.
2. Her Campus
Founded in 2009, Her Campus has become the leading publication for college women. The digital platform focuses on empowering college women, and has chapters in numerous colleges throughout the U.S. and globally. You can apply to write for Her Campus here. The website also has a useful job board where you can find further opportunities, including jobs that are not specifically in journalism but might be of interest to you.
3. College Fashionista
Have you ever dreamed of becoming a fashion or beauty influencer? Then you better check out College Fashionista. Founded by Amy Levin Klein out of her college dorm, College Fashionista has since been acquired by Clique Media, the company also behind brands such as Who What Wear. As a community member, you can write for the website, create content for their cool Instagram feed, and more. They also offer Editorial and Communications Fellowships. To apply, click here.
4. Society19
From travel to health to career writing, Society 19 has a variety of sections you can write for. Similar to Her Campus, they also have categories specifically for articles written about a certain school. So you can browse the archives and see that cafeteria food you should be having at your school, or apply yourself to write precisely those articles. Click here to apply.
5. The Intern 24/7
The Intern 24/7 was started by Hannah Rafter with the aim ofoffering a plaftorm for those who have done, or are currently completing, internships, specifically in the fashion industry. It shares the goods and the bads of the internships to focus on real-life expectations. So if you are thinking about a possible internship in the future check out The Intern 24/7. And if you’d like to write for them, apply here.
6. Spoon University
To all foodies out there – have you been looking for a place to practice your food writing skills? Then Spoon University is the best place for you! With chapters at numerous U.S. universities, Spoon University not only helps students to improve their eating habits, but by writing for the site, you can also help others to do so. The website is not available in all countries, so you must have a U.S. IP address to apply and open the site.
7. The Odyssey Online
The Odyssey allows content creators to engage in communities, be it by school or area of interest. It focuses on long-form articles and videos that help address pressing issues within a community. You can apply to create content here.
8. The Tab
Based out of London, The Tab offers student journalists the opportunity to focus on what matters to them, be it local, national or international issues. Former Tab editors are working for the BBC, the Guardian, TIME, VICE, NBC, BuzzFeed, Bloomberg and The Times. You can apply to write for The Tab here.
9. Your campus newspaper
Don’t forget to look at what is in front of you. Most U.S. schools will have a strong campus newspaper, as well as specialized publications in, say, literature, travel writing, poetry, law, etc. Writing for your school newspaper will give you an inside look at a potential newsroom, working in a hierarchy, applying to become an editor, etc. Check it out, there’s no reason you cannot write for more than one outlet at your school!