Internship Duration
10 weeks
Internship Description
The DLC is looking for participants for our Summer 2022 Communications Internship. The Communications Internship provides an opportunity to learn about all facets of the Duke Lemur Center, as well as to hone writing and design skills and — as a final project — to develop a portfolio-worthy publication with guidance from the DLC’s Director of Communications. The internship also includes tasks ranging from photography and design to marketing, blogging, and social media.
Highly creative, artistic, driven individuals with an aptitude for writing and design are perfect candidates for this position. A solid grasp of documentary photography and the principals and elements of design is highly desired. Design experience, including familiarity with the Adobe Creative Suite, is a plus. Applicants should possess a strong desire to learn, an openness to receiving and responding to feedback and creative direction, and an ability to work independently with minimal supervision. The intern is expected to provide his or her own laptop and digital camera with lens/lenses.
The Communications Internship requires a consecutive 10-week commitment starting Tuesday, May 31st and ending Saturday, August 6th, 2022. The internship requires 20 hours a week. Work hours will be 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Tuesday-Friday.
Interns will be required to present their final project as part of a DLC Intern Symposium on Saturday, August 6th, 2022.
FINAL PROJECT: Working closely with the Director of Communications, the Communications Intern will assist in the creation of a full-color printed magazine showcasing the history and three-pronged mission (research, education, conservation) of the Duke Lemur Center. In doing so, the intern will consult with various departments, shadow and interview staff, write articles in an appropriate style, gather images, create illustrations or infographics, and assist with editing. This is an excellent opportunity to build self-confidence, practice project management, and hone writing and design skills while producing a final project worthy of a professional portfolio. Past issues of the DLC magazines can be viewed at lemur.duke.edu/magazine.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Internship responsibilities may vary based on the interests and professional goals of the selected intern. Possibilities include, but are not limited to, the following–
-Researching stories, including online research and interviewing and shadowing DLC staff
-Assisting with electronic newsletters, including planning, research, writing, photography, and layout/design
-Producing short, compelling videos to better tell the DLC story (concept development, scripting, storyboards, filming, post-production/editing)
-Writing, publishing, and sharing engaging content on the DLC website and blog
-Designing flyers, graphics, webpages, and other marketing materials for special events, tours, and general brand awareness
If the intern desires, the Director of Communications will assist him or her with creating a professional website to showcase the intern’s photographs, articles, and other projects (digital portfolio).
APPLICATION: In addition to the application and letters of reference, applicants should submit a digital portfolio of relevant work (photos, design, etc. – maximum of 10 pieces) and two writing samples.
Ideally, at least one writing sample should demonstrate the applicant’s ability to research a topic, then pull everything together into a coherent and engaging narrative for the general (non-scientific) public; for example, a research-based blog post or newspaper article.
Digital portfolios should be sent either (1) via link to the applicant’s personal website; (2) via link to a dedicated Dropbox folder; or (3) by attaching a single PDF file. If submitting via Dropbox, all images must be in JPEG format with a maximum file size of 3.0 MB per image. If submitting a selection of your work via PDF, we suggest a couple of pages totaling no more than 2 MB.
REQUIREMENTS: Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. Applicants must either be currently attending college or graduated within the last three years. Applicants must have the ability to understand and follow written and oral instruction and have effective communication and interpersonal skills. Applicants must be able to lift 30 pounds.
This is an unpaid internship, though there are a limited number of paid positions available. See the internship website for the supplemental application materials required to be considered for one of those positions. Housing and transportation are not provided. Interns must have their own transportation to the DLC. Proof of current health insurance is required. Proof of full COVID-19 vaccination (including a booster), a current negative TB test, documentation of two doses of the measles vaccine (or MMR or measles titer), and health insurance is required.
Applications will be accepted through March 4th, 2022. Applications received after the deadline will not be considered. A current resume, two letters of recommendation, writing samples, and your portfolio must be received by the deadline for an application to be complete. The application allows you to list the contact information for two references. The listed contacts should send letters of reference directly to the Student Program Coordinator, Erin Hecht (DLCinternships@duke.edu). The applicant should also send their resume and other application materials to DLCinternships@duke.edu.
Supervisor / Hire Name
Erin Hecht
Supervisor / Hire Email
erin.hecht@duke.edu
Supervisor / Hire Phone Number
9194011561
Application Deadline
3/4/2022
Application Process
Application Process (ONLY use if application is not ONLINE)
See https://lemur.duke.edu/internships/ for more details about the application requirements.
Internship Type
Both Unpaid & Paid