2026 Fall College Sports Intern

  The Columbus Dispatch is seeking a fall intern to produce multi-platform content about Ohio State football, the Buckeye State’s annual fall obsession.   This journalist must produce engaging video and social content for Dispatch.com and social media channels that serve local and national audience interests. Duties will include appearing on our YouTube channel, taking part in podcasts, vertical videos and writing text stories.    Our goal is to capture the moments that matter most on and off the field, in ways that resonate with fans, families, and communities.    This position requires schedule flexibility to cover a Division I college football team based, including nights and weekends.    The position is based in our Columbus Dispatch newsroom, part of the USA TODAY Network.   Responsibilities:     Film and edit short-form video content for TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and more   Craft written stories and profiles. Create thumb-stopping content with strong hooks, pacing, and captions   Stay up to date on social trends, audio, and formats and suggest ways we can use them authentically   Capture on-camera moments including interviews, quick player spotlights, and fun facility recaps Create short-form videos for TikTok, Instagram, and other social platforms that align with USA TODAY brand standards   Capture authentic moments at games, practices and community settings Produce creative, scroll-stopping clips that can be shared or promoted across USA TODAY network.    Requirements:     A college journalism student or graduate. Passionate about creating content on any platform, including video that tells a story in 60–90 seconds and strong written storytelling. Confident filming on your phone and editing short-form video directly on your phone. Comfortable being on camera and/or coaching others to be great on camera. Understand what performs on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts and how to create content that fits each platform. Organized, reliable, and able to work independently once trained. Able to work a flexible schedule. This position may require the ability to reliably travel to off-site assignments. Candidates must have consistent and dependable means of transportation to all assigned locations. While possession of a valid driver’s license, access to a personal vehicle, and maintenance of at least the minimum liability insurance required by state law are preferred, they are not required. Candidates who do not possess a valid driver’s license are responsible for securing and maintaining reliable alternative transportation that enables them to meet all scheduling and attendance expectations.     Application Instructions:    We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:  A written or video cover letter detailing why you’re the right person for the job, your career ambitions and your favorite sports memory. If you do not include a cover letter, you will not be considered.      Links to any online samples of digital storytelling (written or video). Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.      It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.