freedomforum.org: What I learned during my internship

What I learned during my internship

By Tracie Hunte
2002 Chips Quinn Scholar

08.02.02

During my internship, I learned ...

To always write the best story you can. Even if you think it’s a bad idea, the important thing is that your editor doesn’t. So shut up and write.
To talk to the reporters around you. You’d be surprised how much they are willing to help you.
To 'fess up to mistakes before your readers can point them out. There's nothing worse than a letter to the editor pointing out your mistake.
Not to get upset when every story doesn’t get a compliment. Fishing for compliments is unattractive.
To know your state's open-records laws. They don't call Florida the "Sunshine State" because it's hot. Almost every government document is subject to the "Government in the Sunshine Laws."
To be nice to secretaries. They often are the gatekeepers standing between you and your sources.
Not to underestimate the intelligence of your readers.
Not to always write stories about what you think readers ought to know, but about what they want to know.
To be always thinking of story ideas and, when you think of one, automatically check the archives. Pitching stories that your paper ran three months ago is really embarrassing.
To never put your head on a desk, even if you're just "thinking really hard." Trust me; you look like you're sleeping on the job.

Tracie Hunte, a University of Florida student, was a Chips Quinn Scholar at FLORIDA TODAY in Melbourne in Summer 2002.