Transforming Internships: Bridging the Gap for Marginalized Students

Leveling the Playing Field for Interns

Wendy Sloane highlights the pressing issue of barriers faced by marginalized groups when seeking internships. The Sutton Trust's call for paid internships lasting four weeks or longer aims to address the social mobility gap. However, many internships are often secured through industry contacts, making it difficult for those without connections.

Sloane, an associate professor in journalism at London Metropolitan University, has founded the London Met Journalism Diversity Network. This initiative is designed to help students from marginalized backgrounds gain access to valuable opportunities, expand their professional networks, and enhance their graduate outcomes.

Through this network, about 50% of second-year journalism students now secure placements with prestigious organizations like the BBC, Sky News, Sky Sports, and magazines such as Marie Claire and Grazia. These placements, which occur over two weeks during the academic year, lessen the necessity for paid internships. Many students have already achieved graduate positions thanks to these opportunities. Sloane expresses hope that one day, the network will no longer be needed, signaling a shift toward greater equity in internship opportunities.