Deutsche Welle's Journalism Traineeship: International, Hands-On and Challenging

Around 2,000 people apply for Deutsche Welle’s journalism traineeship each year. Only twelve are selected. From day one, the aspiring journalists work in international newsrooms alongside colleagues from around the world. They learn how to report on global issues for an international audience in a clear and accessible way.

Every year, around 2,000 people apply for the program. Only twelve are accepted. The group is deliberately international in composition. The trainees often come from different countries and speak a variety of native languages. According to Ramón García-Ziemsen, head of journalism training at Deutsche Welle, participants regularly include people from countries such as Israel, Ghana, and China. German applicants make up only a small portion of the group.

Learning Through Practice Rather Than Theory

The internship lasts 18 months and combines practical work in the newsrooms with various training modules. Unlike many traditional training programs, the focus is not on theory. “Always do first, then understand” is the guiding principle. On their very first day, the new interns are given a hands-on assignment: Without a cell phone, they must find a relevant story in the city, get someone to agree to be interviewed for it, and present their findings.

Learning by doing continues to be the focus in the months that follow. Trainees rotate through various editorial departments, including news, specialty, and language desks. They also receive training in interviewing, data journalism, podcast production, camera work, and dealing with traumatic events in journalism. Even acting and physical training are part of the program to help trainees gain confidence in front of the camera and overcome personal inhibitions.

Experience at Home and Abroad

A key component of the internship program is the overseas placements. All participants spend time at Deutsche Welle’s international locations. This allows them to gain experience in diverse journalistic and cultural contexts. Topics range from health and sustainability to international political developments.

Who Can Apply

For Deutsche Welle, prior journalistic experience is not the only deciding factor in the selection of applicants. People with unconventional backgrounds also have a chance. Past cohorts have included, among others, a doctor and a forester. We are looking for people who bring their own perspectives and can contribute something the editorial team hasn’t had so far. Teamwork, empathy, creativity, and the ability to listen play an important role here.

The application process is considered demanding, however. In addition to the usual documents, applicants must answer questions and submit a video. According to García-Ziemsen, the cover letter in particular should not simply repeat the resume but should highlight the applicant’s individual motivation and personality.

Opportunities and Challenges

Despite the many opportunities, the program also presents challenges. The workload is heavy, and the intensive training demands a lot from the trainees. Due to Deutsche Welle’s international focus, some also find that their contributions receive less attention in their own local communities, as they are aimed at a global audience. At the same time, many trainees see this very aspect as an important learning experience. Mistakes are expressly allowed and even encouraged, García-Ziemsen emphasizes. What matters most is the willingness to step outside one’s comfort zone and try new things.

Good Career Prospects After Graduation

Those who successfully complete the internship program have good career prospects. A distinctive feature of the program is its high retention rate: Deutsche Welle trains interns specifically to meet its own needs. According to García-Ziemsen, most graduates from previous cohorts are still employed by the company.

The Deutsche Welle internship program is therefore aimed at people for whom journalism is more than just working with media. It requires curiosity, openness, and a desire to cover socially relevant topics for an international audience. To this end, the program offers not only journalistic skills but also the opportunity to get to know people, cultures, and perspectives from all over the world.

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