Finding Your Beat: Pursuing A Rolling Stone Internship

A spot with Rolling Stone, whether at the main publication or its digital counterpart, RollingStone.com, means immersing yourself in a place that has been the leading voice in music publishing for such a long time. It offers a glimpse into how a major media outlet operates, from crafting engaging content to keeping up with the latest happenings. It’s a pretty big deal, honestly, for anyone looking to make their mark in the media landscape.

This article will walk you through what a Rolling Stone internship might involve, what the organization often looks for in its hopeful applicants, and how you might go about chasing this kind of opportunity. We'll explore the real experiences of those who've been there, giving you a better sense of what to expect, and maybe, just maybe, inspiring you to take the next step yourself. It's truly a journey worth considering.

Table of Contents

• What is a Rolling Stone Internship Like?
  • Daily Life and Responsibilities
  • The Time Commitment
  • A Memorable Experience
• Who Gets a Rolling Stone Internship?
  • What They Look For
  • Former Intern Success Stories
  • The Competitive Landscape
• Finding and Applying for a Rolling Stone Internship
  • Where to Look
  • Making Contact
  • Understanding the Process
• Considering the Compensation
• Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Rolling Stone Internship Like?

Getting a spot as a Rolling Stone internship participant is often seen as a significant stepping stone for many who want to work in media. It’s a chance to really get your hands dirty, so to speak, in the day-to-day workings of a major publication. People who've been through it often describe it as an amazing and memorable experience, truly something they wouldn't trade.

Daily Life and Responsibilities

As an editorial intern at Rolling Stone, you might find yourself working quite closely with managing editors, helping them and others with various tasks. This could mean assisting with research, fact-checking, or perhaps even contributing to stories. One former intern mentioned working under a managing editor about five years ago, which suggests a hands-on, supportive environment. It’s pretty much about learning the ropes directly from seasoned professionals, which is very valuable.

The goal is to immerse yourself completely in the world of entertainment and pop culture. This isn't just a casual observation; it's about being involved every second of every day. You might be helping with press releases, story ideas, or even corrections and news tips by directing information to the tips@rollingstone.com email address. It’s a very dynamic environment, honestly, where things are always moving.

The Time Commitment

The length and intensity of a Rolling Stone internship can vary a bit. For instance, Rollingstone.com typically hires interns to work around 24 hours a week, which usually translates to three full days, or sometimes even more. These positions often last for three to six months. That’s a good chunk of time to really learn and contribute, so it's a rather substantial commitment.

However, there's also a mention of a highly sought-after, competitive position lasting four weeks, particularly in the context of Rolling Stone Middle East. This shorter, intense period might be tied to a specific challenge or competition, where one winner is chosen from various categories after a final submission. It’s a bit different, obviously, but still very much a part of the Rolling Stone experience.

A Memorable Experience

People who have completed a Rolling Stone internship often speak highly of their time there. Testimonials suggest it’s an amazing and truly memorable experience. One person, Lavanya Narayan, a 2012 winner in journalism for Rolling Stone Middle East, stated she wouldn't trade her time there for anything. This kind of feedback really highlights the positive impact these opportunities can have on a person's career path and personal growth. It’s a very rewarding experience, in a way, for those who get to participate.

Who Gets a Rolling Stone Internship?

The question of what Rolling Stone looks for in interns or applicants is a common one. Given the brand's prominence and influence, these positions are, in fact, highly coveted and competitive. It's not just about having a passion for music; it's about showing you have the drive and skills to contribute meaningfully. They are often looking for people who can really step up.

What They Look For

While the specific qualities aren't detailed in my text, the context suggests they value individuals who can work closely with editors, assist with various tasks, and immerse themselves fully in the culture. The anecdote about Jann Wenner, Rolling Stone's founder, granting an internship to a family friend, Ronson, in 1989 after "incessantly begging" hints at persistence and a deep desire to be part of the organization. This shows, arguably, that passion and determination can go a long way, too.

It's also worth noting the broader trends in the industry. Universal Music Group, for example, announced an internship program specifically for students at HBCUs, reflecting an increased focus on diversity. This suggests that major players in the music and entertainment world are looking for a wider range of voices and perspectives, which is a very positive development for many aspiring professionals.

Former Intern Success Stories

A Rolling Stone internship can open doors to many exciting career paths. The text mentions that former interns from "In These Times" have gone on to work at a variety of prominent media outlets, including The Nation, The Huffington Post, The American Prospect, Truthout, BuzzFeed, Salon, International Business Times, and, of course, Rolling Stone itself. This shows a clear track record of interns moving into significant roles within the media industry. It’s pretty much a strong endorsement of the experience gained.

The Competitive Landscape

With such a well-known name, it's no surprise that a Rolling Stone internship is a competitive pursuit. The sheer number of job listings for "Rolling Stone intern" on sites like Indeed.com, or the broader "Rolling Stone jobs" across various platforms, shows just how many people are looking for these opportunities. While the exact numbers can fluctuate daily, the consistent presence of new jobs being added suggests a constant demand and a large pool of applicants. It's a rather busy field, to say the least.

The "highly coveted" description of the four-week position further underscores this competitiveness. It means that standing out is quite important. Applicants often need to leverage their professional network and truly make a strong case for why they are the right fit. It’s a bit like a marathon, in a way, where you need to keep pushing forward.

Finding and Applying for a Rolling Stone Internship

So, if you're feeling inspired to pursue a Rolling Stone internship, knowing where to look and how to approach the application process is key. It's not always a straightforward path, but there are definite steps you can take to increase your chances. It’s about being strategic, basically.

Where to Look

Job boards are, naturally, a primary place to start. The text mentions that you can find Rolling Stone magazine jobs on sites like Indeed.com, with various roles like host/hostess, editor, and senior reporter listed. For internships specifically, a quick search for "Rolling Stone intern jobs" will often yield results on major job platforms. You can also check out entertainment job sites and those that list thousands of other entertainment industry career listings from every major company in film and TV. It’s a very broad search, you know, across many platforms.

It’s also helpful to keep an eye on the official Rolling Stone website or their career sections if they have them. Sometimes, companies list opportunities directly on their own pages before they hit public job boards. This is often a good first stop for serious applicants, too, as a matter of fact.

Making Contact

If you have a press release, a story idea, a correction, or a news tip, the text explicitly states you can contact tips@rollingstone.com to reach the editors of Rolling Stone or Rollingstone.com. While this email is for news-related items, it does show a direct line of communication to the editorial team. For internship inquiries, however, it's usually best to follow official application channels listed on job postings. But knowing this contact point gives a little insight into how they operate, which is quite interesting.

Leveraging your professional network is also highly recommended. The text mentions getting "hired" by using your network, which applies to internships as well. Sometimes, a personal connection or a referral can make a big difference in getting your application noticed. It’s about who you know, sometimes, but also about what you can do, obviously.

Understanding the Process

While the specific steps for applying aren't fully detailed, the mention of "rolling admissions process" for law schools, where applications are evaluated as they come in, might offer a loose analogy. This means that sometimes, getting your application in earlier rather than later could be beneficial. However, for Rolling Stone, you'll need to pay close attention to the specific instructions on each job posting. It’s pretty much about following directions carefully.

Reviews from current and former employees, like those found anonymously on company review sites, can also provide valuable insights into what works well at Rolling Stone. These reviews often cover job experiences, salaries, top office locations, and even CEO insights, which can give you a better feel for the company culture and what they might be looking for in an intern. It’s a very helpful resource, frankly, for those trying to learn more.

Considering the Compensation

When thinking about a Rolling Stone internship, it's natural to wonder about compensation. The text provides a glimpse into this, mentioning a "free inside look at Rolling Stone intern salary trends based on 2 intern salaries wages for 1 jobs at Rolling Stone." These salary details are posted anonymously by employees. This suggests that while some data exists, it might be limited or vary. It's important to be aware that some internships, especially in competitive fields, might be unpaid or offer a stipend rather than a full salary. This is often the case, in fact, for many entry-level media positions.

It’s always a good idea to research typical internship compensation in the media industry and consider what works best for your personal situation. While the experience and networking opportunities are incredibly valuable, understanding the financial aspect is also a very practical consideration. You know, it's about balancing your aspirations with your needs, essentially.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a Rolling Stone intern do?

A Rolling Stone intern, especially in an editorial role, often assists managing editors with various tasks. This can include helping with research, fact-checking, and contributing to story development. They immerse themselves in the world of entertainment and pop culture, potentially helping with press releases or news tips. It’s pretty much a hands-on learning experience, you know, right there in the thick of things.

How competitive is a Rolling Stone internship?

A Rolling Stone internship is considered highly coveted and very competitive. Given Rolling Stone's status as a leading voice in music and popular culture for over 50 years, many aspiring professionals seek these roles. The sheer number of job listings and the positive testimonials from former interns highlight the strong interest and the need for applicants to stand out. It’s a very sought-after position, obviously, so it requires a strong application.

How long do Rolling Stone internships last?

The duration of a Rolling Stone internship can vary. RollingStone.com typically hires interns for three to six months, with a commitment of 24 hours per week (three full days) or more. There's also mention of a highly competitive position, particularly with Rolling Stone Middle East, which lasts for four weeks, potentially as part of a specific challenge or competition. It really depends on the particular program, so it's good to check the details.

To really get a feel for what’s out there in the broader media landscape, you might want to explore opportunities on a leading career site. This could give you a sense of the wider job market, and honestly, help you prepare for a truly rewarding career. You can learn more about media careers on our site, and also find specific music journalism tips here.