Application Guide

How to Apply for Digital Storytelling Intern

at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

🏢 About American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

AAAS is the world's largest general scientific society with a mission to advance science for the benefit of all people, not just specialized researchers. What makes AAAS unique is its dual focus on scientific excellence and public engagement, publishing the prestigious journal Science while also running major science communication initiatives. Working here offers the chance to contribute to science's societal impact at an organization that bridges the gap between researchers and the public.

About This Role

As a Digital Storytelling Intern at AAAS, you'll create engaging digital content that translates complex scientific advancements into accessible stories about their real-world impact. This role is impactful because you'll help shape how the public understands science at a time when accurate science communication is critically important. You'll work across multimedia platforms to support AAAS's mission of making science accessible to everyone.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might involve researching recent scientific studies from Science magazine to identify compelling stories, then creating multimedia content (such as short videos, social media posts, or blog articles) that explains the research and its societal implications. You'd collaborate with the communications team to refine stories for different platforms and track engagement metrics to understand what resonates with AAAS's diverse audience.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Is Looking For

  • Has demonstrable experience creating digital content (blogs, videos, social media posts, or podcasts) about scientific topics for non-expert audiences
  • Can show examples of translating complex information into engaging, accessible narratives using multimedia formats
  • Demonstrates understanding of both scientific concepts and digital storytelling techniques through their portfolio
  • Shows genuine passion for science communication and AAAS's mission of advancing science for public benefit

📝 Tips for Applying to American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

1

Create a portfolio link showcasing 2-3 science communication pieces you've created (even if class projects) that demonstrate your ability to make complex topics engaging

2

In your resume, quantify your digital content impact where possible (e.g., 'Created science explainer video that reached 5,000 views' or 'Wrote blog post that increased engagement by 30%')

3

Research and reference specific AAAS science communication initiatives like Science News, EurekAlert!, or their public engagement programs in your application

4

Demonstrate your understanding of AAAS's audience by tailoring your writing samples to their style - accessible but scientifically accurate

5

Highlight any experience with multimedia tools (video editing, graphic design, podcast production) that would help create stories across platforms

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your specific interest in AAAS's mission to advance science for public benefit, not just general science communication", "Examples of how you've previously made scientific concepts accessible and engaging through digital storytelling", "Your understanding of AAAS's role as both a scientific society and public communicator of science", 'How your skills in multimedia content creation align with their need for stories across various platforms']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore AAAS's major communication platforms: Science magazine, EurekAlert! science news service, and their social media channels to understand their tone and style
  • → Review recent AAAS public engagement initiatives like the annual meeting, Science & Technology Policy Fellowships, or public outreach programs
  • → Study how AAAS covers controversial scientific topics to understand their approach to balanced science communication
  • → Look at the types of multimedia content AAAS currently produces and identify gaps or opportunities you could address

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk us through how you would approach creating a digital story about a recent scientific breakthrough published in Science magazine
2 How do you balance scientific accuracy with engaging storytelling when communicating complex topics to the public?
3 What AAAS science communication initiatives are you familiar with, and how would you contribute to them?
4 Show us a piece of science communication you created and explain your creative process and audience considerations
5 How would you measure the success of a digital storytelling campaign about climate change research?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic science writing samples without demonstrating digital/multimedia storytelling skills
  • Focusing only on scientific expertise without showing ability to communicate to non-expert audiences
  • Not tailoring your application to AAAS's specific mission and existing science communication work
  • Using overly technical language in application materials that doesn't demonstrate your ability to simplify complex concepts

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)!

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