Application Guide

How to Apply for Diverse Voices in Science Journalism Intern

at American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)

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

The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) is the world's largest general scientific society and publisher of the prestigious Science family of journals. Working at AAAS means contributing to their mission of advancing science, engineering, and innovation throughout the world for the benefit of all people, with a particular focus on their Science Journalism Program's efforts to diversify media representation.

About This Role

This internship focuses on actively supporting AAAS's initiatives to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in science journalism through research, outreach, and event coordination. You'll work directly with the Science Journalism Program team to identify underrepresented voices and help create platforms that amplify them, making a tangible impact on who tells science stories.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by researching diverse science journalists for an upcoming panel, then draft social media posts promoting a workshop on inclusive science storytelling. In the afternoon, you could attend a team meeting to plan outreach strategies and later analyze survey data from a recent DEI event to identify areas for improvement.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

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

  • A journalism/communications student with demonstrated research skills, able to analyze DEI trends in media and identify diverse science journalists.
  • Someone with hands-on social media experience who can create engaging content about science journalism diversity initiatives.
  • A collaborative self-starter who can manage multiple projects like event planning and outreach while meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
  • A candidate with genuine interest or experience in both science communication and DEI work, not just one or the other.

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

1

Quantify any past research experience—mention specific projects where you analyzed data or trends, especially related to media diversity or science communication.

2

Include links to a portfolio showing science writing samples AND any social media campaigns you've managed, even for student organizations.

3

Explicitly connect your background to AAAS's Science Journalism Program—mention specific initiatives like their workshops or the 'Diverse Voices in Science Journalism' effort by name.

4

If you have science journalism experience, highlight specific stories you've covered and the diverse sources you included.

5

Tailor your resume to use keywords from the job description like 'outreach,' 'event planning,' and 'DEI initiatives' while providing concrete examples.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your understanding of the specific challenges in diversifying science journalism and why AAAS's program is well-positioned to address them.", 'Concrete examples of your research, writing, or outreach skills applied to either science topics or DEI initiatives.', 'How your background (personal, academic, or professional) informs your commitment to increasing diverse voices in science media.', "Specific ideas for how you might contribute to their social media content or event planning based on AAAS's existing programs."]

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Explore the Science Journalism Program's website, noting their past workshops, fellowships, and published articles on diversity in science media.
  • → Read recent issues of Science magazine or Science News to understand their journalistic style and identify areas where diverse voices could be amplified.
  • → Investigate AAAS's broader DEI initiatives beyond journalism, such as their SEA Change program or annual meeting diversity efforts.
  • → Look up the team members in the Science Journalism Program on LinkedIn or AAAS's site to understand their backgrounds and current projects.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a time you identified and engaged with a diverse source or community for a journalism or research project.
2 How would you approach researching underrepresented science journalists in a specific geographic region or scientific field?
3 What metrics would you propose to measure the success of a DEI initiative in science journalism?
4 How do you stay informed about current issues in both science journalism and diversity, equity, and inclusion?
5 Walk us through how you would plan a virtual workshop for aspiring science journalists from underrepresented backgrounds.
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting generic application materials that don't mention AAAS, science journalism, or DEI specifically.
  • Focusing only on your passion for science without demonstrating journalism/communication skills or DEI knowledge.
  • Overlooking the program management aspects—failing to highlight organizational skills or event planning experience.

📅 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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