Application Guide
How to Apply for Intern
at Süddeutsche Zeitung
🏢 About Süddeutsche Zeitung
Süddeutsche Zeitung is one of Germany's most respected and widely read daily newspapers, known for its high-quality journalism, investigative reporting, and digital innovation. Its dynamic digital magazine for young audiences offers a unique space to experiment with new storytelling formats and reach a younger demographic. Working here means contributing to a legacy of journalistic excellence while shaping the future of news for the next generation.
About This Role
This internship is a hands-on opportunity to propose and implement story ideas specifically for a young audience, with a focus on innovative journalism. You'll write and edit articles, participate in editorial discussions, and have the option to specialize in social media, creating engaging content for digital platforms. It's a chance to learn from experienced journalists while making a real impact on how news is delivered to younger readers.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with a morning editorial meeting where you pitch story ideas and discuss upcoming content with the team. You'd then spend time researching and writing an article, perhaps creating social media posts to promote it, and collaborating with editors on revisions. In the afternoon, you might attend a brainstorming session for a new video series or analyze engagement metrics to refine future content.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Süddeutsche Zeitung Is Looking For
- Enrolled student or recent graduate in journalism, communications, or a related field with a strong interest in online journalism for young audiences.
- Demonstrated experience in writing and editing, preferably with a portfolio of published articles or blog posts targeting youth or digital-native audiences.
- Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation, with a knack for developing engaging formats like short videos, memes, or interactive stories.
- Proactive and creative mindset, able to pitch story ideas and work independently in a remote environment, while also collaborating effectively with a team.
- Fluency in German (since the role is based in Germany and likely requires German-language content) and strong English skills for potential international research.
📝 Tips for Applying to Süddeutsche Zeitung
Tailor your application to highlight any experience you have in creating content for young audiences—whether through student publications, personal blogs, or social media projects.
Include a portfolio of 2-3 writing samples that demonstrate your ability to engage a younger demographic with innovative storytelling.
Mention your availability starting March 2027 and your preference for remote work or relocation, as this is explicitly offered.
Research Süddeutsche Zeitung's digital magazine for young audiences (e.g., 'Jetzt' or similar) and propose a story idea in your cover letter to show initiative.
Emphasize any social media skills, such as experience with Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube, and how you would use them to reach young readers.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
In your cover letter, focus on: 1) Your passion for innovative journalism aimed at young audiences, with concrete examples of how you've engaged this demographic. 2) Your ability to generate and execute story ideas, highlighting any relevant experience. 3) Your social media expertise and how you can contribute to digital platforms. 4) Your alignment with Süddeutsche Zeitung's values of diversity and journalistic integrity, and why you want to intern specifically at this digital magazine.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore Süddeutsche Zeitung's digital offerings for young audiences, such as their youth-focused magazine or social media channels, to understand their tone and content style.
- → Read recent articles from Süddeutsche Zeitung's main publication to grasp their journalistic standards and editorial voice.
- → Investigate the German media landscape for young audiences, including competitors like Spiegel Online's youth section or Zeit Online's 'ze.tt', to identify trends and gaps.
- → Look up the backgrounds of the editors or journalists who work on the digital magazine to understand their interests and potential interview topics.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Avoid submitting generic writing samples that don't demonstrate an understanding of young audiences or digital storytelling.
- Don't ignore the requirement for German fluency; if you're not fluent, be honest and highlight any relevant language skills.
- Don't overlook the remote work option and fail to address how you'll stay engaged and productive in a remote setting.
- Avoid focusing solely on traditional print journalism; emphasize your digital and social media capabilities.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Süddeutsche Zeitung!