On Nov. 13, Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) hosted the Society of Professional Journalism (SPJ) Intern Night 2025 in St. Paul. There, several students of journalism from colleges, schools and universities all across Minnesota listen to professionals in the field. Speakers from Kare 11, Fox 9, Pioneer Press and more came to answer questions from students and give them opportunities to gain internships in their programs.
The event started with a panel of speakers talking about their positions, experience and the qualities they desire in an intern, including editor of MPR Lisa Ryan, Fox 9 Executive Producer Panhia Yang, Minneapolis / St. Paul Business Journal editor Dirk DeYoung and Minnesota Star Tribune Investigations editor Tom Scheck.
“Just apply. I started as an intern at two TV stations, the connections I maintained helped build my career,” Kare 11 reporter Jessica Hart said, as she told the story of how her position as an intern at Kare 11 allowed her to return later in life as a full fledged reporter.
During the panel, the speakers talked about what they were looking for in an intern. Each speaker had their own thoughts and opinions, all of which came back to a few main points, the first being connections. Each speaker touched on the fact that much of what they do relies on who they know and their relationships with other professionals in the industry. Creating positive interactions is a focal point in the journalism industry, according to the panel.
Another point was cover letters. These professionals believe in the power of storytelling, and storytelling should be prevalent in a cover letter when an intern is applying.
The last topic was the value of knowing what they want and being adaptable. Many of the professionals who were speaking are not working in the field they originally planned on being in. By following their passions and knowing their worth, they were able to become the professionals they are today.
Aleesa Kuznetsov, President elect of the Minnesota Society of Professional Journalism (MNSPJ) and senior producer at MPR News, was the Master of Ceremonies of the event, asking the panelists questions and hosting the students who came to boost their careers.
“MNSPJ as an organization tries to provide professional opportunities not just for professionals but for students in order to grow the industry,” Kuznetov said.
The event was planned by Saint Paul Pioneer Press reporter Fredrick Melo, who explained he came into leading the SPJ Intern Night by accident.
“It went off so well, and I had so many ideas to make it even better, and it just became my baby. For the past nine years,” Melo said.
MNSPJ hosts an intern night once a year, and it is an excellent opportunity for journalism students to meet professionals, learn from their experiences and build connections that will help them further their careers. Intern night is an RSVP event, with more information on the MNSPJ website mnspj.org.
