Are the AQHA publications internships paid?
Yes. The pay comes out to about $1,900 per month.
What do I do if I’m interested in an AQHA internship?
Send us an error-free resume, cover letter, personal essay and some samples of your writing by the posted deadline of the internship in which you are interested.
What’s a personal essay?
It’s your life story in less than 1,000 words.
What if I don’t have any writing samples?
Then your personal essay will have to suffice. Stories written for class assignments would also work. We do encourage students, however, to gain experience by writing for publications such as the school newspaper, their hometown newspaper, etc.
What is the AQHA publications intern selection process?
1. Once the deadline for resume submission has passed, we will narrow the applicants to the top three to five, whom we will interview by telephone.
2. Once the interview process is done, we will select an applicant for the position.
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| Interviewing winners at the AQHA World Championship Show is just one job the fall publications intern will get to do. |
3. You will be notified by telephone or letter as to whether or not you have been offered the internship.
4. Continually calling our office to see where we’re at in the selection process will not do you any good.
How do I prepare for a phone interview with members of AQHA publications?
Among other things, be ready to answer questions about your writing and equine backgrounds and be familiar with AQHA and the three AQHA publications, the Journal and Racing Journal and America's Horse. In most cases, you can find our publications at public or university libraries.
What’s expected of an AQHA publications intern?
You will generate editorial copy for The American Quarter Horse Journal, The American Quarter Horse Racing Journal and America’s Horse; shoot photos at AQHA-related events (we will show you how to operate our cameras); and perform the dreaded “other duties as assigned.” You might also travel with staff members to one or more AQHA-related events to write articles and shoot photos for our Internet coverage of that event, and write articles about that event for one or more of the magazines.
If I’m not selected for an internship, can I reapply?
Yes.
If I am selected for an AQHA publications internship, can I apply again?
No. We would like to give everyone a shot at the internships.
What are AQHA’s work hours?
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Work hours are significantly longer if you work at an AQHA-related event, such as the AQHA World Championship Show.
Where does the intern live while working at AQHA?
In the past, a couple of AQHA employee/families have provided a room in their home to an intern in return for a small amount of rent. There are also a couple of apartment complexes in Amarillo that offer short-term leases. If you are selected as the publications intern, we will send you a packet of information on housing options. Depending on where you chose to live, you may be responsible for providing some furniture, linens and household items.
Does AQHA have a dress code?
Yes.
Is the intern required to pay for AQHA-related travel?
No. All business travel is paid for by the association.
What should I, as a prospective intern, bring to the table?
First and foremost, a willingness to learn. Our editors will provide constructive criticism (with an emphasis on “constructive”) to help you become a better reporter and writer. Approach this as a learning experience, and we guarantee you’ll leave the better for it. A good work ethic is also required. Although staff members will help you as much as you need, no one will be holding your hand. We need you to be a self-starter with lots of initiative. A solid foundation in the basics of journalism is also important. Know the AP Stylebook; know the rules of grammar; and know how to conduct a professional, courteous interview. And finally, know your subject matter. If you’re familiar with the Quarter Horse industry – and the AQHA publications – you’ll be way ahead.
OK, so I’m all prepared. Now, what should I expect to get out of my AQHA publications internship?
Consider this your foot in the door to the equine publishing industry. Some of our interns have gone on to internships with other horse magazines, while others have found jobs with associations such as the American Association of Equine Practitioners. It is what you make of it. You’ll have the chance to make contacts at AQHA and elsewhere in the industry. And you’ll be building a portfolio of clips that should help you no matter what your next step will be. AQHA is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of leaders, and we hope that includes you!
