The Lookout Fellows Program

The Lookout Fellows Program provides funding for summer internships to a select group of high-achieving students in the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media, removing financial barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of career success. Students are selected in the fall semester through a competitive application process that considers both merit and financial need. Lookout Fellows work with the Hussman School to develop a budget that will completely support their dream internships at leading companies in the United States and around the world.

From the Big Apple to the Windy City: four Hussman School students secure fully funded dream internships in Summer 2019 thanks to Lookout Fellows Program

The 2019 Lookout Fellows are Brandon Callender '20, Jeremiah Rhodes '20, Stella Shon '20 and Julia Slawek '20.

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Eligibility

The Lookout Fellows Program is open to all undergraduate majors admitted to the Hussman School. All applicants must be receiving need-based financial aid that can be verified through the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.

Program highlights

Students selected for the fellowship will receive assistance in targeting which companies would best fit their career goals; polishing their resumes; refining cover letters; and identifying alumni who might serve as mentors. The Hussman School will also work with Lookout Fellows to design an all-inclusive budget tailored to the internship and the city in which they will be working. Award amounts will allow Fellows to start their internship experience without any financial worries and able to make the most of the opportunity.

How do I apply?

Students must submit the online application by Nov. 1.

The application must include:

  • A description of your area of interest, career goals and financial need.
  • Locations and companies to which you intend to apply.
  • Agreement to have financial aid information verified by the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

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Questions?

For more information, please contact Hussman School Career Services Assistant Director Jenn Sipe at jenn.sipe@unc.edu or 159 Carroll Hall. 

FAQs

 

Q: What are the Lookout Fellows?

A: This is a new internship award for students in the Hussman School of Journalism and Media with a simple goal: Remove ALL financial barriers to selected students finding and working in a high-level summer internship.

The Lookout Fellows Program provides funding for summer internships to a select group of high-achieving students in the Hussman School, removing financial barriers that might otherwise stand in the way of career success. Students are selected in the fall semester through a competitive application process that considers both merit and financial need. Lookout Fellows work with the Hussman School to develop a budget that will completely support their dream internships at leading companies in the U.S. and around the world.

Tell me more: You might have been thinking about how you can possibly intern in New York City or London or Washington, D.C., or San Francisco. And, of course, money is always a consideration – OK, THE consideration. Hussman School students selected to be Lookout Fellows will be coached on how to develop a rock-solid budget and how to identify great internships, network and do well in the interview.

Again, the financial barrier is off the table!

Q: How much funding can Lookout Fellows receive?

A: The amount awarded will vary, depending on the internship experience. But we want applicants to factor in all potential costs. That can be everything from rent to gas to a subway card to grocery costs. If selected as a Lookout Fellow, you’ll have the right amount of money to make this summer internship pay off for you.

Q: Do I have to prove financial need?

A: Yes! The Lookout Fellows Program is aimed at helping students receiving financial aid to attain an internship they otherwise financially wouldn’t be feasible. All applicants must agree to have financial aid information verified by the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid.

Q: What kinds of internships should I think about?

A: To be trite, the sky is the limit. We want you to find the best possible internship that will help ensure a successful start to your career when you graduate from the Hussman School. That could be with the BBC in London or BBDO in New York City or Facebook in Silicon Valley. The MJ-school will coach you intensively on the internship search and will provide help on how to effectively develop a budget.

Q: Who can apply?

A: The Lookout Fellows Program is open to all undergraduate majors admitted to the Hussman School. All applicants must be receiving need-based financial aid that can be verified through the UNC Office of Scholarships and Student Aid. Graduating seniors are not eligible to apply.

Q: What is the process for applying to be a Lookout Fellow?

A: Apply online by Nov. 1. Finalists will be interviewed by a small selection committee from the Hussman School. Fellows selected will be notified by mid-November to get a jumpstart on their internship search.