The Grid offers four-month editorial internships, three-month photography internships, and three-month sales & promotions internships, all year round. All of the internship programs are full time and unpaid. Our goal is to give emerging writers, editors, photographers, graphic designers, and aspiring sales and promotions executives the experience and knowledge they need to launch their careers—and did we mention that our internships are also a lot of fun? Information on all four programs is listed below.

EDITORIAL INTERNSHIPS

The Grid’s interns are involved in the creation of each issue — through research, writing and generating story ideas. Our interns are expected to painstakingly fact-check each article that goes into the magazine, an enormously important task that will not only ensure the credibility of the publication, but also help improve one’s research skills and eye for details.

Applicants to The Grid’s internship program should have a keen interest in the city, be organized and detail-oriented and possess excellent communication skills. In addition to their weekly duties, interns will attend story meetings and regularly liaise with The Grid‘s writers and editors, who will mentor successful applicants over the course of their term. Sure, it might not pay all that well — OK, it doesn’t pay at all! — but a Grid internship is a fantastic crash course in magazines and the magazine industry. Several of our current editors and regular contributors first came to The Grid as interns.

Application process

Interested applicants should read our internship FAQs and then complete the assignment below, which will provide us with insight into your writing and critical thinking skills, your familiarity with The Grid and your attention to detail. Completed applications and résumés should be submitted to Lara Zarum at lzarum@thegridto.com.

Intern test

1. Write a one-page review of the last issue of The Grid (750 words). Don’t be afraid of offending us — we’re genuinely interested in where you think our strengths and weaknesses lie. Things you could consider include the mix of stories and how the magazine is packaged, the display on the cover, the photos and illustrations, as well as the selection and quality of the stories.

2. Provide three story ideas for any section of the magazine and tell us why each idea is a good fit for The Grid. Your pitches don’t have to be long, but we are interested in hearing why they are right for our magazine. How long would your proposed piece be? Where do you see it fitting in the paper? Why run it now?

3. Fact-check the article below. It’s worth repeating: fact checking is a vital part of what we do. Use whatever resources are available to check everything that can be considered a fact in the article below. (Facts includes names, titles and spelling, as well as the accuracy and context of information.) Provide us with a list of all sources used, as well as a list of all the incorrect information you found:

Verify any facts you can’t find online with Lara Zarum, who can be reached at 416-933-3442.

FOOD INTERNSHIP

This new editorial internship—the only one of its kind in Toronto—offers an exciting opportunity for someone interested in pursuing a career in food journalism. The Grid’s food intern will have the opportunity to write, report, and fact-check stories about Toronto’s restaurant scene for both the print magazine and our website.

First and foremost, applicants should be passionate about food, but this internship will also involve a great deal of writing and research, so we’re looking for someone who can string a sentence together and who isn’t afraid to pick up the phone. This is an unpaid position, but we’re certain our intern will get a lot out of the experience. They will attend food-industry events and photo shoots, participate in weekly meetings about our food coverage, and make great contacts both at The Grid and in the restaurant community. Ideally, this is a full-time position, but since we’re looking for the best possible candidate, we’re willing to be flexible with hours.

Application process

Interested applicants should complete the assignment below, which will provide us with insight into your writing skills, knowledge about food, and your familiarity with how The Grid covers food. Completed applications and resumés should be submitted to Carley Fortune at cfortune@thegridto.com.

Food Intern Assignment

1. Write a brief, 250-word critique of The Grid’s food coverage in the magazine. Don’t be afraid of offending us—we’re genuinely interested in where you think our strengths and weaknesses lie.

2. Provide three story ideas for either thegridto.com or The Grid magazine that relate to Toronto restaurants, chefs, food trends, or shops. Your pitches don’t have to be long, but we are interested in knowing why they are right for us. How long would your proposed piece be? Why run it now? Is it a narrative-driven or visually driven piece?

3. Submit a food-related writing sample. This can be either a published or unpublished piece of work. We’re looking for reported pieces, not reviews of meals or personal narratives.

PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNSHIPS

The Grid is pleased to offer a three-month, unpaid internship program for emerging photographers. The goal of this program is to offer up-and-coming photographers the opportunity to gain knowledge about the magazine industry, as well as experience shooting for an exciting, fast-paced print publication.

The Grid’s photography interns will be heavily involved in the creation of each issue. They will be responsible for researching, sourcing and generating concepts, and will also be given the opportunity to shoot for the publication.

Applicants to The Grid’s photography internship program should have a strong passion for the city, be extremely organized and detail oriented, and have strong problem-solving and interpersonal skills. The candidate must also have a strong portfolio demonstrating a passion for documentary photography, technical proficiency in digital photography and lighting and the ability to think on the fly.

In addition to their weekly duties, the photography intern will attend story and art department meetings and regularly liaise with The Grid’s photo editor, art department and editors, who will mentor successful applicants over the course of their term. Sure, it doesn’t pay that well—OK, it doesn’t pay at all!—but a Grid internship is a fantastic opportunity to get your feet wet in all aspects of the magazine industry, and build your professional network.

Application Process:

Interested applicants should submit their CV and cover letter as well as a PDF or link to their portfolio for consideration. We also ask that you to send us a sampling of photos/photographers that you admire. This will provide us with insight into your sensibilities and technical skills.  Applications should be submitted to Shelbie Vermette at shelbie@thegridto.com.

SALES & PROMOTION INTERN

The Grid is looking for a qualified intern to join our sales and promotions team on an unpaid basis. The successful applicant will help coordinate and execute The Grid’s sponsored events, the weekly layout process of the magazine, and more.

We look forward to hearing from energetic and enthusiastic individuals who are comfortable participating in various stages of event organization both internally and externally, and can assist with the sales coordination of the magazine on a weekly basis. The chosen candidate should be prepared to work with a team of sales associates in a fast-paced environment and can expect to gain a broad experience in the media industry.

Responsibilities include:

Sponsorship/events

• Assist with the execution of Grid sponsored events, both on and offsite
• Assist with the preparation and delivery of materials
• Assist in maintaining and updating promotions calendar

Marketing

• Assist the team with any marketing/promotions deliverables
• Assist in online/social media contesting
• Assist in the distribution of marketing materials when needed

PR/Media

• Work with editorial team on updating media contact list
• Put together press releases when required
• Aid in outreach to media outlets

Administrative

• Manage Grid mail-outs
• Assist the sales coordinator with administrative duties

Qualifications:

• Self-directed, highly motivated, and energetic
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Organized multi-tasker
• Digital experience is a plus

Internship Dates:

This three-month placement starts immediately to end of December 2012. Send your résumé to careers@thegridto.com.