First Journalism Diversity Fund intern begins placement with Newsquest

Khaleda Rahman is the first Journalism Diversity Fund recipient to take part in a new internship scheme.
The 23-year-old, who was awarded a Journalism Diversity Fund bursary in August 2012, will begin a three month placement at Newsquest in London today.

Khaleda recently graduated from News Associates London, where she studied an NCTJ-accredited fast-track multimedia journalism diploma.

Khaleda said: “I’m really excited to start my placement at Newsquest and take my first step towards a career in journalism. It’s a fantastic opportunity for me to continue my training and learn from working journalists. I hope to try my hand at a bit of everything and can’t wait to spend my days in a fast-paced newsroom.”

The Journalism Diversity Fund launched this paid internship scheme in February 2013. It will provide NCTJ-qualified recipients with a work experience placement of up to three months at a regional newspaper. The diversity fund is offering grants to participants to cover their travel and living expenses.

The scheme has also attracted financial support from Creative Access, a charitable organisation set up to encourage diversity in the creative industries. They have agreed to provide match-funding for interns from black, Asian and ethnic minority (BAME) backgrounds.

To be eligible for the internship scheme, applicants must be a Journalism Diversity Fund recipient and have achieved the NCTJ gold standard (A-C in all modules and 100wpm).