Copy Editing Intern (Fall)

AARP•Washington, DC

1d•$18 - $28•Hybrid

About The Position

AARP is the nation's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. With a nationwide presence, AARP strengthens communities and advocates for what matters most to the more than 100 million Americans 50-plus and their families: health and financial security, and personal fulfillment. AARP also works for individuals in the marketplace by sparking new solutions and allowing carefully chosen, high-quality products and services to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the nation's largest-circulation publications, AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. Are you a journalism, communications, or English major with a strong interest in the editing side of our profession? Join our team to learn from some of the best in the business and contribute to real-world projects. We copy edit and fact-check editorial content for AARP The Magazine (ATM), the AARP Bulletin, and aarp.org. With 39 million readers, ATM has the largest circulation of any magazine in the U.S. AARP is a nonprofit that seeks to improve people's lives as they age and help build a better tomorrow for future generations. AARP is committed to your growth and cultivating your continued learning and development. This paid internship has an anticipated start date of Fall 2026, with the possibility of extending additional semesters.

Requirements

Enrolled in a degree program at an accredited college or university as a rising undergraduate junior or senior or graduate student. Must remain academically enrolled throughout the internship
Pursuing a degree in journalism, communications, or a related field
A veteran of a student newspaper, digital platform, or other publication
An adaptable self-starter with the ability to meet tight deadlines
Able to manage multiple projects, anticipate project needs, and discern work priorities
Comfortable submitting queries to editors, researchers, designers, photo editors, and editorial production
Comfortable working with diverse multigenerational populations, including those of different genders, races, and sexual orientations
Technical proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications, Outlook, and Google Docs, plus experience working within a content management system
AARP will not sponsor an employment visa for this position at this time.
Regular and reliable job attendance
Exhibit respect and understanding of others to maintain professional relationships
In office/open office environment with the ability to work effectively surrounded by moderate noise

Nice To Haves

Experience with Mac-based Adobe InCopy or InDesign is a plus
Familiarity with Grammarly or other AI tools is a plus

Responsibilities

Refine written content to ensure accuracy, clarity, consistency and correctness
Correct grammar, spelling, punctuation and syntax errors
Improve flow, perform a light fact-check and maintain a consistent tone, acting as a final reader just before publication
Participate in weekly Copy meetings
Become familiar with and use AARP Unified Style Guide along with m-w.com and AP style
Learn the rhythm of daily digital publication by observing morning meetings
Experience the cadence of bimonthly print publication by listening in to weekly hot sheet meetings
Explore the changing nature of house style by participating with the Style Working Group

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