WBHM’s Reflect Alabama Fellowship
WHAT IT IS
WBHM’s Reflect Alabama Fellowship offers a paid, hands-on learning experience in a diverse, community-oriented media organization. Fellowship opportunities are available in various departments across WBHM, including operations, engineering, and the newsroom. Fellows not only gain practical experience and marketable skills through their time at WBHM, but also they contribute to a non-profit organization serving the heart of Alabama.
WBHM aims to truly reflect our state—including its diversity, talents, and experiences—through this fellowship program. Positions are open to all interested individuals, including current students, adult learners, and community members. The experience lasts 18 weeks, and each fellow will be considered a part-time employee of the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) during their fellowship term.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
WBHM accepts applications for potential fellows year-round via our website, and we promote the opportunity on-air and on our digital platforms to ensure we reach a wide pool of candidates. WBHM’s Leadership Team reviews applications and selects candidates. When enough funding is available, the station aims to staff fellows across different departments at the same time. Fellows go through a personalized onboarding process to assess their interests and skills, shape their experience, and set goals for their time at WBHM. As part of our team, fellows receive ongoing feedback on their work, access to tools and trainings, as well as a positive and fun work environment.
TESTIMONIALS
“Everyone in the newsroom and on the staff welcomed me as I worked as an actual journalist for the first time.”
SARA GÜVEN, 2024 FELLOW
“Working with WBHM connected me to more of Birmingham and left me with a deeper appreciation for public media’s role in the community.”
ANDREW GELDERMAN, 2024 FELLOW
“The best part of being a Reflect Alabama Fellow was the community I built with other journalists. Even today they help me find sources and brainstorm story ideas.”
KELSEY SHELTON, 2023 FELLOW
EXPECTATIONS:
- Fellows must commit to at least 10 hours but no more than 20 hours a week on a set schedule agreed upon between the participant and department manager.
- Fellowships will be approximately 12 weeks and roughly follow spring, summer or fall academic terms. Specific start and end dates will be negotiated between the participant and the department manager, after which WBHM’s Business Manager will assist with additional paperwork for the Fellow to complete.
- Fellows must commit to the full length of the term.
- WBHM has a business casual dress code. Fellows are to look neat and professional at all times.
- Fellows are to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times.
- All Fellows can expect ongoing feedback and coaching.
- Fellows will be issued a temporary visitor badge (through UAB) during the duration of their fellowship.
- WBHM will assist with the Fellows parking on UAB’s campus.
- Employment as a Fellow is at-will, meaning that either the Fellow or UAB may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, and with or without notice and without proceeding with any progressive disciplinary process.
- Prior Fellows may not reapply after completing a term.
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