JTP Jingo Session – The Intern Experience

The Journalist Training Program (JTP) here at GameSkinny is all about giving anyone real experience in journalism, and online publishing. With skilled and knowledgeable editors, content management systems, and a whole bunch of people who are willing to help, anyone can join!

With the Jingo session at an end, some of our illustrious and fantastic Junior Interns shared their thoughts on the 9-week program.

Jeffrey Rousseau

After graduating recently, I found that the JTP really did help out with focusing my efforts. The session really does provide a great basis for journalism in general. The most important thing that it has given me is experience. Experience is so valuable to have and I appreciate that we have the opportunity. I have to admit I really enjoyed the advice emails for our weekly goals. It’s certainly helped me think of my evergreen titles especially. Writing is easy enough but writing with no direction is driving with no map.

The JTP session wasn’t without its rough patches though. I encountered times when my articles were taken, even after being claimed in the Content Directive (CD). Other times I got frustrated was when I would have articles sitting the lobby for nearly 48 hours. I understand the editors have their hands full and it’s a lot of articles to edit. Still, I might not like that but it goes with the territory.

At first, I panicked to think I wouldn’t be able to create 5 weekly articles of any kind. Yet, here I am weeks later and it’s smooth as clockwork. I really feel my writing has evolved, now that I have a space to put it in. I wasn’t very pleased with my view count, but it’s all a learning process. I realized that all articles need to be promoted accordingly and have a catchy title. When it comes to gaming news, now I immediately think about primary source.

I’m coming back for more JTP goodness!

Benjamin Hernandez

I was a little skeptical about starting the JTP session, especially after the first week just being news articles for the most part. Then week-on-week it grew and grew, and I really enjoyed the different assignments we were given.

The different personalities of editors and mentors helped get different perspectives on the same articles, which was great. The knowledge that was available was extremely helpful, and not only is my writing better it has gotten faster too. I have a better understanding of how to get the information I need, and express it in my articles.

Damien Smith

I have loved every minute of the JTP. It has been a real learning experience, that covers a large array of different forms of articles and in great detail. Before participating in the JTP, I was very much someone who just stuck with writing reviews, and the occasional news article and listicle.

Since the JTP, I am now confident to write in all forms of articles from news, reviews, op-eds, and even guides. Interviews were always something I was very much nervous of, as I am not the most socially confident individual. The program has helped bring me out of my shell and gave me the confidence needed to get out there, and interact with the industry.

It teaches you everything you need to know about video game journalism. You just need to work towards improving your writing in every way possible. The program has something new for everyone to learn, as it covers so much. The entire team, both the GameSkinny staff and the mentors, have all been extremely helpful and friendly to work with.

I couldn’t ask for a more supportive team. I can’t recommend the JTP highly enough. If you want to bring your writing skills to the next level, the JTP is an absolute must. My writing has improved considerably over the nine weeks of the program. I can’t wait to return for another lesson.

Mark Elgie

When I first heard about GameSkinny’s JTP, I was intrigued. I was strongly considering completing an internship there. At the same time, though, I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to handle it. 5 articles a week

Then I actually went in, with a bunch of other people, and did the work — I loved every minute of it. If there was something I wasn’t sure of, I just asked about it and received an answer. It was great.

It wasn’t the smoothest of a ride, but I got to write about a topic that I love, and about games that I love even more. So if you’re a gamer, you love writing, you have no excuse. You owe it to yourself. Give it a go. You won’t regret it.

Junae Benne

I loved my session in the JTP with GameSkinny. It exposed my weak points within video game journalism. I appreciate all the Senpais that helped out on this journey. They will tell you exactly what you did wrong and allow you to fix your mistakes.

This method worked the best for me, because I like to see what I did wrong so I learn from my mistakes. I loved that I could receive extra help pretty much around the clock, because someone was available and willing to help out. I appreciate that within JTP I was allowed to branch out and take on any project, and receive the encouragement needed to complete said project.

The amount of knowledge that is in this program is overwhelming, but in a good way. Any and everything you want to know about video games, video game journalism, and how to start your journalism career, the people of the JTP know it. They are the plug, take advantage of this program ASAP.

Joshua Potter

I learned about GameSkinny’s JTP program from a friend, and couldn’t be happier with having joined. Everyone has been very considerate and I love being able to read feedback on my work. The world is full of people ready to give you criticism, but it’s not often that you can actually find an entire site dedicated to offering something constructive, with the sole purpose of helping you to succeed.

Everyone who has ever given me feedback on any of my work has been very helpful, and concise in what needed to be fixed. They also praise the work I’ve done well, showing me what needs improvements, and what I should continue to use in order to strengthen my writing.

I feel like I’m coming out of this experience with a lot more confidence about my writing, and have a very clear idea of what it is I can do to continue to work on. The JTP, and it’s amazing community, have really helped me put goals in front of myself to continue my writing. I honestly couldn’t be more proud of being accepted into this opportunity.

Thank you to everyone above for the feedback, and being such great sports!

But that’s not everything!

As a returning Senior Mentor myself, I have had a great time also bringing my skills higher than before. Not only with my writing, but with SEO, social media promotion, and even editing experience. Yep, GameSkinny let me edit things — Yes, I know they are crazy, and that’s why I keep coming back.

David Fisher also asks that you bring some tissues, as I tend to get wet eyes fairly often — we are a considerate bunch. David is now a Freelancer here at GameSkinny. This could be you too.

I, along with others, will be joining the next session, codenamed Kiwi. If you want a delicious dose of ripe games journalism learning, then take a bite and apple apply now!

If you don’t think you’re good enough, who are you? Because I want to prove to you that you can do it!