Paid Student Researcher Job Description:

WWG student researchers get paid to work with a WWG fellow for the entire academic year, both Fall and Spring semesters, assisting an accomplished, national journalist as they undertake an investigative nonfiction book in the public interest. This work immerses the student researcher in a community of accomplished authors and journalists. Student researchers gain valuable insight into a specific issue their fellow is investigating, as well as the important role book writing has in the field of journalism and democracy in general.
 
The researcher searches for and combs through databases, historical records, news articles, and other sources to compile and summarize information relevant to their fellow’s investigation. The researcher may also conduct phone calls, file records requests, and complete other tasks as needed. Throughout the year, they will meet in person and virtually with their fellow, for mentorship and guidance on their work.
 
The student researcher attends Watchdog Writers Group events, including the Spring and Fall Gatherings and four to six Lessons from the Field workshops presented by the fellows. These events build community and a network of mentors and colleagues.
 
The student researcher reports to their specific fellow and to Mya Frazier, WWG director of student development, and Kristen Davis, WWG administrator. The researcher works 5-10 hours per week, excluding university holidays and breaks. The Missouri School of Journalism determines the hourly pay: currently $15 an hour for undergraduate students and $15.50 for graduate students.

 

Paid Student Reporter Job Description:

This is a rare opportunity for an aspiring journalist to immerse themselves among a community of accomplished authors and journalists. The position provides an ambitious student journalist with the incredible chance to study and read the award-winning work of WWG fellows while gaining an understanding of the role of book writing within the journalism field. The student reporter will write a series of author profiles and Q&As on the book launches of current and former WWG fellows. The reporter will study the career arc of each fellow, read their work, attend their book launch event (when possible) and formulate compelling interview questions.

The student reporter will attend all Watchdog Writers Group events, including the Spring and Fall Gatherings and Lessons from the Field workshops presented by the fellows. The reporter will take meticulous notes and write 800 to 1200 word articles recapping the workshops for publication on the WWG and Missouri School of Journalism websites. 

A successful student reporter will stay with the WWG for two years: the first as a student reporter and the second as student researcher.

The student reporter will report to Mya Frazier, WWG director of student development, and Kristen Davis, WWG administrator. They will work with the reporter to set appropriate deadlines, edit articles, and assign further tasks as needed. The reporter is expected to work 5-10 hours per week, excluding university holidays and breaks. The Missouri School of Journalism determines the hourly pay: currently $15 for undergraduate students.