Nineteen Northwestern Qatar students in the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program are gaining hands-on experience through the Journalism Residency program, connecting classroom learning with real-world practice in newsrooms, corporate offices, and embassies globally.
The Journalism Residency program, a key component of the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program, offers students a 10-week professional internship, typically in their third year, across four tracks—news and online, broadcast and video, magazine, and strategic communication—at global placements, with a focus on the Global South. This spring, students are gaining firsthand experience in roles ranging from reporting and content creation to media strategy and digital storytelling at placements in Belgium, the Czech Republic, Qatar, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
"At Northwestern Qatar, we focus on giving students more than just technical skills—we want them to be critical thinkers and adaptable professionals who can navigate the fast-changing media world," said Marwan M. Kraidy, dean and CEO of Northwestern Qatar. "The Journalism Residency program is a key part of that journey, providing students with immersive, hands-on experiences where they can apply their classroom learning in real-world settings. These experiences prepare them for their careers and reinforce the values of excellence, adaptability, and innovation that define a Northwestern education."
Among these students is Deema Al-Sulaiti, who is at the Qatar Embassy in London working on research and compiling biographies, tasks that require careful attention to detail. She uses the fact-checking skills she learned during her studies, finding them important in her current work. "At NU-Q, we were trained to verify every detail, and that habit has stuck with me,” said Al-Sulaiti. “Here, accuracy isn’t just a classroom exercise—it’s essential to the work we do," she added.
“Storytelling is at the heart of what we do at Northwestern Qatar, and Studio 20Q exemplifies the creativity and rigor that define our students’ work. Through filmmaking that blends technical skill with artistic vision, our students are not only honing their craft but also contributing to meaningful conversations on a global scale.”
In New York, Isra Fejzullaj is currently interning at Rest of World, where she has scripted more than ten videos and produced several of them. Her work involves pitching stories covering underreported stories about technology’s impact on society. As she leads these projects, she draws on the skills she developed in the classroom. "NU-Q’s video and digital media courses gave me the confidence to take the lead on projects here. I understand the workflow and know how to craft compelling narratives for different audiences," she said.
Meanwhile, in Austin, Texas, Juyoung Kim is completing an internship at the Texas Tribune. In her role, which is focused on audience engagement and social media strategy, she applies her skills to digital outreach while gaining insight into the Tribune’s reporting processes. "Being at NU-Q, I learned how to adapt to different media environments. That flexibility has helped me navigate my role here and contribute effectively to the team," she said.
Other students are interning in diverse locations, with roles ranging from investigative reporting and video production to strategic communication and media analysis. “This program is all about giving students real-world experience that sets them up for success in their careers,” said Ilhem Allagui, professor and director of the Journalism and Strategic Communication Program. "It’s always incredible to see how they adapt, bring fresh perspectives, and make a meaningful impact in newsrooms, corporate offices, and embassies around the world."
The Journalism Residency program is one of several opportunities that prepare students for careers in media and communication. In addition, students have access to various internships and career development opportunities, including hands-on workshops, the Global Media Experience, and industry networking events, all designed to equip them with the skills and connections needed to thrive in the field.
