I began my first week as a Web Desk Intern at the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on Monday, May 21. I’ll be working 9:30 a.m- 5:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. It may be better if I break these posts into daily sections, for a clearer timeline of my activities. So join me in my adventures working at the best daily print newspaper in Pittsburgh, helping move them into the digital age of media! Here we go…

Monday 5/21

Here is the schedule all interns were sent for our first day:

9 a.m. – Interns arrive; welcome from Jerry Micco, intern coordinator, and review of orientation schedule

9:15 a.m. – Welcome from Managing Editor Sally Stapleton, Deputy Managing Editor Jim Iovino

9:30 a.m. – Interns attend morning editorial meeting in the crystal palace

10 a.m. – Break

10:30 a.m. – Welcome from Jonathan Silver, Unit Chairman of the Newspaper Guild of the Post-Gazette

11 p.m. – Welcome from Post-Gazette General Manager Lisa Hurm

11:30 p.m. – Lunch

12:30 p.m. – Newsroom tour (Alex Iniguez, Sports Editor)

1:15 p.m. – Break

1:30 p.m. – Libercus training (Edgar Ramirez)

2 p.m. – Obit training (Matt Smith)

2:30 p.m. – Human resources presentation from Linda Guest

3:15 p.m. – Photo assignment process (Photo desk)

4 p.m. – Interns attend evening editorial meeting

4:30 p.m. – Interns released to departments

When we were released to our departments, I had a chance to meet my mentor, Meagen Fekos. She explained that the other intern and I would be working on a web project of our choice throughout the summer. While working on the project, we would also be writing a few smaller pieces for the website.

The interns, from multiple states along the east coast, seemed fun, knowledgeable and welcoming. I’m looking forward to working with them and the staff here at the PG!

Tuesday 5/22

Today I worked on a story about a new zipline attraction at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium. I also brainstormed a few project ideas while consulting with Meagen intermittently.

I met my mentor, Laura Schneiderman, who works a lot with web graphic content. I was able to sit in on a really interesting project meeting with some of the major editors, writers and visual journalists involved.

I made a few phone calls and also learned a little bit about the daily web desk responsibilities in posting stories.

Wednesday 5/23

My Zipline story was printed today! Mr. Micco and a few others around the office congratulated me and were impressed by how quickly I was able to get my byline in the paper.

I learned a lot about social media today from our main social media coordinator, Edgar Ramirez. He discussed with me the importance of posting and sharing stories consciously and often.

We dove into analytics and platforms like tweetdeck, crowdtangle and comment moderating systems. I’d like to take what I’ve learned here and apply it to The Globe’s social media and online presence.

I also worked on a story about Kennywood’s Phantom’s Revenge in the running for best coaster in America. I learned more about Libercus, our web posting software, and how to include sidebar boxes.

Our lawyers came in to discuss Right-to-Know laws with the newsroom, an incredibly informative session!

Thursday 5/24

I worked on one of my favorite stories so far today. I pulled together an article about UPMC nurses in McKeesport who were rallying for union rights. I was proud with how this story turned out.

I also got started on a story about fast-food chain, Checkers & Rally’s, wanting to heavily franchise in Pittsburgh.

I was also able to sit in on a project meeting with Meagen that focused on the opioid crisis in our area. A collaborative endeavor between web, visual and print, this is the kind of journalistic work I would love to pursue in the future.

Friday 5/25

My Checkers & Rally’s story was completed and published. I learned how to include a reader’s poll.

I also worked on a story regarding a bear siting in Swissvale/Edgewood. I was able to interview someone who actually saw the wild animal, as well as the Allegheny County State Game Warden.

While searching for story ideas, I also came across a secret dance party that is to take place Sat., June 2 in Downtown Pittsburgh.

I finished my first week off strong, writing six stories, meeting a bunch of new people and brainstorming a lot of ideas!