2 Concordia students land paid internships at Le Devoir this summer

In the midst of a global health crisis and massive political upheaval, the work of media outlets is more important than ever. This summer, Concordia is helping two of its journalism students get their foot in the door of a major Quebec publication.

Master’s student Kaaria Quash (GrDip 18) and undergrad Charlotte Glorieux began their eight-week paid internship with Le Devoir on June 15.

The placements, made possible through a partnership between the university, Le Devoir and Les amis du Devoir, give students an opportunity to hone and expand their journalistic skill set as they work alongside the editorial team at the French-language media outlet.

They’ll take part in production meetings, write for print and digital platforms and receive mentorship from experienced members of Le Devoir.

“We congratulate Glorieux and Quash on being selected for this exciting opportunity to work with Le Devoir,” says Anne Whitelaw, interim provost and vice-president, academic.

While part of the internship will be done remotely due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, students will have access to the tools and resources needed to complete their tasks at a distance.

When they are required to work in the offices or report in the field, Le Devoir will provide protective equipment and sanitation measures will be taken in accordance with public health directives.

“Our world is changing and newsrooms are rapidly transforming,” Whitelaw adds. “We are impressed with the agility shown at Le Devoir in adapting to the reality we now face with COVID-19. We believe a largely remote experience will provide a competitive advantage and equip our students with the tools to tackle the newsrooms of the future.”

Le Devoir publisher Brian Myles says the internships, organized in partnership with Concordia, “will contribute to training the journalists of tomorrow while also giving members of the Le Devoir staff the opportunity to impart their values ​​and expertise to these students.”

‘This period in time will shape our way of working’

Glorieux is in her third year of the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism. She had the opportunity to work with members of Le Devoir last year as part of the Institute for Investigative Journalism’s Tainted Water project. Glorieux feels she is ready to adapt to social distancing and working from home.

“We are all experiencing a period in time that will shape our way of working,” Glorieux says.

“Social isolation doesn’t exactly go hand in hand with our methods as journalists. However, I think these challenges will give me opportunities to learn invaluable lessons that I’ll be able to use throughout my career. I think journalists must fulfil a difficult but important mission at the moment and I cannot wait to be a part of it.”

Quash earned a Graduate Diploma in Journalism and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies. After obtaining his undergraduate degree in geography and environmental studies, he was looking for a way to put what he’d learned into practice and express his passion for the subject. Journalism seemed to be the perfect fit.

“I’m looking forward to being part of the team this summer and working in the francophone media, which will be something new to me,” Quash says.

He adds that working at a distance means he’ll not only become familiar with new technologies but he'll also enjoy a few other benefits.

“It will save me a lot in transportation costs and I'll get to wake up a little later!”

Learn more about Concordia’s Department of Journalism.