This summer UCF student Kendal Asbury will embark on an exciting journey as one of four interns at The New York Times through the prestigious Dow Jones News Fund (DJNF) summer internship program. For more than 60 years, the Dow Jones News Fund has placed top journalism students in internships at media outlets across the country — from local newspapers to leading digital newsrooms.
Asbury, an English literature and journalism double major, was selected as one of only 81 college students nationwide for the program — and out of nearly 1,050 applicants. She will serve as a multiplatform editing intern on The Times’ flexible editing desk in the national newsroom, working alongside two recent graduates and one graduate student from the DJNF program.
Asbury’s internship highlights the power of interdisciplinary learning at UCF and the ways a foundation in the humanities can prepare students for success in evolving industries like journalism. The opportunity can also contribute to her finding success in her field after graduation.
“I am thrilled to represent the University of Central Florida in a national program and at one of the most renowned newsrooms in the world,” says Asbury, who is also completing a certificate in editing and publishing at UCF. “While this is a journalism-focused internship, I would not have been able to attain it without the foundations I learned in the College of Arts and Humanities through the English department.”
Of the 81 interns selected, only 12 were chosen for the News Fund’s multiplatform editing track — and just four will be placed at The New York Times. Before beginning their roles in June, the interns will complete a training program at the University of Texas at Austin, led by Dow Jones News Fund alumna Emily Quigley, associate director of the Moody Writing Support Program.
Asbury credits much of her preparation to the mentorship and academic opportunities she received at UCF.
“[Senior Lecturer] Kathleen Hohenleitner encouraged me to pursue the editing and publishing certificate, which truly shaped my path,” she says. “I’m grateful for the support and belief in me over the years.”
Learn more Asbury and how her UCF studies have prepared her for the competitive internship.
What was your reaction when you found out you were selected for the internship at The New York Times?I remember vividly when I received the call from Ms. Quigley, and she asked if I would want to be considered for the editing program at The New York Times. I teared up on the phone as I told her that it meant the world to me. After an interview with [Deputy Director of Career Programs] Carla Correa from The Times and anxiously waiting a few days, I was told I got the position. It felt surreal — it still does. I don’t know if I’ve ever felt so grateful and overwhelmed.
What part of this internship are you most excited about?I’m most looking forward to learning from and working in one of the most renowned newsrooms in the world. Living in New York and working for The Times has truly been my dream ever since I was little — even before I found my passion for editing and journalism. I’m beyond grateful for the opportunity to work alongside some of the most prominent journalists and editors, soaking up every small thing they can teach me.
How did your classes or professors in the College of Arts and Humanities help prepare you for this opportunity?I wouldn’t be where I am today without UCF, its programs, and its professors. I connected with Dr. Hohenleitner even before coming to the university. The academic advising director referred me to her because I wanted to major in English but was unsure of career options — so many people had told me it wasn’t practical. She shared information about the incredible resources and opportunities within UCF’s College of Arts and Humanities. I’ve taken several of her classes, and she — and those classes — have had a lasting impact on my future.
I also learned a great deal from courses like Modern English Grammar, Introduction to Editing Professions, Scholarly Editing and Publishing, and others. I’m also immensely grateful to my journalism professors [and College of Sciences faculty], Eric Adelson and Richard Brunson, who have supported and believed in me every step of the way.
Q: Why did you choose to pursue the editing and publishing certificate alongside your English literature degree? A: I’ve always loved editing and knew I wanted to go into the field. Pursuing the certificate helped me learn everything I could to become a better writer and editor. Dr. Hohenleitner encouraged me to pursue it because she knew I’d enjoy the classes and that it would support both my academic and career goals.
Q: What advice would you give to other UCF students who want to follow a similar path? A: Pursue what you love and what fulfills you — that’s what matters most. So many people told me not to major in english literature or journalism. They said I’d never succeed in those fields or go anywhere. But here I am. Working for The New York Times is a dream come true, and it wouldn’t have happened if I had listened to the people who tried to discourage me.
But it also took a lot of effort. Take advantage of everything UCF offers. Go to [the journalism program’s] intern pursuit, talk to your professors, get involved in student organizations, utilize Career Services, attend workshops and try new courses. You never know who you’ll meet or what doors will open.
Where do you hope this experience leads you after graduation?I hope to apply what I learn to both my studies and my career path. While I’m not entirely sure what I want to do after graduation, I believe the right opportunity will come at the right time. I might continue in community journalism here in Orlando, which I’ve grown to love. Or I might pursue an editing residency or fellowship at The New York Times and return to a national newsroom.
To learn more about the Dow Jones News Fund internship program, visit dowjonesnewsfund.org.
