Post Media seeking applicants for Michele Lang Fellowship

January 26, 2015

Michelle Justine Lang (born 31 January 1975 in Vancouver, British Columbia – died 30 December 2009 in Kandahar, Afghanistan) was a Calgary Herald reporter and the first Canadian journalist to die in the War in Afghanistan.[Lang was on a six-week assignment to Afghanistan for the Calgary Herald and Canwest News Service when the armoured military vehicle she was riding in struck a roadside bomb. She died of her wounds and four Canadian soldiers were killed in the blast,Goal: To offer a year’s worth of reporting and writing experience to an individual who has expressed a desire to launch a career in journalism and has a record of academic excellence. At The Calgary Herald, the fellow will hone skills at a major metro daily. At Postmedia News in Ottawa, there will be ample opportunity to work on national political stories. Both newsrooms provide a welcoming, collaborative experience in which to learn and be inspired.

Who is eligible? Michelle Lang held a BA in English, so this fellowship is not limited to students who are studying journalism.

Criteria for selection are:

a commitment o journalism and a love os storytelling through the written word;

academic excellence;

strong writing and communication skills;

a desire to effect change through journalism (either through public service journalism or a specific social cause);

an ability to work well with colleagues;

a natural curiosity and desire to lear about people and events, particularly those of international importance;

basic reporting skills;

bilingualism an asset;

Previous daily newspaper experience is an asset but not mandatory;

candidates must have a valid driver’s licence.

candidates should present the outlines of a special project they would like to pursue while engaged in the fellowship.

How to apply: Please visit www.calgaryherald.com/michelle-lang-fellowship for specific application details. The deadline for applications is Monday, June 11, for the September 2012 position. You can also download the brochure linked above.