8101 Birchwood Ct., Suite D
Johnston, IA 50131
(515) 953-4822


An independent, locally owned publishing company.

BIG GREEN UMBRELLA MEDIA INC.
Internship Opportunities

Editorial Internship
In this position, interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable print and multi-media clips by researching and writing stories for our Cityview, Iowa Living magazines and our other related publications and websites. Interns will also be able to shoot related photography and have it published.

Interns will be expected to write using AP Style with clean, concise copy, meet the necessary deadlines and communicate effectively.

The internship requires a minimum of 400 hours, which can be flexible based upon a mutually agreed upon schedule. Internships are available for summer, fall and spring but are limited to one per session.

This internship is unpaid, but upon completion of the necessary hours and specific tasks, a letter of recommendation will be written and necessary forms for college credit will be filled out. Many editorial interns have been offered employment and/or paid freelance opportunities at BGUM after the program.  Apply below or send any questions to or tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com or jeff@dmcityview.com.

Editorial internship application

Advertising and Events Internship
In this position, interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in our advertising department by working with our sales managers and sales representatives in sales and customer service. Interns will assist with actual sales presentations to customers and follow through with proofing of advertisements.

Interns will also be intricately involved in our Cityview events with planning, promotion and follow through.

Interns must have an outgoing personality, excellent organizational skills, ability to meet deadlines and a willingness to learn.

The internship requires a minimum of 400 hours, which can be flexible based upon a mutually agreed upon schedule. Internships are available for summer, fall and spring but are limited to one per session.

The internship is unpaid, but upon completion of the necessary hours and specific tasks, a letter of recommendation will be written, and necessary forms for college credit will be filled out. Many advertising interns have been offered employment opportunities at BGUM as well. Apply below or email any questions to jolene@iowalivingmagazines.com.

Advertising and Events internship application

Design Internship
In this position, interns will have the opportunity to gain valuable experience in our design department by working with our design manager and graphic designers on live and speculative advertisements. In addition, interns will assist with pagination layout and online ad design. Interns will also work closely with our advertising sales representatives in the production and proofing of client advertisements.

Interns must have experience with Macintosh computers and the Adobe Suite.  Interns must have strong listening skills, an ability to meet deadlines and a willingness to learn.

The internship requires a minimum of 400 hours, which can be flexible based upon a mutually agreed upon schedule. Internships are available for summer, fall and spring but are limited to one per session.

The internship is unpaid, but upon completion of the necessary hours and specific tasks, a letter of recommendation will be written, and necessary forms for college credit will be filled out. Design interns may be offered employment opportunities at BGUM as well. Apply below or email any questions to celeste@dmcityview.com.

Design internship application

Internship Testimonials

‘Interning at Big Green Umbrella Media Inc. gave me the opportunity to apply my education to real world situations…’
Working under deadline with experienced editors and journalists reinforced the requirements and expectations of having a job in journalism. The editorial team was exceptionally supportive and encouraging. Almost three years later, I continue with BGUM as a freelance writer and still enjoy working with the staff and appreciate the various opportunities the company has afforded me.
– Marci Clark

‘My internship with BGUM was exactly what I hoped it would be…’
Even though I was finished with school, I needed the chance to learn the print publication game through experience, not just study. Working on articles for Cityview taught me that you’re never truly off the clock when you’ve got a publication out each week, you just find little “breaks” from work. Having the opportunity to contribute to a few articles here and there was a great baptism by fire to see if I could take the stress that comes with reporting and writing.

While writing for the Iowa Living magazines, I learned the importance of staying ahead of deadlines so you can focus on the stories that interest you.

After putting in about three months of unpaid work, the opportunity arose to do some additional writing and get paid! Since then, I haven’t looked back. Though I’m not in the office much any more, I am currently on Cityview’s paid freelance writing staff penning the weekly Locker Room alternative sports column, and I still write for several of BGUM’s publications and maintain contact with friends in the office.

All in all, if you want a byline, you’ll get it, and then some, at BGUM.
David Rowley

‘I can’t imagine a better place for an aspiring journalist to work…’
I wasn’t a “lowly intern” making copies and getting coffee. From day one, I was writing stories and taking pictures.  I was able to write for several publications, which gave me experience in many different topics.

I really felt a part of the team. I would regularly collaborate and bounce ideas off of others in the office, and the best part was that everyone was open to it. It was an environment that allowed me to grow as a writer and push myself.

It doesn’t end with the experience, though. My time at BGUM is something I proudly put on my resume, and it impresses anyone that interviews me. Some interviewers are even already familiar with my work. BGUM is a recognized and respected name in central Iowa that continues to open doors for me. I wouldn’t be where I am today without that internship.
-Cady Colosimo

‘It gave me the confidence and skills needed to land a job after college…’
Not only did I have a blast interning for Big Green Umbrella Media Inc., but it gave me the confidence and skills needed to land a job after college. There’s no other place I know of where you could write about a church event, a local bar opening and fish preparations all on the same day. Being able to write for various publications and receiving constructive guidance and advice allowed me to grow as a journalist. I was given a lot of freedom to envision and create my stories, and it was reallyawesome seeing my name in print. I also was able to do some networking and have been able to utilize interviewees and contacts to assist me in my current position as the Marketing and Communications Coordinator for the Iowa StateUniversity Extension and Outreach of Dallas County.
– Caitlyn Ryan

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