The Ratiu Forum, a partnership between LSE IDEAS (London School of Economics) and the Ratiu Foundation, is now accepting applications for the 2023 Journalism Mentorship Programme. Applications are open to dynamic, early-career young journalists from selected Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries who wish to advance their professional skills and understanding of the region and a variety of thematic issues. One of the mentees will also be selected to attend the Reuters Summer School in 2023.
The Programme will run from January 2023 to July 2023. The bulk of activities will take place online, but beneficiaries of the Programme will also be invited to in-person workshops which will take place in Turda, Romania. Mentees will have the opportunity to learn from seasoned journalists from around the globe with experience working for the Financial Times, BBC, New Eastern Europe Magazine, and the Associated Press, as well as a range of prominent experts on cutting-edge topics relevant to the CEE region.
Goals of the programme include:
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To promote skills development among early career journalists through strategic sessions (online, one-on-one and in-person) on key competencies needed for professional journalism and investigative work, such as pitching, writing, and investigative skills;
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To promote thought leadership by introducing participating journalists to cutting-edge and topical thematic issues such as cyber security, disinformation, NATO forward presence in CEE, and Black Sea security;
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Supporting young journalists in producing at least one meaningful article or podcast each on issues of particular relevance to the CEE region.
Activities include:
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One-on-one mentoring with highly accomplished regional and international journalists;
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Online webinars focusing on skills development and thought leadership;
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In-person workshops in Turda, Romania, with distinguished journalists and experts.The project is addressed to journalists who are at the beginning of their career, preferably with one to five years of experience.
The project is addressed to journalists who are at the beginning of their career, preferably with one to five years of experience. To honour the legacy of Ion Ratiu, candidates must believe in democratic values and be citizens of Hungary, Kosovo, Moldova, Romania, Serbia, and Ukraine. Candidates must also have a working knowledge of English.
In order to apply for the Journalism Mentorship Programme, interested candidates should
submit the following information to [email protected] in English:
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A cover letter explaining their motivation to be part of the Programme, what they would like to achieve in terms of their personal and professional development, and the key issues which they would like to learn about (both with regards to journalistic skills and thematic topics). The letter of motivation should be no longer than 600 words;
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A pitch for an article or podcast which would be completed as part of the Programme with the guidance of their mentor on any topic of their choice;
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A CV, preferably not exceeding two pages; and
- A writing/podcast sample.
Applications close December 15 2022.
