Three Bermudian summer interns are taking part in a new programme at The Royal Gazette to explore life as a reporter and develop journalistic skills.

The four-week course was designed to provide practical experience in areas such as writing style, interview techniques and story construction.

It is complemented by real reporting opportunities.

The group is made up of Nihya Walker, 18, Laylah Hunt, 20, and Hudson Mello, 23, who are being mentored by Jeremy Deacon, a former news editor at the Gazette.

Ms Walker, a Bermudian who lives in the United States, is taking a nursing major and journalism minor at Northern Illinois University.

She said that the Gazette internship offered a valuable taste of working in a newsroom.

“Journalism has always been a huge part of my life because of the creative outlet it provides,” Ms Walker said.

“The internship has given me space to learn more and experience what real-life journalism is.”

Ms Hunt will soon start her final year at Queen’s University in Canada, where she is working towards a bachelor’s degree in film and media.

She loves documentaries and has a passion for storytelling and noted that the programme helped her develop skills for the future while also appealing to her interests.

“The internship is dynamic and stimulating,” Ms Hunt added. “Every day is different, which is perfect for my personality and exactly what I envision for my future.”

Mr Mello, who studies sociology in Britain, said he saw journalism as a mixture of social science, psychology and human interest.

“The 2026 structured summer internship programme has allowed me to develop my confidence in writing, interviewing and exploring my curiosity in both theoretical and practical ways,” he said.

“For example, I went to the Senate and heard live accounts from senators and ministers.

“If you are curious, enjoy staying informed and want to tell meaningful stories about Bermuda’s social, economic and political landscape, this internship may be for you.

“Journalism encompasses a wide array of interests and offers paths and skills beyond the newsroom, appealing to those who are both curious and investigative.”

Bill Zuill, the Gazette’s Editor, said that the programme was designed to help people gain newsroom experience and understand the skills needed in journalism.

“We are seeking to create a pathway for young writers to develop journalistic skills through real-time experience in the newsroom,” he said.

“In the past, we have not run such a structured internship. Through this programme, we hope to give interns a clearer insight into the skills a journalist needs and a better understanding of what we do here at the Gazette.”

Meanwhile, Shia Bean, 18, has returned to the media outlet for her second year as an intern and is on a separate track that aligns with her interests.

The business major at Clark Atlanta University said that the internship had given her the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in marketing, media and communications.

She added: “This summer, I am proud to be interning with The Royal Gazette.

“Throughout the internship, I have been creating social-media content, assisting with marketing initiatives, supporting promotional campaigns and helping to capture and share stories that engage the Bermuda community.”

• Anyone interested in an internship at The Royal Gazette or finding out more about a career in journalism can e-mail wzuill@royalgazette.com