My name is Kiliane Gateau, and this summer, I have the exciting opportunity to intern at the News Center, where I am diving into the world of election reporting with the dedicated election team. I am thrilled to share a bit about my journey so far and what I have been up to. At VOA, my role involves crafting articles based on wire service reporting for VOA's website, keeping a close eye on our coverage of the 2024 presidential election to ensure we provide the most current updates, and pitching and developing engaging stories for our election section.
In addition to these tasks, I have had the chance to write for the Student Union section, our vibrant online platform dedicated to college and university students across the U.S., including those from international backgrounds. I also create byline pieces and compose rewrites of wire reports. I also get to contribute original scripts for VOA’s social media videos, which has been a fantastic way to engage with our audience in a dynamic format.
One of the highlights of my internship has been the opportunity to connect with so many incredible people, especially the editors who have been immensely supportive and insightful. The Cohen building, where VOA operates, is a melting pot of languages and cultures, and it has been fascinating to witness the diversity and how different departments collaborate seamlessly. Each day brings new learning experiences, and I have been fortunate to gain valuable insights from my colleagues and the work we are doing.
What I particularly enjoy about VOA is the breadth of skills you get to develop, from creating graphics and videography to script editing. These experiences are not only enhancing my current abilities but also preparing me for my ultimate goal of becoming a journalist.
About Kiliane: I recently graduated from Loyola University Maryland with a degree in journalism and a background in forensic science. At Loyola, I reported for the “Greyhound,” our school newspaper, covering campus news. Originally from France, I moved to the U.S. when I was 11 and have since been working towards my dream of becoming an investigative journalist. I am currently pursuing a master’s degree in broadcast journalism at the University of Maryland, driven by my passion for the field and my commitment to impactful storytelling.