Years ago internships were difficult to find, and most were unpaid positions. Interns did much of the less desirable work in the office such as file, make deliveries and answer telephones. Today, editors are depending on inters to do some of their major reporting and research projects. The pay is good, and the demand for quality interns is high. Although there is an increase in the availability of internships, the requirements remain pretty strict.
Most newspapers only hire rising or graduating seniors with previous writing experience.
Good grades are important, but clips and a proven dedication to the field play a big role in the decision. Having simply the desire to write and a degree in hand probably will not land a student their dream internship.