Step Up FAQs


Step Up is an internship programme by the Travel Media Awards driving diversity and inclusion in travel media for young people. The scheme — launched in 2023 — has expanded to offer an eight week paid internship in London in the summer of 2025 for five successful candidates. Each successful candidate will win placements for two complementary partner companies (in media/journalism and marketing/PR) for four weeks each and receive six monthly mentoring sessions upon completion of the internship. All successful interns will also receive a complimentary ticket to the Travel Media Awards in London in autumn 2025.


How do I apply to Step Up?

Applicants can submit their application via this link up until 11.59pm on Friday 31 January 2025. The application calls for:

  • A CV.
  • A personal statement (maximum 200 words) responding to the statement: Why are you an ideal candidate for the Step Up internship?
  • A creative writing task (maximum 200 words) answering the question: What does travel mean to you?


Am I eligible to apply?

Yes, if you are:

  • Aged 18 to 30.
  • Have the right to work in the UK.
  • Can demonstrate a passion for travel media.

The Travel Media Awards Step Up programme encourages applications from underrepresented backgrounds, including individuals from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.


What companies will I intern at?

Successful candidates will spend four weeks learning about PR and communications, and the other four weeks learning about journalism and publishing. The partner companies have already been paired, as seen below:


What will I be working on?

Interns will be working with the partners' editorial and PR & marketing teams. This Step Up Sample Job Specification provides a sense of editorial and PR/Marketing duties.

How long is the internship and when will it take place?

The internship duration is eight weeks, taking place in summer 2025 (provisionally June and July). Interns will spend four weeks with one company followed by four weeks with another.


What does the selection process involve?

Candidates will be shortlisted by the Step Up internship team and finalists will be invited for interviews with a judging panel made up of senior staff from the partner companies. Ultimately, five candidates will be selected for internships and informed no later than May.

The timeline for the selection process is:

  • 31 January 2025 — Applications close.
  • March 2025 — Shortlisted candidates asked to provide a video and invited to interview.
  • April 2025 — Interviews and winners announced. Candidates must be available in the first week of April for an in-person interview in London.
  • June – July 2025 — Placements.


Can I use artificial intelligence (AI) for my application?

Use of AI for any aspect of the application process is strictly prohibited. The Step Up team will be checking for use of artificial intelligence and entries that rely on its use will not progress.


Do I have to be studying or have prior work experience to apply?

No, the scheme is open to anyone who has an interest in the industry and fulfils the eligibility criteria.


What does the mentoring entail?

Interns will receive six Zoom mentoring sessions (one per month) after the conclusion of the internship. These will be conducted by an industry professional to assist with each intern’s career trajectory.


Is the internship paid?

Yes, you will be paid London Living Wage for the duration of your internship.


What if I don’t live in London?

Interns are required to either commute into London to the place of work, or source their own accommodation. Alternatively, interns can apply for free, hosted accommodation with London-based editors through PressPad.


Will the internship include holiday/paid leave?

The Step Up scheme does not offer holiday or paid leave during the placements.