BCLA Summer Internship Spotlight: Miles Gibson ’27

For Miles Gibson '27, journalism is about more than writing. It's about connecting with people and capturing the experiences that shape a community.
A journalism major with a minor in international relations, Miles is spending his summer as a reporting intern with the Long Beach Post & LA Local.

Since his first year at LMU, Miles has immersed himself in journalism through coursework and hands-on reporting, deepening his understanding of the media landscape and its complexities. When he learned about the LMU Bellarmine College of Liberal Arts and Journalism Department's partnership with local news organizations to provide paid summer internships, he knew it was the ideal opportunity to nurture his passion for community journalism in a professional newsroom.

Miles spends three to four full days each week working in the newsroom, researching stories, interviewing sources, writing articles, and reporting from the field. "Throughout any day, I might tag along with anyone going out on an assignment, learning from their techniques and habits as I shadow them in their element. When I'm in the office, I'm working on whatever stories I have assigned," said Miles. "I have a new familiarity with how the editing process takes place, and how outreach and research get done in an efficient manner."

The internship has also shown him how unpredictable journalism can be. One day may be spent researching a feature and conducting interviews, while the next requires responding to breaking news and documenting events as they unfold (like a dumpster fire). Working closely with experienced reporters and editors has strengthened the communication, research, and storytelling skills Gibson first developed at LMU and given him the confidence to adapt to the demands of a constantly changing newsroom.

A highlight of his summer was profiling an internationally renowned Mexican muralist during Long Beach's annual mural festival. By following the artist throughout the creation of her mural, Miles captured both her creative process and the impact of public art on the surrounding community.

Looking ahead, Miles says the experience has confirmed that he is on the right career path.

His advice for students considering an internship?

"If you're in a position to do an internship, go for it. It may seem daunting at first, but it's an incredibly rewarding experience that helps you grow, build confidence, and connect with professionals in the field."