If you are a recent college graduate, and inclined toward journalism, and inclined toward conservatism — of the Buckley variety — have I got an opportunity for you: the William F. Buckley Jr. Fellowship in Political Journalism.

When I say “I,” I really mean our National Review Institute — for it is NRI that sponsors the fellowship.

Here’s the deal: You work at National Review as a writer–reporter for a year. Possibly two, depending. This is a full-time job. And you learn as you go. This is not political activism, mind you (and such activism has its place). This is political journalism, or cultural journalism, or maybe something else, depending on what you’re doing.

WFB said there was a difference between a “conservative journalist” and a “journalist who is conservative” — he was a unique example of the latter. And a man of many parts.

Anyway, if I get started on WFB I’ll be here all day.

Applications for the Buckley Fellowship are due by January 31, 2024. (How odd to write “2024.” But it’s upon us.) The fellowship begins in May or June. To apply, you should send us various things — a packet: a packet consisting of a cover letter; a résumé; a recommendation from a professor or employer; a transcript; and a writing sample.

About that cover letter: In it, you should tell us about your education and work and other activities you think worth mentioning. You should speak a little about your current goals (these shift) and how they relate to the Buckley Fellowship. In sum, why you and why NR?

We have a webpage on the fellowship, here. And the address — the address for the packet — is [email protected].

There is a saying in golf: “Never up, never in.” If you think the Buckley Fellowship is for you, and you for it — give it a try. There is no application fee. All the best.