TMA Step Up interviews start next week — read some top tips for the interview stage
The final selection of candidates has been chosen, now it’s time for them to show the partners what they’re made of during the interview stage, which kicks off next week, from 23 March 2026.
TMA Step Up is supported by nine industry-leading partners: APL Media, easyJet holidays, FINN Partners, Food & Travel, Intrepid Travel, Kuoni, TTG Media, The Sun and Virgin Atlantic.
Top tips for interviews:
- Set the tone right away
First impressions really count. Be sure to arrive on time, dress in a professional way and approach the interview with focus and enthusiasm. The first few minutes are an opportunity to establish presence and confidence.
- Manage your nerves
It’s completely normal to feel nervous — the panel understands that. What makes a difference is how you manage those nerves. Speak clearly, take your time when answering questions. A thoughtful pause before responding is always better than rushing.
- Demonstrate your thinking
The interview is your chance to expand on your application and bring your ideas to life. You may be asked how you’d approach a task, pitch a story or solve a challenge. The judges are interested in how you think, how you structure your ideas and how you’d approach real-world scenarios.
- Be honest and self-aware
You’re not expected to know everything, so don’t pretend that you do! If you’re asked about something you haven’t done before, be transparent. Then explain how you’d approach it or what you’d do to learn. Curiosity and a willingness to grow are qualities that stand out.
- Prepare some questions of your own
An interview is a conversation. Preparing two or three questions shows engagement and a genuine interest in the opportunity. You might want to ask about the tasks you’ll be involved in, mentoring support or what made previous interns successful.
Ultimately, the judging panel will be looking for passionate, capable and eager individuals who show a great desire to learn and a strong work ethic.
What comes next?
After the interviews have been conducted, the judges from the partner companies will choose the five lucky winners of the scheme, who’ll start their eight-week travel media internship this summer.
The interns will be matched with two of the nine partner companies for four weeks at each of their offices. Once the internship begins, they’ll hit the ground running, gaining hands-on experience across journalism, publishing, PR and marketing.
The partner companies include:
- APL Media
- EasyJet Holidays
- FINN Partners
- Food & Travel
- Intrepid
- Kuoni
- The Sun
- TTG Media
- Virgin Atlantic
Wishing the very best of luck to all candidates in making it to the next stage of the internship process.
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About APL Media
APL Media is a multi-award-winning content marketing agency and publisher, producing high-quality print, digital and live media across the travel and lifestyle sectors. Since 1997, it has published National Geographic Traveller (UK) under licence from National Geographic Partners LLC, supported by brand extensions including guides, events and digital platforms. The portfolio also features Living360, a digital lifestyle brand covering wellness, travel, food, sustainability and culture, distributed via national media and its own platform. APL Media delivers custom content, branded campaigns, editorial consultancy, internship schemes including Step Up and leading events such as the Travel Media Awards. Its trade titles include Postcards and the ASTA Worldwide Destination Guide, with content also produced for national newspapers.
aplmedia.co.uk
