Internships

An internship is a form of experiential learning that integrates knowledge and theory learned in a classroom with practical application and skills development in a professional setting.

For the Communication Department, internships are part of the curriculum for the Digital Filmmaking & Media Arts, Media Studies, and Professional Communication (Organizational, Strategic, and Leadership Communication) tracks (COMM 4690 for undergraduates; COMM 6690 for graduates).  Read more about Communication internships. 

Undergraduate students may receive credit for 3-6 credit hours for an approved internship. Prerequisites are required for Organizational Communication, Recording Arts, and Media Management students only. For more information, see When am I eligible to apply for an internship?.

Graduate students may receive credit for 1-3 credit hours for an approved internship. Prerequisites include COMM 5010 and COMM 5020.

The first step is to complete the Internship Application and email it to the Director of Internships

Students who have declared Professional Communication (Organizational, Strategic, and Leadership Communication), Media Studies, as well as Digital Filmmaking & Media Arts as their major can enroll in the program.

Potential interns must have a minimum overall GPA of 3.0 or the consent of the internship director. Internships are competitive and all qualified students are not guaranteed an internship.  Interested students should complete the Internship Application, Description of Internship, and email it to the Director of Internships.

Students may enroll for a minimum of 3 and a maximum of 6 hours in one internship or may enroll in two different internships totaling 6 hours. It is recommended that a student wishing to enroll in two different internships do so over two semesters.

For each credit hour, students are required to work in the organization for 3 hours per week. For example, a 3-credit hour internship means 9 hours per week in the organization; a 6-credit hour internship means 18 hours per week.

Students may apply for an Internship (Application) after they have completed 16 credit hours of upper-division work in Communication.

• Organizational Communication majors must have completed COMM 2240 and COMM 3240 before they are eligible for an Organizational Communication internship.
• Digital Filmmaking & Media Arts majors must have completed COMM 2250 and COMM 2270 before they are eligible.

Fill out an internship application and email it to the Director of Internships. Applications are due at least 1 semester before the semester in which you want to complete an internship. 

It is more common for an internship to be unpaid, though an approved internship can allow students to receive academic credit for the work they do. Some organizations may offer to pay an intern, but students should only accept compensation after consulting the Director of Internships. 

Students may pursue internships on their own; however, once you've identified a potential opportunity you must discuss it and obtain approval from the Internship director if you wish to receive academic credit.

Resources for identifying internships include the T. Rowe Price Career and Innovation Center, Handshake, Indeed.com, Andrew Hudson’s list and other employment websites.

If you find one that looks interesting, complete the COMM department Internship Application and email it to the Director of Internships so you are ready if are offered the position.

No. By law, an intern cannot replace a regular employee. This is why many internships are seasonal and/or unpaid positions. An internship is intended to provide a unique opportunity to gain valuable applied experiences in your professional field under the supervision of a mentor who can provide adequate training and unbiased evaluation.

If you register to receive academic credit for an approved internship, you will be required to keep a journal of your job-related activities and keep the director informed of your progress. You will also be required to keep and regularly report a log of your time. At the end of the semester, you will need to write a final paper detailing your experience. Your grade will be based primarily on the evaluation you receive from your immediate supervisor. However, your final paper and regular updates to the internship director will also be important.

Some Dos and Don'ts:

• If required by the organization, you may need to supply background information, a resume/CV, and/or complete a background check.
• It is imperative that interns conduct themselves in a responsible, professional manner. Familiarize yourself with the organization's policies regarding conduct, dress code, safety rules, confidentiality, etc.
• Be on time and show a good work ethic and willingness to learn. If you must be absent or late, let your supervisor know with as much advance notice as possible.
• Always act professionally and show respect for the community partner. Keep in mind that you are representing the University and are expected to uphold the standards of the department and the University at all times.
• Never report to a service site under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
• Do not give or loan clients money or other personal belongings or engage in any type of business exchange with clients during the term of your service.
• Never transport a client in a personal vehicle. Do not work in a room alone with a child or transport a minor by yourself.
• Do not tolerate verbal exchange or engage in behavior that might be perceived as sexual with a client or organization representative, or that might be perceived as discriminating against an individual on the basis of their race, ethnicity, ability, gender, sexual orientation, or age.

Your Rights:

• As an intern, you have the right to know what is expected of you by the organization (i.e., job description, hours and schedule, responsibilities, etc.).
• You should have an assigned supervisor to whom you report, who signs your timesheet, completes your evaluation, and is available for training and questions.
• You should receive on-site training, which may include: a) information on the organization's purpose, mission, population, methods, etc.; b) learning any specific skills instrumental in carrying out your duties; c) a tour of the site, emergency exits, introduction to other staff; d) a review of site safety rules and emergency and accident procedures.
• Work tasks should not include manual labor or rote office work. The work you do should help you meet your learning objectives. You should not perform work that other employees perform (by law, you cannot replace a regular employee). If you are asked to do such work, discuss the situation with your instructor. Never do anything that threatens your safety.
• You have the right to request an alternative service site if you are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with your current placement. Discuss any problems with your instructor and placement coordinator before changing placements.

The Communication Department's Internship Director is available to answer any internship-related question. You have the right to request an alternative service site if you are uncomfortable or dissatisfied with your current placement. Communicate these concerns with your instructor.