Communication Internships 101
With the ever growing popularity of internships, employers are coming to expect to see some internship experience on the resumes of their potential employees. It seems to have become somewhat of a necessity to get the swanky desk job you may be looking for. An internship shows your potential employer a strong commitment and passion for your career field, two qualities many employers specifically look for. Applying for your internship early is also important, not only to raise your chances of getting your desired internship, but applying early also shows you're on the ball and distinguishes you from the other applicants.
When choosing an internship, it is important to consider a few things, such as: how many hours per week you would be spending on your internship and if you really can afford to sacrifice your time for the respective amount of credits. Consider the location of your possible position, if you have a car and have to drive fifteen minutes away, that's one thing, but that fifteen-minute drive could translate into a forty-five minute walk if you happen to be one of the many car-less students on campus. Does this internship have the benefit of some kind of pay? Most internships have very little or no pay, but some pay is a big deal for students who seem to be running low at the ATM. Your academic advisor is a great place to start getting some answers to these questions, and with their experience with internships, they may very well improve your chances of getting the right internship for you. If you would like a more professional approach to deciding on an internship, here is the contact information to the professors who are in charge of the internships for their specific area.
Interpersonal & Organizational Communication majors: Bill Lowell
Public Relations: Ann Knabe
Electronic Media: Peter Conover
Advertising: Kris Kranenburg
Broadcast Journalism: Peter Conover
Print Journalism: Sam Martino
There are also internship web databases that have many active employers searching for fresh, young college students to work with them. The following website has some great information and lists of possible internship opportunities available now. (http://careerplanning.about.com/od/internships/Internships.htm)
Also, keep in mind many internships often turn into job offers. Even though internships are optional and may not come with pay, there is no reason not to take it seriously. You may be working for your future employer, so from the first day you meet your “would-be employer,” act as professional and respectful as possible.
We recently went out and interviewed faculty and staff to get some more in depth information on the communication internships here at UWW. Professors Ann Knabe and Peter Conover had this to contribute.
Professor Ann Knabe believes internships are a fabulous way to gain real-world experience in a "safe" environment. Employers understand interns are in a "learning mode" and are willing to help them grow. I consider internships as baby steps toward that first big job. In most cases, you are not considered competitive in the job market without an internship. Other universities require internships for their undergrads. For example, Marquette requires an internship to graduate with a degree in PR. If you enter the work world without an internship, you are at a SERIOUS disadvantage. Many students are now completing two or three internships before graduating. Internships also allow you to "test" the field in different areas to see if you really want to do that job when you graduate.
The best time to start looking for an internship is as soon as a major is declared. Prof. Knabe met several students at a conference last year, who had all completed three internships, and were looking at fourth. Remember, you don't need to get paid to have an internship, and you can also do an informal internship -- not for credit, but for experience.
According to Professors Peter Conover and Ann Knabe, the best ways to find internships are by looking online, talking to teachers, networking at meetings, and looking on internship bulletin board. Also look at developing a personalized internship based on your interests. You can also visit Career Services on campus to get some ideas.
Next, to get credit you must work with the internship advisor for your particular area of emphasis. You will be required to fill out a form (6) and have your internship supervisor sign it. They will also have to state what you will be doing during your internship.
There are a few different credit options. Professor Ann Knabe is a believer in thinking outside the box. While the internship credit may be for 3 full credits, there are other options. One, two and three credit internships are available. Professor Bill Lowell also said there is now a possibility to get a 6 credit internship.
In Public Relations, a minimum of 150 hours of work is required for the three-credit internship. Broadcasting majors are a little different. In broadcasting internships a student must do a minimum of 160 hours for a three-unit internship. In general, an internship will run around 150 – 180 hours total. When you look at that per week, it isn't that much at all. It comes to around 15 hours per week. This means you can still hold a part-time job on the side to earn some extra money in case your internship isn't paid.
Links to other interviews:
Bill Lowell Interview
Kristine Kranenburg Interview