INTERNSHIPS
Internships can help you transition from your academic training to the world of professional communication. In addition to gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of communication professionals, you'll also have the opportunity to build your portfolio and make valuable networking contacts. In short, internships get you ready to enter the professional communication workforce.
Internships are available in a wide range of settings: newspapers, magazines, television and radio, advertising and public relations agencies, corporations, businesses, health care and many other organizations.
Contact Brian Schanen for more information regarding internships:
Brian Schanen
Director of Interns
Communication Department
Heide Hall 424
262-472-5049
SchanenBH13@uww.edu
The Communication Department has worked with a variety of business and organizations to coordinate internships for our students.
Internship FAQ
Starting out
Is an internship right for me?
Why should I do an internship?
Who is eligible for an internship?
Who should I contact about my internship?
How many internship credits can I take?
Do I have to enroll in a class during my internship?
Do I have to attend class during my internship?
What is the Disney College Program?
Planning your internship
Can I set up my own internship placement?
Where do I find an internship?
How do I apply for an internship?
Can I do an internship during the summer or academic year?
Can I do an internship abroad or in another state?
Is a car necessary? Will I have to commute for my internship?
Will I be able to have my internship and keep my part-time job?
How many hours a week will I work?
How should I dress for my internship?
After your internship
How will I be evaluated on my internship?
What if I am offered full-time employment afterwards?
Can I do more than one internship?
Can I build a portfolio with my internship work?
Should I include my internship on my resume?
Can I use my internship to network?
What are other students saying about their internship experiences?
STARTING OUT
Is an internship right for me?
If you want the opportunity to learn critical work-related skills, build your resume, create a professional portfolio, determine what "type" of organization you fit with and have a "sneak preview" inside a company then yes, an internship is right for you.
Why should I do an internship?
In addition to the benefits above, internships also help students make critical contacts, network, obtain transferable skills, develop talking points for future interviews, and demonstrate abilities to professionals who can serve as references.
Who is eligible for an internship?
The criteria varies depending on your emphasis. See your major checklist and verify what the requirements for you are. If you need further assistance contact the Internship Coordinator.
Who should I contact about my internship?
Students must schedule an appointment with Brian Schanen. Reach him at SchanenBH13@uww.edu or 262-472-5049.
How many internship credits can I take?
Students may use up to 3 internship credits towards their major and an additional 3 credits toward the 120 credits needed for graduation.
Typically students receive 3 credits for 150 hours of internship work, 2 credits for 100 hours, and 1 credit for 50 hours.
Do I have to enroll in a class during my internship?
Yes. Communication students must register for the class corresponding to their major emphasis. In addition to the actual internship, students will have several corresponding assignments to complete during the semester.
Do I have to attend class during my internship?
Yes, there are several meetings and assignments that must be completed during a student's internship.
What is the Disney College Program?
The Disney College Program is a semester-long paid internship at the Walt Disney World Resort near Orlando, FL, during which students work in a front-line role at Disney theme parks or resorts, participate in college-level coursework, and live in company-sponsored housing with other students from across the country. Speak with Professor Corey Davis davisc@uww.edu to learn more about this opportunity, open to all UW-Whitewater majors.
PLANNING YOUR INTERNSHIP
Can I set up my own internship placement?
Yes and no. While a student can contact a company about interning, the Internship Coordinator must work out the details, review and approve a placement. You must meet with the coordinator even if you have made already made contact and discussed a possible placement with a business.
How do I apply for an internship?
a. Attend the internship meeting
b. Schedule an advising appointment with the Internship Coordinator
c. Locate an internship opportunity
d. Complete a contract, obtain a job description, and a copy of your AR
e. Bring the above items to Kris Kranenburg (Andersen 1217H) for approval
Where do I find an internship?
There are many places to find internships.
Local Newspapers
Job sites such as Handshake, Linkedin, Indeed, etc
Check with local companies
Search for openings within your university
Ask instructors, coaches, counselors, advisors or acquaintances
Sites, associations or clubs specific to your interests, i.e. PRSSA, Wisconsin Broadcasters Association, AMA, bigshoesnetwork.com
Meet with the Internship Coordinator
Can I do an internship during the summer or academic year?
Yes, whichever works best with your needs and schedule.
Can I do an internship abroad or in another state?
Of course! Keep in mind if you do an internship abroad, you must check your student VISA first to ensure you are legally able to work (or volunteer) in your country of choice. For more information about interning abroad, visit The Center for Global Education.
Is a car necessary? Will I have to commute for my internship?
It depends on the internship. For example, if you intern at a TV station you most likely will need a car to transport your equipment and self to on-location shoots. But if you intern at a PR firm you might be at the office all day and have no need to travel. Most employers will include in the internship description if a car is needed. If you're unsure, check with them prior to employment.
Will I be able to have my internship and keep my part-time job?
Students can keep their part-time job in addition to their internship, especially since internships have a set start and end date. Make sure you can handle the additional workload and manage your time wisely!
How many hours a week will I work?
That is up to you! Interns collaborate with their employer and advisor before their start date to determine how many hours/credits they want. Typically students receive 3 credits for 150 hours of internship work, 2 credits for 100 hours, and 1 credit for 50 hours.
How should I dress for my internship?
Dress codes vary depending on each company. It is best to check with your employer before your first day. Regardless, it is always a good idea to present yourself in a professional manner.
AFTER YOUR INTERNSHIP
How will I be evaluated on my internship?
Students are evaluated on their overall performance and suggested areas of improvements as noted by their employer. Specific areas include the student's techincal and communication skills, initiative, and the employer's overall impression of the student. These evaluations are submitted to the department and used, along with the assigned papers, to determine the student's overall grade. Afterwards students are able to evaluate and provide feedback regarding their experience through a survey once the internship is completed. Students are also encouraged to provide feedback to Kris Kranenburg, Internship Coordinator.
What if I am offered full-time employment afterwards?
If you're offered full-time employment afterwards, great! However, if you've decided where you interned isn't a good fit, students are not obligated to accept any job offered to them.
Can I do more than one internship?
Yes. 3 internship credits can be applied towards a major and another 3 for overall requirement for graduation.
Can I build a portfolio with my internship work?
Yes! For certain fields a portfolio is VERY important, and it is critical students have a significant one developed by the time they graduate.
Should I include my internship on my resume?
Definitely. Employers want to see your "real world" experience and what professional skills you have already mastered. This will help jump start your career and make your resume stand out!
Can I use my internship to network?
Absolutely! An internship is a great way to get your foot in the door and meet people who are looking for what you have to offer.
What are other students saying about their internship experiences?
Click HERE to see what previous students wish they would have asked before their internship!
**Questions are wrote as stated by students