COMM 495 College of Communications Internship What Every Intern Needs to Know What Every Intern Needs to Know

5 Majors within the College of Communications 5 Majors within the College of Communications Why you should do an Internship Why you should do an Internship Internship for-Credit vs for Experience Only Internship for-Credit vs for Experience Only Internship Application Process Internship Application Process 7 Requirements for COMM Requirements for COMM 495 Overview of the Internship Packet Overview of the Internship Packet COMM how it fits into your degree requirements COMM how it fits into your degree requirements Internship database Internship database How to get an internship location approved How to get an internship location approved

Excel AcademicallyGet involved in extracurricular activities Internships, Internships, Internships 3 Prong Approach

The 5 majors within the College of Communications Advertising/Public Relations Advertising/Public Relations Film/Video Film/Video Journalism Journalism Media Studies Media Studies Telecommunications Telecommunications

WHY DO YOU NEED AN INTERNSHIP? IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GAIN HANDS ON EXPERIENCE IN YOUR FIELD! IT’S YOUR CHANCE TO GAIN HANDS ON EXPERIENCE IN YOUR FIELD! TO AQUIRE VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE! TO AQUIRE VALUABLE WORK EXPERIENCE! TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE MARKETABLE UPON GRADUATION! TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE MARKETABLE UPON GRADUATION! TO NARROW YOUR FIELD OF INTEREST. TO NARROW YOUR FIELD OF INTEREST. YOU NEED EXPERIENCE AND FOCUS TO GET A JOB. YOU NEED EXPERIENCE AND FOCUS TO GET A JOB. TO LEARN HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEVELOP A SEARCH FOR THE INTERNSHIP THAT BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS. THESE SKILLS ARE TRANSFERABLE TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER SEARCH TO LEARN HOW TO EFFECTIVELY DEVELOP A SEARCH FOR THE INTERNSHIP THAT BEST SUITS YOUR NEEDS. THESE SKILLS ARE TRANSFERABLE TO YOUR FUTURE CAREER SEARCH

Like to take an Internship? You must decide if you are taking the internship for - NO CREDIT You must decide if you are taking the internship for - NO CREDIT This means you are taking the internship for the experience only. This means you are taking the internship for the experience only. Or taking the Internship for-CREDIT Or taking the Internship for-CREDIT If taking the internship for-credit you MUST be approved by the Office of Internships & Career Placement and REGISTER for COMM 495. If taking the internship for-credit you MUST be approved by the Office of Internships & Career Placement and REGISTER for COMM 495.

Freshman Students - are you eligible to take an Internship? As a freshman, you may not be eligible to take an internship for-credit; however, you can take an internship for experience. As a freshman, you may not be eligible to take an internship for-credit; however, you can take an internship for experience. If you want to take an internship for-credit or it is required you must do the following. If you want to take an internship for-credit or it is required you must do the following. Speak to your adviser before you pursue an internship for-credit. Speak to your adviser before you pursue an internship for-credit. Prove you have previous experience relating to the specific internship. Prove you have previous experience relating to the specific internship. Obtain a letter from your supervisor stating that they are aware that you have not had the pre-requisite course but they are willing to accept you as an intern. Obtain a letter from your supervisor stating that they are aware that you have not had the pre-requisite course but they are willing to accept you as an intern.

Taking an Internship For Experience - NO CREDIT The College of Communications has no jurisdiction over your non- credit internship. The College is not involved in the internship process other than helping you find prospective internship opportunities. The College of Communications has no jurisdiction over your non- credit internship. The College is not involved in the internship process other than helping you find prospective internship opportunities. The internship locations you have chosen must agree to have you intern for NO CREDIT. The internship locations you have chosen must agree to have you intern for NO CREDIT. If the internship location agrees to have you as an intern for NO CREDIT, then you only need to adhere to the requirements set by the internship location. If the internship location agrees to have you as an intern for NO CREDIT, then you only need to adhere to the requirements set by the internship location. You are NOT required by the College of Communications to complete any assignments when taking an internship strictly for experience. You are NOT required by the College of Communications to complete any assignments when taking an internship strictly for experience.

2 reasons why you would take an Internship for-Credit. 1. Apply credits towards your degree. 2. The Internship location requires you to take the internship for-credit.

COMM Internship for-Credit Pay per credit (unless you are a full-time student during the semester of the internship) Pay per credit (unless you are a full-time student during the semester of the internship) Must register for the course Must register for the course Must complete assignments Must complete assignments Receive a grade that goes towards your G.P.A. for the amount of credits you have taken. Receive a grade that goes towards your G.P.A. for the amount of credits you have taken. Only exception: you do not go to a classroom…..you go to your internship location.

It is NOT a degree requirement to take an internship for-credit! Each student in the College may receive a maximum of 6 credits of internship - COMM 495. You may take an internship for 1, 2 or 3 credits during one semester.

Internship Application for Credit Complete the College of Communications Internship for-Credit Application Complete the College of Communications Internship for-Credit Application Write a 5 sentence paragraph as to why you want to take an internship for-credit Write a 5 sentence paragraph as to why you want to take an internship for-credit Attach your resume Attach your resume Submit all three items for APPROVAL to the Internships and Career Placement Office Submit all three items for APPROVAL to the Internships and Career Placement Office Carnegie Building

Use your 6 credits of COMM 495 wisely! Many internship locations require internships to be taken for-credit. You may take an internship for 1, 2 or 3 credits. Many internship locations require internships to be taken for-credit. You may take an internship for 1, 2 or 3 credits. If you intend to do multiple internship for-credit during your undergraduate career, then you will want to split the credits between internships. You have 6 internship credits available throughout your entire undergraduate college career. If you intend to do multiple internship for-credit during your undergraduate career, then you will want to split the credits between internships. You have 6 internship credits available throughout your entire undergraduate college career. 1 credit = 67 hours, 2 credits = 134 hours, 3 credits = 201 hours. Example: Joe Smith is a Junior in Telecom 1 st Internship – will QWK Rock during Spring for 2 credits 2 nd Internship –- will Howard Stern Show during the summer for 3 credits 3 rd Internship will Verizon during the Fall for 1 credit Total credits used = 6 credits

7 Internship Requirements All College of Communications students must meet all 7 requirements. All College of Communications students must meet all 7 requirements. Please note your internship location may have additional requirements. Please note your internship location may have additional requirements.

#1 Pre-requisite courses must be completed with a C or better prior to taking an internship for credit. There are different pre- requisite courses for each major. Advertising – COMM 320 Advertising – COMM 320 Public Relations – COMM 260W or COMM 370 Public Relations – COMM 260W or COMM 370 Journalism – COMM 260W Journalism – COMM 260W Telecommunication – COMM 180 or 283 Telecommunication – COMM 180 or 283 Film/Video – COMM 150, 250 or 242 Film/Video – COMM 150, 250 or 242 Media Studies – To be determined based on internship Media Studies – To be determined based on internship IMPORTANT NOTE: Film/Video students please be aware the COMM 495, internship for-credit course, does not formally count as credit toward completion of the major. You must receive pre-approval from your faculty advisor.

Prospective Intern: The following pages, refer to the appropriate check sheet for your major. Please consult with your Academic Advisor to confirm this information.

#2 #3 You must complete a minimum You must complete a minimum of 67 hours of internship work per credit This hourly requirement is the College of Communications requirement. The internship locations may have a higher hourly requirement, thus you must adhere to the higher requirement. Internship Contact Sheet (page 5 of your packet), to be completed by you the student on the first day at your internship. Internship Contact Sheet (page 5 of your packet), to be completed by you the student on the first day at your internship. Confirmation of Internship Placement Form (page 8 in the supervisor section of your packet) to be completed by your supervisor on the first day at your internship. Confirmation of Internship Placement Form (page 8 in the supervisor section of your packet) to be completed by your supervisor on the first day at your internship.

#4 Weekly Journals

#5 THE MID-TERM EVALUATION. IT IS YOUR RESONSIBILITY TO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR SUPERVISOR IS AWARE OF THIS REQUIREMENT TO BE COMPLETED BY YOU AND YOUR SUPERVISOR AT THE MID-POINT DATE OF THE INTERNSHIP (DETERMINED BY THE START AND END DATES OF THE INTERNSHIP EXPERIENCE.

#6 You must complete an internship critique at the end of the internship – details are provided in the internship packet

#7 How your internship grade is determined. Journals X 30% Journals X 30% Critique X 20% Critique X 20% Supervisor Mid-term/Final Evaluation X 40% Supervisor Mid-term/Final Evaluation X 40% Assistant Dean’s Assistant Dean’s Evaluation X 10% You must have your internship supervisor complete the Supervisor Assessment Survey and the Supervisor Evaluation at the end of your internship, but before the deadline listed on your internship packet.

Additional resources available to you, the potential intern and the future communications professional: Internship locations other than those listed as registered internship locations with the College of Communications Washington DC Program Resume and cover letter critique and preparation Interviewing - role playing and preparation Professional networking contacts Professional mentors Career placement guidance PSU alumni contacts Career Opportunities JobExpo.COMM – Communications Job Fair held at the HUB March 20, 2015 “Success in the City” – Communications Job fair held in New York City, April 10, 2015 Film n Friends – Peer networking event held in New York City, April 10, 2015

Where do College of Communications students go to find internship opportunities? The College of Communications has developed a database of more than 3,500 registered internship locations. Internship locations not found through our database must be approved as a registered internship location with the College of Communications. It is our mission to only accept internship locations that will provide a viable learning experience and a nurturing environment for you to perform the job in the career field you have chose. This ever-growing list includes every type of communications organization from high profile companies to cutting edge technology companies, from premiere broadcast journalism organizations to highly respected advertising agencies and public relations firms.

Internship profile sample. Please follow the PRQCAR Method

Interested in taking an internship for-credit at a location not registered with the College of Communications? You must have the supervisor of your prospective internship complete an Internship Prospect Form and return to the Assistant Dean of Internships and Career Placement before you can begin your internship. You must have the supervisor of your prospective internship complete an Internship Prospect Form and return to the Assistant Dean of Internships and Career Placement before you can begin your internship. The prospective internship location must be APPROVED before you begin your internship The prospective internship location must be APPROVED before you begin your internship It is your obligation to find out if the internship location has been approved. It is your obligation to find out if the internship location has been approved.

Internships & Career Placement Office Bob Martin – Assistant Dean for Internships and Career Placement 208 D Carnegie Building Stephanie Girouard – Administrative Assistant 208 Carnegie Building