1. COMS Internship Informational Session
Dr. Karen Deardorff
Associate Lecturer & Internship Coordinator
433 Schoonover Center

2. Why complete an internship?
Gain hands-on experience
Build resume; build skill sets
Enhance future job opportunities
Fulfill one COMS elective
Add to graduation hours
Networking
Learn what you like & dislike
Learn what kind of location appeals to you

3. What should I consider? Skills you wish to develop and/or learn
Location, location, location
Paid vs. Unpaid
Profit vs. Non-profit organization
Academic credit vs. no credit
Housing

4. Finding an internship Start the process early! Identify your focus
Determine preferred geographic location
Consider issues such as housing and transportation
Thoroughly research potential companies
Identify application deadlines
Update and proofread resume, cover letter, etc.

5. Where to start looking: Websites
Ohio
Handshake (ohio.joinhandshake.com)
LinkedIn
ohiomeansjobs.com
Bi-weekly Internship e-newsletter

6. Where to start looking: Websites
National
Handshake
LinkedIn
experience.com
Indeed.com
Guidestar.org/NonprofitDirectory.aspx
(non-profit)

7. Where to start looking: Websites
International
Globalexperiences.com
Specific company websites
Go directly to the specific company of interest
Search website for opportunities
Smaller company; call and inquire about possible opportunities

8. I found an interesting internship! Now what?
Prepare or update a resume
Assistance is available through….
Karen Peters, Harris Student Support Center
Career and Leadership Development Center/OU Career Tools (5th Floor Baker Center)
Dr. Karen Deardorff, COMS Internship Coordinator

9. Go get it!
Apply early!
If appropriate, follow up with an or phone call
Be mindful of professional etiquette
Be prepared to interview:
Be upbeat, enthusiastic & knowledgeable about the company
Practice interview skills at Career and Leadership Development Center, in person, by phone, or SKYPE

10. You landed it! Congratulations!
How do I get academic credit for my internship?
Contact the COMS internship coordinator
Complete internship application form
Provide copy of internship job description
Internship supervisor completes internship contract
Initiate on-line permission request to enroll in COMS 4910

11. Internship Requirements: COMS 4910
Eligibility (DARS may be requested for proof):
Permission required
COMS Major, Junior or Senior Standing
Have successfully completed COMS 2350
Overall GPA of 2.75
In good standing with Ohio University

12. Internship Requirements: COMS 4910
Internship Credit
Internships may be undertaken for 1-15 credits
Only 3 credit hours may be counted as a COMS elective
Can register for 1 hour of academic credit for every 20 hours of work (1:20 ratio)
Tuition and other fees apply
Must be registered for credit during the semester in which internship is undertaken (credit not awarded for previous internships completed)

13. Internship Requirements: COMS 4910
Internship Requirements & Criteria
Written reflection: pages
Apply communication theories; core competencies
Explain how experience helped to identify personal strengths and weaknesses
Provide history and structure of the organization
Include artifacts that illustrate work performed

14. Internship requirements: COMS 4910
Supervisor Performance Evaluation
Internship supervisor completes a performance evaluation no later than the Friday before the end of the term (Fall, Spring, Summer)

15. Internship requirements: COMS 4910
Grading Criteria
Final internship grade will be based 50% on the portfolio and 50% on the supervisory evaluation
COMS 4910 for 1-3 credit hours graded A-F
COMS 4910 for 4-15 credit hours graded CR/NC

16. Academic Credit vs. Non-Credit
Many organizations offering internships require intern to be registered for OU academic credit
Paid internships sometimes do not require credit
Unpaid internships are changing

17. Internship Employers Contracts provided to you from employers
Employers are asking for Verification Letters
Contact Karen Peters, Harris Student Support Center
Background check/drug testing/alcohol testing (new)
Will be stated in internship offer
Sometimes required for international travel

18. Student Responsibility
OU Code of Conduct/Behavior
Community Standards
OU Financial Status: Need to be in good standing
Strive to be a good intern (arrive on time, show up, professional demeanor)

19. Financial Considerations
Fall/ Spring Semesters- All Scholarships and loans have OU credit requirements
To keep OU Scholarships:
Internship must be full time
Must be approved by COMS Internship Coordinator
Must be registered for at least 1 credit hour
Karen Peters

20. Financial Considerations
Non OU Scholarships: Need to register for 12 credits
Federal Loans
To defer loan and avoid going into repayment
See Karen Peters for green permission slip (STDY Code 000 for “zero credit”)
No Charge
To continue loan: Need 6 credit hours
Always see your Financial Aid advisor!
Karen Peters

21. Other Considerations Resident Halls: Notify OU Housing
On-Campus Housing: If off campus during semester
Resident Halls: Notify OU Housing
Resident Halls: Eliminate meal plan
Apartment: Consider subleasing
Housing: Internship City
Safety first – check out your environment
Limit couch surfing – find a stable location for duration of internship
Karen Peters

22. Scholarships/Summer Internships
Don Perris Endowed Scholarship
$4,000 awarded toward summer or fall internship
Award 11 scholarships for Scripps Students (subject to available funding)
Juniors, Seniors & Graduating Seniors
Contact Karen Peters, Harris Student Support Center, for information about how to apply
Karen Peters