› Internship Program: Students

› Prerequisites
› Requirements
› Search Process
› Tips & Suggestions
› Frequently Asked Questions
› Internship Authorization Forms and Tips
› Seminar Material
› Contact Internship Coordinator
› InTurn: What People Say

The internship is it — your first chance to dive into your chosen field and gain valuable experience. It's an opportunity that bridges the academic and professional worlds and one that shouldn't be missed.

All students who participate in the program:
• Work under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field of study;
• Gain relevant entry-level professional experience;
• Complete a minimum of 192 hours for three credit hours toward graduation;
• Receive a final evaluation from an internship supervisor; and,
• Attend monthly seminars with other interns from the School of Communications.

There are no geographic boundaries for internships. They can be paid or unpaid, depending on the organization.

They are available in corporate settings, non-profit organizations, educational environments, commercial studios, publications, radio, television and research organizations. The School of Communications every year invites a sampling of these groups and organizations to the St. Louis home campus for an Internship Expo.


Prerequisites
Students must:
• Obtain junior or senior status; and,
• Pass a portfolio review if its required by your major, or, if your major doesn't require a portfolio review, obtain an internship eligibility release form from your academic advisor.

^ Return to Top


Requirements
Enrollment
Students must enroll in Professional Media Practicum (MEDC 4950) with permission of the Internship Director. Enrollment is not available online. The course must be at least three credit hours, but no more than eight for their first internship period. Students may repeat Professional Media Practicum (MEDC 4950) for a second internship as long as the total internship credits do not exceed eight. An internship site must be approved by the internship office for a student to receive credit.

Field Requirements
All interns must work under the supervision of an expert in their chosen field of study and in an environment offering relevant entry-level professional experience. Interns must complete at least 192 hours of employment to obtain the three credit hours (64 working hours equals one credit hour). They also must receive a final evaluation based on work performance at the internship site. This evaluation accounts for 50 percent of the course grade.

Academic Requirements
• Submit Internship Authorization Forms (Student and Site) and send it to the School of Communications' internship coordinator before starting the internship.
• Attend monthly seminars with other interns from the School of Communications.
• Complete academic assignments as identified in the course syllabus. A sample syllabus can be found here. Academic requirements comprise 50 percent of the course grade.

^ Return to Top


Search Process
1. Review prerequisites and talk to your academic advisor to determine the best semester for your internship.

2. Schedule an internship assessment meeting with the School of Communications' internship coordinator at least one semester before you intend to begin your internship.

3. Prior to the meeting, it is helpful to prepare a resume and begin thinking about the type of internship position you are seeking. Tips for writing cover letters, resumes and e-mail correspondence can be found here. Samples are available in the SOC internship coordinator's office.

4. Bring a completed Internship Authorization-Student Form to the meeting. At your meeting you will review the Internship Authorization-Site Form and receive contact information on several organizations that fit your interests and skills.

5. Following the meeting, you will be given permission to contact and schedule interviews with at least three organizations.

6. Accept the position and work with the organization to arrange your work schedule.

7. Return the completed Internship Authorization-Site Form with appropriate signatures to the SOC internship director. Retain a copy for your own records.

^ Return to Top


Tips & Suggestions
1. Start your internship search early.

2. Do your research. Visit company and industry Web sites, learn all you can about the company and talk with other students. A document listing helpful industry Web sites can be found here.

3. Think outside the box. If you have additional ideas and contacts, feel free to pursue them.

4. Be professional. Dress the part and be ready for questions.

5. Bring your resume and portfolio.

6. Ask questions during the interview to ensure a good fit.

7. Never immediately accept an internship. Consider all your options.

8. Give your thanks and send a personal note to every person who interviewed you. Samples are available in the SOC internship office.

^ Return to Top


Frequently Asked Questions
Is the internship program a class or work experience?
It's both. The School of Communications internship program is a blend of early field experience and the academic work that supports this experience. The program is listed as Professional Media Practicum (MEDC 4950).

Who will help me find an internship?
The School of Communications internship director is available to assist you in your search and placement by drawing from a large database of opportunities and years of experience. However, it is the student's responsibility to make the necessary contacts, schedule interviews and secure placement.

How do I schedule an appointment with the internship director?
Mindy Berkowitz is the current internship director. She can be found on the first floor of the Leif J. Sverdrup Business and Technology Complex, Room 124. Contact Berkowitz at (314) 246-7614 or mindyb@webster.edu.

How often should I meet with the internship director?
Students are required to meet with the internship coordinator at least once. The meeting should take place in person. You determine the level of support you require and schedule meetings accordingly.

When should I start looking for an internship?
Make an appointment with the internship director at least one semester before you plan to begin an internship. For opportunities outside of the St. Louis area, it is advised to start searching at least two semesters before your planned start date.

^ Return to Top


Internship Authorization Forms and Tips
› Internship Authorization-Student Form (PDF file)
› Internship Authorization-Site Form (PDF file)
› Tips and Suggestions (PDF file)

^ Return to Top


Seminar Material
›Fall 2008 Syllabus: MEDC 4950.01(PDF file)
› Spring 2009 Syllabus: MEDC 4950.01 (PDF file)
>Spring 2009 Syllabus: MEDC 4950.02 (PDF file)
› Getting the Most from your Internship (PDF file)
› Sample Journal Entries (PDF file)
› Action Plan Worksheet (PDF file)
› Sample Action Plan (PDF file)
› Tips on Informational Interviewing (PDF file)
› Wrapping Up the Internship (PDF file)
› The Next Step (PDF file)
› Internship Timesheet (PDF file)

^ Return to Top


Contact Internship Director
Mindy Berkowitz
Internship Director, School of Communications
Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63119
(314) 246-7614
fax (314) 963-6106
mindyb@webster.edu

^ Return to Top