Public relations among top 50 career choices for 2011 and beyond

U.S. News & World Report has identified two public relations fields as among the best career choices for 2011.  In a report issued today, U.S. News identifies public relations specialists and meeting planners as two of the top 50 career choices.  Both are expected to grow at above-average rates between now and 2018.  Demand for public relations specialists is forecast by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics to grow 24 percent in the decade ahead while demand for meeting planners is expected to grow 16 percent.

Two other career choices on the top 50 list that may hold interest to some journalism and mass communication students are film and video editor and multi-media artist.

The special career report also includes several sidebar stories of value to anyone looking for a job.  They include the following:

• Ten smart ways to use social media in your job search
• How to choose a career that's best for you
• 21 secrets to getting the job
• 11 helpful sites for job seekers
• 6 steps to polish up your resume

If you're looking for an internship or job, or expect to be within the next year, this report is definitely worth taking some time to review. 

Apply for scholarship, paid internship at national media in New York City

The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation

“Love of country and its democratic institutions as well as the act of bearing witness to the evils of totalitarianism.”

SUBMISSIONS NOW BEING ACCEPTED FOR A ONE-OF-A-KIND $10,000 UNDERGRADUATE JOURNALISM AWARD AND PAID INTERNSHIP

***

THE WINNER CAN CHOOSE BETWEEN AN INTERNSHIP AT THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, THE NEW YORK POST OR FOX NEWS CHANNEL

The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation is pleased to announce that applications for the “2011 Eric Breindel Collegiate Journalism Award,” the nationwide undergraduate competition whose winning prize is unmatched by any institution in the country, are now being accepted through April 22, 2011. 

The winner will secure the following awards:

• A cash prize of $10,000
• A paid internship of his or her choice at Fox News Channel, The Wall Street Journal or the New York Post
• Winners from outside of the New York City area will receive free housing

The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation will present the award to the undergraduate columnist, editorialist or reporter whose work best reflects the spirit of the writings by Eric Breindel: Love of country and its democratic institutions as well as the act of bearing witness to the evils of totalitarianism.

The award, created in memory of the New York Post editor and columnist, includes opinion journalism, news coverage and online articles. It is open to undergraduate writers and reporters of all political convictions and backgrounds and submissions may include college newspapers, magazines or periodicals, as well as online articles published on accredited college institution web sites. The award recognizes the editorial pursuit of freedom and American ideals.

In the past the award has been presented by Rupert Murdoch, Chairman & CEO, News Corporation and Roger Ailes, Chairman of Fox News Channel and Fox Television Stations.

Last year’s winner, John-Clark Levin, is a student at Claremont McKenna College majoring in Philosophy, Politics and Economics and Linguistics.  He chose an internship at The Wall Street Journal. The winner two years ago, Carl J. Kelm, chose an internship at the Wall Street Journal, while John Wilson—the winner in 2007—interned at the New York Post and was subsequently hired as the Associate Editorial Page Editor. 

Those who wish to be considered should submit no more than two editorials, columns or news stories, per person, written in the 2010-2011 academic year. Articles specifically produced for and published by an established newspaper or magazine website will be accepted as well as internet exclusive material. All rules governing submissions appear on the attached page. A confidential panel of judges appointed by the Foundation will judge the entries. The submission deadline is April 22, 2011 and the winner will be announced in June 2011. Applications and entries can be submitted online at http://www.ericbreindel.org/under_grad.html. 

ABOUT ERIC BREINDEL

In 1977, Eric Breindel graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, where he was editorial chairman of the Harvard Crimson and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. After receiving his A.B. from Harvard, Eric studied politics at the London School of Economics. He went to Harvard Law School where he received his J.D. in 1982.

Eric Breindel became the Editorial Page Editor of the New York Post in 1986. Breindel was appointed Senior Vice President of News Corporation in 1997. His nationally syndicated column appeared weekly in the New York Post and he was the moderator of a weekly national public affairs television program, Fox News Watch, on the Fox News Channel. A book of his columns, titled A Passion for Truth: The Selected Writings of Eric Breindel, was published in 1998.

The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation is a 501 (c) 3 tax-exempt entity based in New York City.

FOR AN APPLICATION OR QUESTIONS, PLEASE VISIT WWW.ERICBREINDEL.ORG

OR CONTACT PATRICIA  AMERMAN AT (212) 843-8049 OR BREINDELAWARD@RUBENSTEIN.COM

What not to wear on a job interview

Everyone knows how to dress for a job interview, right?  Well apparently not.   Baselinemag.com recently reported on a survey of 670 human resources managers that revealed true stories about some of the inappropriate ways people have dressed when going for job interviews.  Enjoy the slide show below -- and make sure you don't repeat any of these job interview faux pas.  Click here to read the article and view the slides.

Deadlines approaching for major newspaper internships for summer 2011

Halloween may be more on your mind right now than what you plan to do next summer, but believe it or not this is the final week to apply for summer 2011 internships with many of the nation's largest newspapers.  Columnist Joe Grimm, writing for Poynter Online, reported this week that deadlines for next summer's newspaper internships tend to fall between Nov. 1 and Dec. 1.  At the Dallas Morning News, for instance, internship applications are due by Oct. 30, with the exception of photography internships (due Dec. 1).  Poynter Online's article said Nov. 1 is the deadline at the Boston Globe, the Denver Post, the Arizona Republic, the Indianapolis Star, the St. Petersburg Times and the Washington Post.  At the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal, you have until Nov. 15 to apply. 

So, while searching this week for the perfect costume for the big Halloween party, you might also want to freshen up the resume, collect your best writing samples and apply for a summer 2011 internship with one of the nation's top newspapers.  

AP offers summer 2011 internships

Next summer may seem far away, but the deadlines are only weeks away to apply for the 12-week Associated Press summer internship program for 2011.  This is a highly coveted program that offers journalism students the opportunity to intern with AP in several categories including news, photography and video.  As many as 22 students will be chosen.  To be eligible, you must be a junior or senior, including fall 2010 graduating seniors. 

If you are serious about a career in journalism and want a top-quality internship that will offer you excellent experience and look great on your resume, then this is an opportunity you should consider carefully.  You must, however, act fast.  Deadlines to apply range from Nov. 1 to Nov. 17. 

For more information, visit AP's website at http://www.ap.org/apjobs/internship.html. 

What Companies Want in a Social Media Intern

This article from Mashable highlights the skills college students need to land highly competitive social media internships at corporations. Not surprisingly, the list of skills is not so different from those required for more traditional journalism and public relations internships.

What Companies Want in a Social Media Intern

Houston Astros host career fair this Friday, Oct. 1

The Houston Astros 2010 Sports and Entertainment Career Fair is scheduled for this Friday, Oct. 1, at the Union Station Lobby at Minute Maid Park in Houston.  Much more than just a career fair for the Astros, this event will also include representatives from the Houston Texans, the Houston Rockets, the Houston Aeros, Rice University, the University of Texas, the University of Houston, Texas A&M University, Houston Baptist University, the Houston YMCA and others.

The cost of the career fair, $22, also includes admission to Friday night's baseball game between the Houston Astros and the Chicago Cubs.  Business attire is suggested. 

To register, visit www.astros.com/careerfair and use the password SECF. 

Moroch agency looking for fall 2010 Dallas intern

Moroch Partners is seeking a fall 2010 (yes, that's this semester) intern for their advertising account service team in Dallas.  This intern will work on the Midas account; Midas is one of the nation's largest automotive repair chains.  Jamie Rogers, a recent graduate of the JMC department, is an account executive at Moroch.  For more information and to apply, visit http://www.moroch.com/Careers_Moroch_Intern.html. 

Hollywood internships for winter, spring 2011

Want to work in the entertainment marketing or film industries? Intern Services International offers internship opportunities in Hollywood, Calif., working with studios or agents. Winter 2011 internships are scheduled for Jan. 17-March 11 and spring 2011 internships are planned for April 4-May 27.

A note of caution for JMC students: These internships would have to be tailored to meet your specific major and our department's internship requirements. Not all internships offered through this organization will meet our criteria.

For more information, visit Intern Services International's website or e-mail director@internsi.com.

Be a Franklin Fellow: Cover state legislatures in this spring semester internship

The Franklin Center for Government and Public Policy is offering paid internships for journalism students during the spring semester giving students experience covering news from state legislatures. Student interns, called Franklin Fellows, will create reports in print, audio and video formats that will be used in newspapers, TV and radio stations. The internships will run from January through June 2011. The deadline to apply is Oct. 7.

For more information, visit the center's website or contact Scott Reeder, national statehouse managing editor and director of journalism education, at scott.reeder@franklincenterhq.org.

Sports media internship opportunity for women

The following announcement is from the Association for Women in Sports regarding their summer 2011 internship program. Please note the Oct. 31 deadline:

The application process for the Association for Women in Sports Media Internship/Scholarship program for the summer of 2011 is officially open. The deadline to apply is October 31. Internships are offered in writing (magazines, newspapers and online), broadcast, editing and media relations.

Full-time female students currently enrolled in college are eligible to apply for the internships. Applicants do not need to be members of AWSM to apply.

This year, AWSM will be expanding its internship program in hopes of offering scholarships to more than a dozen deserving students. The top applicant in public relations, broadcast, writing and copy editing will each be awarded a $1,000 scholarship in addition to a paid trip to the 2011 AWSM Convention in Charlotte, which includes hotel stay, $300 reimbursement for travel and free convention registration.

All other students chosen for an AWSM internship will receive a $500 scholarship.

Since 1990, AWSM has placed more than 100 female college students interested in sports media careers in paid internships with employers such as Sports Illustrated, ESPN, USA Track & Field, MLB.com and some of the country’s most respected daily newspapers.

Applications can only be submitted via AWSM's online application system. For more information about the program visit: http://awsmonline.org/intern-scholarship/ or to directly apply, go to: http://www.omnicontests3.com/awsm/omnicontests/login/login.cfm?nil=0&destURL=%2Fawsm%2Fomnicontests%2Fentry%2Fmainmenu%2Ecfm&destQUERY_STRING=

Questions? Contact co-chairs Stacy Hicklin and Lindsay Jones at awsminternship@gmail.com.

New Horizons seeks JMC interns in Abilene

New Horizons, a not-for-profit in Abilene that specializes in psychiatric care of children who have been severely abused, is looking for one or more interns. Larry Fitzgerald, who is vice president and director of public relations and development, said New Horizon needs students who can write news releases and newsletters, help with promotional videos, and work in social media and e-journalism. To learn more about New Horizons, visit their website at www.newhorizonsinc.com. To inquire about internships, contact Fitzgerald at larry.fitzgerald@newhorizonsinc.com or call 437-1852.

Important new rules for JMC interns

With the start of the 2010-2011 school year, the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at ACU has made some key revisions to the required student internship program. All JMC majors will still be required to enroll in JMC 495, the internship seminar class, and complete a pre-approved JMC internship.

The changes go into effect for students taking JMC 495 in the fall of this year (the current semester) and later. Students who took JMC 495 last year and have already begun or completed their internships will not be affected by these changes.

The internship program changes include:

• The minimum required number of hours that a student must work on his or her internship has been reduced from 160 to 120. This will make it easier for students to complete internships during the fall and spring semesters while attending school.
  
• Daily work journals must now be produced in an online format using the "Journals" feature in Blackboard. Students are expected to keep their online journals current at all times during their internships. The completed journals must still be printed and included in the internship portfolio.
  
• After completing their internships, students must write a series of three 1,000 word (minimum) senior essays that cover global diversity, domestic diversity and ethics, respectively. The essays are due at the same time as the internship portfolios.
  
• Students must make an appointment for an oral presentation before a panel of JMC department faculty. Students will be asked to summarize their internship experience and discuss their senior essays during the 30-minute oral presentation.
  
• The internship seminar (JMC 495) will be extended beyond its traditional six or seven week format to include extra sessions to explain the senior essays and give students the opportunity to ask questions. The class will still only meet for one hour each week.
  
• The Intern's Post-Fieldwork Response Form, which is included in the syllabus all students receive when taking JMC 495, has been shortened and will now allow students more flexibility in choosing which questions to answer. As in the past, the answers to these questions are included in the internship portfolio.
• All internship portfolios must be submitted within four weeks of the final day of work on the internship.
  

For questions about these new rules, e-mail me or drop by my office.

What is Linkedin?

Linkedin, the popular social media site for job seekers and professionals, now has more than 75 million members in more than 200 countries. The company estimates that a new member joins Linkedin nearly every second.

Do you have a Linkedin profile yet? Like Facebook and Twitter, a basic Linkedin account is free. When searching for internships and jobs, developing a Linkedin profile should be your next step after creating a resume. Like a resume, your Linkedin profile needs to be highly professional, well focused and free of typos or spelling errors. Unlike a resume, your Linkedin account is also an opportunity to network with professionals in your field and display links to some of your professional work.

To learn more about Linkedin, visit their website or watch this short video introduction from YouTube:
.

Chicago internship in sports and entertainment marketing

Burns Entertainment and Sports Marketing Inc. is recruiting for its fall 2010 internship program in Chicago. This is an excellent opportunity for junior and senior-level students with a demonstrated interest in either entertainment or sports public relations. Applications must be submitted prior to the end of May 2010.

For more information or to apply, see http://www.burnsent.com/index.aspx?PageID=336&Careers+and+Internships.

PR internships available for summer

The spring semester may be officially over, but here are three organizations that are still seeking summer 2010 public relations interns. If you're looking for a PR internship or experience this summer, act quickly on these opportunities.

• New Seed Initiative, a nonprofit agency in Abilene dedicated to helping grow people into financial success and raising the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders, is looking for an intern with skills in marketing, branding and social media. Please note that this internship may not qualify for JMC credit, but it offers a chance to gain valuable experience. See www.newseedinitiative.org to learn more about this organization and e-mail Terry Johnson, executive director, at tjohnson@newseedinitiative.org.
• American Heart Association seeks a corporate communications intern in Dallas. This position pays $10 to $17 per hour. This intern will work with news releases, media tracking, social media messaging and other tasks. For more information, see the job description at https://sh.webhire.com/servlet/av/jd?ai=835&ji=2447598&sn=I.
  
• The Greater Houston Restaurant Association is looking for a marketing and public relations intern. This is a nonpaid internship, involving 15-20 hours of work per week, including some weekends and evenings. This internship will include social media and event planning opportunities. To apply, send your resume and cover letter to Holly Myers, assistant director, at events@ghra.com.
  
• Starr Tincup Public Relations, in Fort Worth, seeks an intern with "endurance, exceptional interpersonal skills and proven organizational skills." Writing skills and knowledge of AP style are also required. The intern will work an estimated 20 hours per week. Applicants must be juniors or seniors. This is an unpaid internship. For more information, visit the agency's website at http://www.starrtincup.com.
  

Make your best pitch for a sports internship

Gentlemen (and ladies). If you're looking for a sports-related internship, it's time to start your engines. The Texas Motor Speedway is recruiting for a public relations/media relations internship for this fall in Fort Worth. Interns may write news releases, update the Texas Motor Speedway media guide, maintain the media contact list and help execute other PR/media events. This is an unpaid internship and will require working some weekends. Interested students should send a cover letter and resume to: Texas Motor Speedway, Attn: Media Relations, P.O. Box 500, Fort Worth, TX 76101.

The Houston Astros baseball team is searching for several fall semester interns. They involve a wide range of JMC-related skills. For instance, the ballpark entertainment/production intern will record, tape and dub highlight clips from Astros games. This intern will operate video cameras and must know how to use Avid, Final Cut Pro, After Effects and Photoshop software. The media relations intern will deal with the media, including collecting media clips, and must be proficient in Word, Excel and either PageMaker or InDesign software. There's also a special events/conference center internship that would be ideal for Ad/PR majors interested in sports marketing or event planning. Visit the Houston Astros website for more information.

WorkinSports.com posts listings for numerous internships and entry-level jobs in the sports marketing and sports PR fields. If interested in careers in this field, this is a site you may want to bookmark and visit frequently.

Paid graphic design, web design summer internships

Don't forget to monitor the ACU Career Center's website regularly when searching for internships and entry-level jobs. Here are two paid summer internships posted on CareerLink now:

• Interstate Batteries is seeking a web design intern in Dallas. The CareerLink reference number is 13195.
• Samsill Corp., a manufacturer of office products and business accessories, is looking for a graphic design intern at its corporate headquarters in Fort Worth. The CareerLink reference number is 13177.
  

In addition to following the ACU CareerLink website, you can follow the Career Center on Twitter at @ACUCareerCenter and on Facebook at http://tinyurl.com/ACUCCfacebook.

For more information about job-related resources and assistance from the Career Center, e-mail Daniel Orozco, associate director.

Summer internships in Abilene and the DFW metroplex

It may be the final week of spring semester classes at ACU, but it's not too late to secure a great internship for the summer. Here is a sampling of newly posted opportunities in Abilene, Fort Worth and Dallas. To find more internships, check job boards on your pre-professional organization's website -- including PRSSA, AAF, BEA and SPJ, as well as other industry-specific sites. Don't forget to monitor the university's Career Link site too.

• Milsoft Utility Solutions, a software company based in Abilene, is searching for a technical writing intern. This is a paid internship that requires a student with good editing and proofreading skills, plus good grasp of grammar, punctuation and style. The internship runs from May 17 to Aug. 13. Interested candidates should send a resume to Chandra McFarlen at internships@milsoft.com. For more information on Milsoft Utility Solutions, visit http://www.milsoft.com.
• Alcon Inc., a global health care and consumer products company, is recruiting for a public relations and external communications intern in Fort Worth. Key job responsibilities will include media relations, including the monitoring of trade and general media, and writing projects such as fact sheets, backgrounders and senior management bios. Interns may also assist with the photography library, online press room and the crisis communications plan. To qualify, students must be a junior or senior. For more information and to apply, follow this link.
• Brinker International, one of the nation's largest restaurant chains, is looking for a content and design intern for their Chili's Training Department at their world headquarters in Dallas. This intern will help create communications directed to Chili's employees, including written materials and social media. Both current students and recent graduates are welcome to apply. Work experience in training, advertising, public relations or online marketing is preferred. For more information, visit Brinker's job site.
  

Listen up! Great advice for young job seekers

This article, from the PR-Squared blog, can help you avoid some of the most common mistakes job seekers make when interviewing for jobs. Titled an "Open Letter to Millennials," the article focuses its advice on helping college students and recent graduates understand the pitfalls not only of getting your first job but keeping it.

Take time to read it. You'll be glad you did.

Here' s the link: http://bit.ly/aIGEuc.

PR agency, WNBA sports internships in Dallas, San Antonio

Two public relations agencies in Dallas and a professional sports team in San Antonio have announced summer internship programs.

Cooksey Communications, in Irving, Texas, is looking for an intern with strong writing, research, event planning and communication skills. Duties may include writing news releases, pitching the media, managing editorial calendars, researching speaking engagements and community involvement opportunities, assisting with event planning and media events. This is a full-time, paid internship, running from May through August. If interested, please send your cover letter and resume to Karen Berlin at kberlin@cookseypr.com. For more information on the firm, please visit www.cookseypr.com. The agency requests no phone calls, please.

Tucker and Associates, a Dallas public relations agency with a satellite office in New York, is advertising for a summer "trainee" with experience in public relations, communications or journalism. Tucker and Associates specializes in travel, lifestyle and consumer PR. This is a paid, 20-hour-per-week position. Please send resumes and writing samples to Pam Tate at pam@tuckerpr.com. No phone calls, please.

The Silver Spurs, a WNBA professional basketball team in San Antonio, is recruiting for an intern with an interest in sports public relations. This position is a paid, 20-hour-per-week internship that runs throughout the WNBA season, May-September. Applicants must be able to work the entire season, and must be willing to work nights and weekends when necessary. Applicants should be juniors or seniors or enrolled in a master's degree program. Duties will range from media relations to community events and may include photography. Students with experience in sports public relations will be given preference. For more information and to apply, please visit the following: http://nbateamjobs.teamworkonline.com/teamwork/r.cfm?i=29076&source=Indeed.com&sourceType=PREMIUM_POST_SITE.

Don't let social networking sites derail your job plans

My nephew, Tommy Hogan, a journalism major at my undergraduate alma mater, the University of Memphis (Go Tigers!) recently wrote a page-one feature story for the school's newspaper, The Daily Helmsman, cautioning students to think twice about what they post to their Facebook, Twitter and other social networking sites. Employers often view these sites when considering who to hire for internships and jobs.

Have you looked at your own Facebook page recently from the perspective of a potential employer? What would an employer find there, if anything, that might prove detrimental to your job prospects? You can read Tommy's story at http://bit.ly/9y246k.

TV, newspaper media internships available

It's not too late to secure a summer internship. Here are some new opportunities for students interested in interning with a newspaper or TV station:

** Abilene's KTAB-TV and KRBC-TV are looking for six summer interns, and some of these interns may be appropriate for Ad/PR and electronic media majors as well as journalism majors. The categories include: reporting, producing, writing, assignments, Web writing, Web design, social media, sports, anchoring, videography and video editing. Interested students should e-mail Austin Kellerman at akellerman@ktab.tv.

** The Austin American-Statesman newspaper is looking for a photo intern for this summer. This is an 11-week internship that pays $450 per week and includes apartment style housing at a nearby university. Our interns routinely produce more than 100 front page and section-front bylines and credits during a summer. Additional
information is available on the newspaper's Web site at www.statesman.com/internships.

** The West Texas Tribune, an African-American community newspaper based in Abilene, is seeking a summer news intern. For further information, visit the newspaper's Web site at www.westtexastribune.com and call Floyd Miller at 325-829-5585.

Myra Dean shares tips from employers for interns, new employees

Note: Myra Dean, development director at KACU-FM, recently spoke to the JMC internship class.  She shared a survey of employers about their expectations for interns and entry-level employees.  What follows is a summary of Myra’s remarks.

Managers in the broadcast industry were asked, “If you could give soon-to-be-graduates some key pieces of information that would make their professional lives better, what would you say?  What should graduates do to make them more successful from the start and make the transition easier?”

Here are a few of the most common responses; some may be surprising:

• Listen and ask questions.  You may have new answers and approaches, but listen first.  When you’re talking, you’re not listening.  People, especially bosses, notice. 
• Understand the appropriate use of electronic media and technology at work.  
• It’s not OK to text at work.
• Don’t answer cell calls during meetings and don’t carry it in your hand constantly.
• It is not OK to Facebook or chat during office hours.  Check in during breaks, not business hours.
• Using texting and messaging slang; lol, idk, btw, etc. is never appropriate when work related.
• Don’t write anything negative on your Facebook page.  It WILL get back to your boss.  Be aware, e-mails are forever.   
• Communicate:  with bosses, co-workers and clients.  If there is any confusion, confirm by e-mail.  Document problems by e-mail and copy to yourself. Don’t wait until deadlines have passed to tell your supervisor you’re overwhelmed. 
• Dress Code:  See what your supervisor is wearing and dress accordingly.  Dress for the job you WANT, not the job you have.  Cover tattoos and remove piercings. 
• Stay out of office politics; take a course in conflict management; if you have anger issues, seek counseling and get past it. No competent manager tolerates a ticking time bomb in these days of workplace violence.
• Show up early, stay late, clean the office microwave; i.e. do more than is expected. 
• And finally, keep your work and personal life separate.  Avoid gossip and be careful what you say and do in the office.  When on company business, be careful how you act in public.

Act now to secure summer internships

From Washington to Warsaw, internship opportunities abound for this summer, but time is running short to secure some of the most popular programs.  Here's a sampling, but if you're interested in meeting your JMC internship requirement this summer, let me encourage you to not stop with this list but do a thorough search of JMC-related professional Web sites and online job boards. 

• This is the final week to apply for the Institute on Political Journalism, an annual summer internship in Washington, D.C., sponsored by The Fund for American Studies in partnership with Georgetown University.  While the focus is on government and politics, this internship is suitable for both journalism and public relations students.  In addition to attending classes at Georgetown, students are placed with top news organizations and public relations firms.  Last year's class interned at NBC Nightly News, the Washingtonpost.com, Telemundo, the Washington Times and Edelman Public Relations, among others.  The Institute on Political Journalism will meet for eight weeks, June 6-July 31.  The final deadline to apply is this Friday, March 5.  For details, visit www.DCinternships.org/IPJ.   
• Best Buy is offering internships at its corporate headquarters in Richfield, Minn.  This is a 10-12 week program.  For more information, visit http://www.bestbuy-jobs.com/go/students-and-entry-level-positions/28821/ and check out their YouTube video.  
• Rackspace, a San Antonio company recently named No. 43 on Fortune Magazine's list of the "100 Best Companies to Work for," is seeking applicants for its corporate communications internship this summer.  Earning $10 per hour, interns may work on stories for Web sites or blogs or assist with audio or video production or other multimedia projects.  For information, visit http://www.rackspacecareers.com/index.php?page=studentjoblistings.  
• MWW Group, one of the nation's top public relations agencies, is advertising for interns in its Dallas office.  Interns will be assigned to the Samsung Mobile account, the office's largest client.  For more information, see http://jobs-mwwgroup.icims.com/.  Look for job code 1262.  
• The Scripps Networks, the dominant media and marketing company in the home, food and lifestyle categories, invites students to apply for its summer internship program at its headquarters in Knoxville, Tenn.  Interns can work in advertising, public relations or interactive/new media.  Scripps Networks includes the TV brands HGTV, Food Network, DIY Network and Great American Country (GAC).  Candidates must be a college senior with strong writing/editing skills (including AP style) and be receiving college credit.  For details, visit http://www.scrippsnetworks.com/category2.aspx?code=internstu. 
• Native American journalism students are invited to apply for the annual American Indian Journalism Institute, a training, scholarship and internship program to be held June 16-25, followed by a six-week internship assignment.  The deadline to apply is March 19.  For more information, see www.freedomforumdiversity.org. 
• Media and journalism internships are available this summer in Warsaw, Poland, through Collegium Civitas.  The program runs from June 1 - July 31 and includes 25-30 hours per week of internship with a Polish media outlet, plus classroom time and Polish language training.  The program is in English.  For information, see http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/apply/HowtoApply.html.  
• Finally, Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., has announced a public relations professional internship program for this summer or next fall.  Interns will support Walt Disney World's Group & Convention business and the Disney Institute.  The work will include media relations, press releases, internal communications and special projects.   Interns must be juniors or seniors majoring in public relations or marketing.  The application deadline is March 26.  Visit this Web site for details: https://disney.recruitmax.com/main/careerportal/Job_Profile.cfm?szOrderID=227636. 

To whom it may concern: Five mistakes HR managers warn against on résumés and cover letters: PRSA

Spring semester is resume-writing time for many students who are either hoping to graduate in May or are looking for summer internships.  In today's tight job market, learning the fine art of how to draft job-getting resumes and cover letters has never been more important. 

Fortunately, good advice on writing resumes and cover letters is plentiful, but this article from the Public Relations Society of America should be a must-read for all students prior to drafting their first resume and cover letter.  Here's the link:

To whom it may concern: Five mistakes HR managers warn against on résumés and cover letters: PRSA

For more help with resumes and cover letters, see the list of resources in the left-hand column of this blog.  Some excellent sources to consider are the ACU Career Center, CollegeGrad.com and Vault.  

So what are you waiting for?   Sending out resumes is like tossing your baited hook in the water.  You may need a lot of bait and plenty of patience to catch a fish, but you're guaranteed to NOT catch one if you don't put the line in the water.  An occasional fish may jump in the boat on its own, but don't count on it. 

Summer, or graduation for some, will be here soon.  Now's a good time to get your resume polished and to start sending them to your targeted list of potential employers.  Happy fishing. 

Career Fair, State Department Jobs Session Planned

The ACU Career Center is promoting two excellent programs this month for students interested in internships, jobs and career advice.   Add these events to your calendar:

• The West Central Texas Career Consortium is hosting a Career Expo from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Abilene Civic Center.  This event is a career and internship fair for students that features career workshops, resume evaluations and the chance to do mock interviews.  Professional dress is required and students are encouraged to bring copies of their resume.  You may view a list of participating employers at http://www.wctcc.org/attendees.htm. 
• Come learn about working and traveling overseas when the U.S. Department of State visits ACU from noon to 1 p.m. on Feb. 25 in the Lynay Room of the Hunter Welcome Center.  Sponsored by the Career Center, this informational session will explore international careers with the U.S. government.  Students must RSVP to attend (lunch is provided).  To reserve your spot, RSVP via e-mail to careers@acu.edu. 

Act now to secure spring, summer internships

School is back in session and memories of Christmas are fading fast, so it's a good time to crank up your search for a great internship.  Now is the time to polish the resume, update the portfolio and start the search.

Here are a few of the many opportunities available:

• Zachry Associates, Abilene's premier advertising and marketing agency, is seeking a student to work this summer in their marketing research department, with work in other departments as needed.  The intern should have good communication skills both in person and on the phone and have an interest in marketing strategies.  The position reports to Tim Graham, research coordinator, who may be reached by e-mail.  For more information about Zachry Associates, visit www.zachryinc.com. 
  
• The Dallas Business Journal has two summer 2010 internships available, ideal for Ad/PR majors or journalism majors who are interested in business side of publications.  The DBJ is offering a 12-week internship for minority students with positions in advertising/sales, circulation, marketing and business operations.  Candidates must be college sophomores, juniors or seniors and a member of an ethnic minority.  The internship involves 40 hours per week of work and pays $10 per hour.  The DBJ also offers an advertising sales internship, with up to 12 hour of work for 40 hour per week.  The pay is $400 per week.  The deadline for submission is Wednesday, Jan. 20, so act now if interested.  Please submit applications to Claire Choisnet, marketing coordinator, by e-mail.  
• ConocoPhillips, an international, integrated energy company, is seeking applicants for a summer internship in the company's Corporate Affairs department in Houston.  Successful candidates will work a 40-hour week for a two-month period during the summer.  Applicants must be pursuing a degree in public relations, journalism or advertising and have completed their junior year of work by this summer.  Previous work experience in journalism, public relations or advertising is preferred.   Applicants should have a 3.5 GPA or higher.  Visit the ConocoPhillips Web site for more information, or e-mail me for details. 
• The U.S. Olympic Committee invites students to apply for a summer internship at its headquarters in Colorado Springs, Colo.  The contact person is Andy Goyne, manager of video production.  E-mail me for more details. 
• Horizon Wind Energy seeks applications for a communications analyst internship this summer in Houston.  The position will involve a variety of public relations tasks, including writing news releases, assisting with event planning, creating PowerPoint presentations and organizing photo archives.   Undergraduates and recent graduates are invited to apply at the company's Web site.
  

 Many more internship opportunities exist.  Visit online job boards (one of my favorites is www.indeed.com) and visit the Web sites of student and professional organizations such as SPJ, PRSSA, AAF, IABC and PRSA.  For a more complete list of professional sites, see the left-hand column of this blog and look for "JMC Professional Organizations." 

PR rated as a top career choice

U.S. News and World Report recently ranked public relations as one of the top 50 career choices for the decade ahead.  Read why and learn more about what public relations professionals do by clicking here.