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.