JMC Internship Central

We have moved ...

2011-01-17T12:44:00.000-08:00

The internship blog for the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication at Abilene Christian University has moved. You may find us now at our new home at http://blogs.acu.edu/jmcinternships/.

You may also visit us on Facebook.

Thank you.

Public relations among top 50 career choices for 2011 and beyond

2010-12-06T11:29:00.000-08:00

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:

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

2010-12-03T13:44:00.000-08:00

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

2010-11-14T19:18:00.000-08:00

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

2010-10-25T16:04:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-13T20:23:00.000-07:00

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

2010-10-10T14:39:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-27T18:58:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-18T15:57:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T08:29:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T08:07:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-14T07:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-09-08T19:11:00.000-07:00

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?

2010-08-08T15:29:00.001-07:00

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

2010-05-14T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-09T14:41:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T09:03:00.000-07:00

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

2010-05-08T08:51:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-27T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-22T08:42:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-18T12:59:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-17T15:33:00.001-07:00

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

2010-04-08T08:21:00.000-07:00

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

2010-04-06T08:40:00.000-07:00

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

2010-02-28T18:22:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-19T11:51:00.000-08:00

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

2010-02-06T18:02:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-14T18:32:00.000-08:00

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

2010-01-08T12:59:00.000-08:00

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.

Part-time jobs, internships offer JMC experience in Abilene

2009-12-04T13:43:00.000-08:00

Here's one more item for your "to do" list before leaving campus for the holidays: secure a part-time job or internship for the spring semester that will enhance your resume.

Final exams and plans for the Christmas break may be dominating your thoughts right now but here are a couple of opportunities worth checking out before you pack the car, turn out the lights and hit the road:

Abilene Christian University Press is looking for a part-time student worker (10-15 hours per week) who can perform a variety of public relations, marketing and administrative tasks. Dr. Larry Fitzgerald, director of marketing, said he prefers someone who can work in December and January during the break and possibly next summer. For the right student, this position may qualify for a JMC internship. You can learn more about ACU Press (and Leafwood Publishers) by visiting their Web site. You may reach Dr. Fitzgerald at lxf07a@acu.edu or by calling 325-674-2870.
West Texas Rehabilitation Center is seeking a part-time (20 hours per week) administrative assistant for their marketing department. While this position is primarily administrative, it is a chance to gain experience in one of the city's busiest and most successful nonprofit marketing departments. Applicants must be proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel, have an outgoing personality and a good work ethic. This is a year-round position, not just for the school year, so the applicant must live in the Abilene area and be available during the summer and school holidays. To apply, contact Deonna Galbraith, marketing director, at dgalbraith@wtrc.com or call 325-793-3525.

While we have no specific requests, keep in mind that Abilene's media outlets are often looking for part-time help or interns. This includes TV stations, radio stations and the Abilene Reporter-News newspaper.

Best wishes to everyone on final exams and your plans for the Christmas holiday.

Apply now for summer 2010 journalism internships

2009-11-01T17:34:00.000-08:00

Journalism majors seeking internships at major news organization need to put their search into high gear, since some of the best programs have deadlines in the next two to six weeks. Here's a sampling, but also check the Web sites of journalism professional organizations (see list in the left-hand column of this blog) and major media companies for more opportunities.

The Associated Press offers a paid summer internship for photographers and photo editors. The application deadline is Nov. 13. This annual program runs 12 weeks and is open to juniors and seniors. The AP will select at least photo interns for next summer. For more information, visit www.ap.org and look in the "careers" tab.
The Texas Associated Press Managing Editors Association (Texas APME) is seeking applicants for its annual Buster Haas Minority Internship Program. The winning student will receive a 10-week internship at a Texas newspaper of 30,000 or less circulation, plus a $3,000 stipend and $1,000 for living expenses. For more information, visit http://www.txapme.com/scholarships/.
The American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME) offers an annual, 10-week internship program each summer for students interested in careers with magazines. The internships are at magazines in either New York City or Washington, D.C. Since starting this program 44 years ago, 1,766 students and more than 200 magazines have participated. Applicants must have completed their junior year, be returning to school full time next fall and have at least a 3.0 GPA. The deadline to apply is Dec. 1. For an application, visit http://asme.magazine.org.
Minority students interested in a career in broadcast television will want to check into the LIN Minority Scholarship and Training Program. LIN Television selects one student per year, who receives a four-year contract that includes two years of summer internships followed by two years of full-time employment with LIN. The company will pay for the winning student's tuition, books, room and board for the junior and senior years of college. The deadline to enter is March 15, 2010. For more information, visit http://www.lintv.com/contact/careers.html.
The Oklahoman and NewsOK.com plan to hire seven full-time and four stipend interns for the summer of 2010. Interns can work in a variety of departments, including news, sports, business, features, photography, video, online communities and niche publications. Full-time interns are paid $450 per week, while stipend interns will receive a $500 allowance and may qualify to earn college credit. Other perks include free access to the newspaper's fitness center. For more information, visit http://www.newsok.com/interns. The deadline to apply is Dec. 4.
The Detroit News is seeking applicants for its 2010 summer internship program. This 12-week program is open to juniors, seniors and recent graduates. Opportunities are available for reporters, copy editors, photographers, graphic artists/page designers and within the newspaper's online news operations. Preference is given to students who have completed at least one prior newspaper internship and have worked on a campus publication. Interns are paid $524.93 per week. The deadline to enter is Nov. 20. For information, visit www.detnews.com and e-mail me for an application. The deadline to apply is Nov. 20.
The Institute for Human Studies at George Mason University is seeking spring semester journalism interns for newspapers, major media networks and state policy organizations. The deadline to apply is Nov. 15. For more information, visit www.TheIHS.org/journalism.
Not every internship counts for JMC credit, but the experience is still valuable and looks great on your resume. For instance, the Christian Chronicle, a nationally circulated newspaper serving members of the Churches of Christ, is looking for "virtual" interns willing to report and write from home. This would require a student who is a self-starter and has a dual interest in journalism and religion. We don't count virtual internships toward your JMC internship requirement, but the clips you could receive from this assignment would be worthwhile.

Please note that there are many more internship opportunities at newspapers, TV stations and magazines, so don't stop your search with this list. Check the organizations in the left-hand column of this blog or see me for more recommendations.

Beware Phony PR Job Come Ons

2009-09-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

Not every job ad is legit. Job seekers need to exercise caution when viewing and responding to job leads. The following story is a good example. Ad/PR majors are the most likely of all our majors to run into this issue, so if you are interested in a career in advertising or public relations, be sure to take time to read the story below. It is from Ron Culp, whose blog, Culpwrit, is an excellent one for students and young professionals.

Beware Phony PR Job Come Ons

LinkedIn a great site for job hunting, networking

2009-09-15T19:24:00.000-07:00

If you've had me as a teacher, you know how passionate I am about networking as a way to find jobs and build your professional presence. Networking is absolutely essential.

LinkedIn (www.linkedin.com) has emerged as the leading online site for professional networking. LinkedIn is phenomenally popular, with 47 million users, including 5.1 million students. Executives from every Fortune 500 company maintain profiles on the site. If you plan to seek work after graduation and build a successful career, you need to join LinkedIn now.

You can think of LinkedIn as your online resume, but it's really much more. LinkedIn lets you post your own profile, where you can list your education, work experience and skills, similar to a resume. You can also include your photo and links to your blog, Web site or online portfolio. Employers who are interested in hiring you can access your profile online.

The real power of LinkedIn is the networking potential. Similar to "friends" on Facebook, LinkedIn lets you "connect" with employers, peers and other contacts. Hey, you can even connect with your college instructors. Your networking can grow exponentially as you connect with groups, such as your college alumni organization or companies where you've interned or worked. Venturing one step further, you can participate in professional discussion groups and begin to establish your interest or expertise on given issues.

Similar to building a good resume, developing a highly professional profile on LinkedIn requires skill. This isn't Facebook, so you want to be sure everything you post on LinkedIn is highly professional and career-focused. A poorly executed profile on LinkedIn, just like a sloppy resume, can be a kiss of death with employers.

Lindsey Pollak, author of "Getting from College to Career" and a consultant to LinkedIn, offers these suggestions to students on building a successful LinkedIn profile:

Make sure your photo is professional and that it shows only you. This isn't the place for that goofy photo of you and your roommate that you posted on Facebook (you know the one).
Think carefully about what to say in your headline. It could focus on your area of study or your career ambition. For instance, if you want to be an advertising account executive, say so in your headline or say you are an Ad/PR major. Don't waste the headline by saying you wait tables at Chili's, unless, of course, your dream is a career in restaurant management.
Use appropriate keywords in your profile. What are the words or phrases that employers in your field typically list in job descriptions? What software programs are important in your specialty? Include keywords that will make employers stop and look at your profile.
It's OK to include internships, Study Abroad and volunteer experiences in your profile. These activities reflect positively on you. Don't limit yourself to only listing jobs.
Don't neglect to include recommendations. LinkedIn includes space for people who know you to write something nice about you and your professional skills. Ask your internship supervisors, employers, college instructors and others who know your work well to submit recommendations for you.

In today's job market, posting a profile on LinkedIn is almost as important as having a solid resume. Take time now to visit LinkedIn and start your profile. For more information, see "Ten Ways to Use LinkedIn to Find a Job" or visit LinkedIn's own site for college graduates at "Launch Your Career With LinkedIn."

Event-planning internship available at ACU

2009-09-01T21:15:00.000-07:00

Ad/PR majors interested in a career in event planning may wish to apply for a part-time job and student internship available through ACU's Office of University Events. This position will count for your official JMC internship. If you need to complete your internship in Abilene, this is the best internship opportunity available in event planning.

Keep in mind you need junior or senior status in order for this position to count as your official JMC internship. Before accepting this or any other internship position for which you want ACU credit, also remember to e-mail me for advance approval and to review the necessary procedures and paperwork.

For more details, click this link or e-mail me.

Twitter series examines what employers look for and when to start job search

2009-08-29T19:33:00.000-07:00

An enterprising recent series of questions on Twitter (see #PRStudChat on Twitter) provides good answers to questions JMC students need to know, such as "how soon to start a job search?" and "what do CEOs look for in new employees?" Although the series focuses on public relations students, the results are applicable to all JMC majors. Take a few minutes and read this blog series by Valerie Simon, a senior vice president at Burrelles Luce and a freelance writer.

What does a CEO look for in a PR hire?
http://tinyurl.com/n4wlvs

When should students start their search for a job?
http://tinyurl.com/mfk3tz

What are the best PR books and publications?
http://tinyurl.com/ns3vty

Ag & Environmental Sciences offers part-time student job

2009-08-27T09:20:00.000-07:00

The Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (A&E) Department at ACU is seeking a part-time student employee to help market the department and manage its Web site. This could be a good opportunity for any of our students but especially for electronic media or Ad/PR majors.

Requirements include:

Students should have completed their core JMC courses; preference will be given to juniors and seniors
Agricultural or environmental background is not required, but the student should be willing to learn some of the jargon and terms used in this field
Self-motivated/initiative
Work 10-15 hours a week
Ability to "market" A&E by staying abreast of departmental stories and communicating through various means
Current proficiency or willingness to learn Collage (ACU's Web site software) to keep the A&E Web site current and fresh
Willing to interact with the Optimist and Creative/Marketing Services to keep our message in front of people

For more information, please e-mail me or call me at 674-2045.

Graduated but not employed: Strategies for what to do next

2009-08-25T10:13:00.000-07:00

Graduated (or about to graduate) and still not employed? Read this story from the Public Relations Society of America for some helpful job-search tips.

Internships, part-time jobs await JMC students this fall

2009-08-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

Now that you are back in Abilene for the fall semester, some of you will be looking for JMC internships or part-time job opportunities. I have good news. Some of Abilene's best JMC-related employers are waiting to hear from you.

Before you browse the list of opportunities below, you may want to review the internship program requirements. All internships require the department's prior approval. E-mail me before accepting any internship. Also, keep in mind that the university will no longer allow seniors to participate in graduation ceremonies if they have an incomplete or "in progress" grade on their transcript. If you plan to graduate next May, for instance, you must complete your internship and submit all of the required paperwork at least three weeks prior to the end of the spring term.

Internships

If broadcast journalism is your thing, then you'll be pleased to know that both of Abilene's network TV providers, KTAB/KRBC and KTXS, offer internships. TV stations also offer opportunities for public relations, advertising and electronic media majors. KTXS TV offers internships in news, production, promotions, weather and sports. For news, weather and sports internships, contact George Levesque, KTXS general manager, at levesque@ktxs.com or 677-2281. For production and promotion internships, contact David Caldwell, KTXS creative services director, at davidcaldwell@ktxs.com or 677-2281. KTAB/KRBC TV is looking for both fall interns and part-time workers for its Friday night high school football coverage. KTAB and KRBC interns may get to report, produce, write, shoot video or edit video. Interns can also gain experience writing, designing and creating graphics for the station's Web sites. Contact Austin Kellerman, news director, at AKellerman@ktab.tv.
Hospitals offer excellent internship opportunities in a variety of JMC fields including public relations, event planning, graphic design, media relations, copywriting and advertising creativity. Hendrick Medical Center's Marketing Department offers interns the opportunity to work in all aspects of hospital communications and marketing work, including one of the city's largest annual event-planning programs for the Children's Miracle Network (spring). For more information, contact Elizabeth Ables at eables@ehendrick.org or 670-2431. On the other side of town, Abilene Regional Medical Center offers internships in marketing and public relations. It is seeking interns who are proficient in Adobe PhotoShop and Illustrator and who have good word processing and spreadsheet skills. As would be true in any hospital setting, ARMC says students need to have "extreme diplomacy and tact" and be able to handle confidential information. Professional appearance and good decorum are also on the qualifications list. For information, contact Julia C. Belcher, marketing and public relations coordinator, at julia.belcher@armc.net or 428-4952.
Zachry Associates is Abilene's only full-service advertising agency. Zachry offers internships for senior Ad/PR majors with a strong background in graphic design. Students should have at least a 3.0 average GPA and a demonstrated interest in advertising creativity. Students should have samples of their graphic design work to share if called for an interview. For more information, contact Danny Flanagan, art director, at dflanagan@zachryinc.com or 677-1342, extension 125.
One of the best opportunities for students interested in event-planning careers is right here on the ACU campus. The Office of University Events seeks a student intern to assist with coordinating, planning, organizing and preparing for special events, meetings and conferences. The office also manages all events in the new Hunter Welcome Center. Students will a keen interest in event planning and who possess good communication and customer-service skills are invited to apply. First see me for a complete job description and then contact Jennifer Ellison, director of events, at jme00a@acu.edu or 674-2632.
The City of Abilene offers excellent internship opportunities for students interested in public relations and video production. These internships pay a $350 stipend to your ACU account. Two internships are being offered this fall in public affairs and video production. The public affairs intern may get experience writing news releases, creating public service announcements and producing articles for the employee newsletter and e-newsletter. Applicants should be familiar with Adobe InDesign and PhotoShop software. The video production intern will get the chance to work with the City's Channel 7 TV station. Experience will include writing, shooting and editing public service announcements and working on city-produced television programs. Applicants should be familiar with digital photography, Adobe Premiere Pro nonlinear editing system and PowerPoint. For more information on either of these internships, e-mail me for a complete job description and contact information.
While no specific information is available at this time, three other Abilene employers who often provide outstanding internship opportunities for JMC students are the Abilene Reporter-News, West Texas Rehabilitation Center and Big Brothers Big Sisters of West Central Texas. Check these organization's Web sites and e-mail me if interested in more information.

Part-time jobs

Abilene Christian University Press seeks a student to work part-time in marketing and promotion. The student in this position will learn how to send e-mail marketing blasts, design Web sites, spend time in marketing research and work with Web-based catalog marketing. This position is not available until Sept. 20. For more information, contact Dr. Larry Fitzgerald, director of marketing, at lxf07a@acu.edu or 674-2870.

Our own KACU-FM has opportunities for student announcers. This is an excellent opportunity to work on Abilene's most professional radio station and the region's only National Public Radio affiliate. Contact John Best or Dave Smith for more information.

Finally, ACU's Alumni Relations Office has part-time student positions posted with the ACU Career Center. See the Career Center for details.

Social media, PR offer hope in challenging job market

2009-08-13T07:38:00.000-07:00

While the latest annual jobs survey by the University of Georgia's James M. Cox Jr. Center for International Mass Communication Training and Research is generally bad news for JMC graduates, public relations and advertising students can take some hope.

The survey found that only six in ten recent JMC graduates nationwide had found employment, the lowest level in more than 20 years. Public relations graduates fared the best, with 71 percent responding that they had a full-time job. This compares with 65 percent for advertising majors, 59 percent for print journalism majors and 57 percent for telecommunications majors.

Coupled with another report out recently, it seems the best way for public relations students to further strengthen their career prospects is to develop expertise in social media. The 2009 Digital Readiness Survey found that social media communications skills are nearly as important as traditional media relations skills for PR professionals seeking jobs.

The survey, sponsored by online newsroom provider iPressroom with support from Korn/Ferry International, the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) and Trendstream, also found the following:

Public relations leads marketing and advertising in the management and oversight of all social media channels within companies and other organizations. The only exceptions are with bulk e-mail and search engine optimization, where marketing takes the lead.
Social networking, blogging and micro-blogging skills are the three most important social media communications skills for job candidates to have.
Most organizations are considering hiring social media specialists.

A copy of the full report is available from iPressroom.

After Your Internship: The Do’s And Don’ts

2009-08-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

After Your Internship: The Do’s And Don’ts

This article from PRSSA's blog gives practical tips for how to maximize the networking value of your internship. Even though this article discusses public relations internships, the advice can be adapted to any JMC-related field.

PR intern learns about seeking opportunity

2009-08-07T13:47:00.000-07:00

This summer I had the opportunity to intern in Clearwater, Fla., at Tech Data Corporation. Tech Data is ranked 102nd on the FORTUNE 500 list and is one of the world's largest distributors of technology products from leading IT hardware and software producers. They gave me the opportunity to dabble in any area of the Creative Marketing Division that interests me. I shadowed and worked with the public relations manager, worked alongside the events team during the planning and execution of major corporate events, and I also wrote stories and e-mails that were published on the internal Web site and distributed to our partners in Europe. It was exciting to get to dip my feet into various fields and get an idea of what most interests me.

I learned that experience is invaluable, every person you work with has knowledge and experience to share if you ask them, and questions are proof you want to learn more. I think the most important thing I learned is that when opportunity isn’t knocking on your door it’s your responsibility to go and find it.

Job seekers: Watch your comments on Facebook, Twitter

2009-07-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Think those comments on Facebook about last weekend's party are harmless? Think again.

Employers are increasingly searching through social media sites, including Facebook, Twitter, MySpace and YouTube, when reviewing candidates for jobs. It's time to clean up your act and use caution in what you post anywhere online.

A survey by CareerBuilder found that nearly one in four employers use social networking sites when checking out job candidates. Of that group, 34 percent report they've rejected candidates based on what they found online. What sort of comments turned off these employers? Here are some specifics:

41 percent of hiring managers said they found information online about candidates drinking or using drugs.
40 percent found provacative or inappropriate photos or information online.
29 percent said candidates demonstrated poor communication skills.
27 percent said candidates lied about their qualifications.
22 percent complained that candidates used discriminatory remarks related to race, gender or religion.
21 percent learned candidates were linked to criminal behavior (wow!).

You can find the survey at http://tinyurl.com/4hwysf.

Meanwhile, a similar report, titled "20 Things Job Seekers Shouldn't Say On Twitter," appeared recently on ResumeBear. It cites actual posts on Twitter. You'll get a good laugh from reading these comments but I must caution you that some of them are off-color.

Tips for recent graduates looking for work

2009-07-02T09:12:00.000-07:00

No matter what your major or GPA, this year's job market is tough for new college graduates. It takes a job-marketing game plan and a lot of perseverance and commitment to find a job in today's economy. Tim Johnston, director of ACU's Career Center, was quoted recently in an article in the Abilene Reporter-News. The story includes some excellent suggestions for recent graduates (or seniors) that can help with the job search. You can read the story here.

If you haven't visited ACU's Career Center, let me encourage you to do so. Please see the center's Web site for more details or e-mail them.

DH

Texas internships for summer and fall

2009-06-15T13:05:00.000-07:00

Internships no longer appeal only to students seeking to fulfill their requirement of completing a JMC-related internship for graduation purposes. Thanks to a sour economy and a tougher job market, many recent JMC graduates are also competing for internship positions to get more experience on their resumes. Other students are beefing up their resumes by completing two or more internships, even though the JMC department only requires one.

Here are several opportunities around the Lone Star state that may appeal to current students or recent graduates:

HH Enterprises, owned by ACU alumnus Homer Hillis, seeks a student in Abilene interested in viral marketing, social media and who has a flair for fashion. Duties would include blogging, posting to Web sites, using Facebook and generally finding ways to create conversations online and build community. Hillis is also owner of the Friendze chain of retail stores. You may contact him at 325-829-0340 or by e-mail.
The Texas Public Relations Association has announced its 2009 TPRA Silver Spur Internship program. This is an elite set of internships for public relations students that can lead to scholarships but at the least looks great on a PR student's internship. TPRA internships are available this summer and fall at the American Heart Association (offices throughout Texas), MM2 Public Relations in Dallas and at NuStar Energy L.P. in San Antonio. For more information, visit TPRA's Web site at http://www.tpra.com/student/.
Total, the world's fourth-largest integrated oil and gas company, seeks public relations interns for this fall at its Port Arthur refinery in Texas. This is a paid internship and includes housing. Total will consider juniors, seniors or recent graduates with a minimum GPA of 2.8, a good knowledge of Associated Press style and excellent communication and presentation skills. Knowledge of QuarkXpress, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or Publisher would be a plus, as would experience in video editing or work with student media (radio, TV or newspaper). E-mail me for additional information about how to apply.
Concussion Interactive, a Web site design firm in Fort Worth, uses interns in the fall, spring and summer semesters. Past interns have served in account service, media, interactive, creative and traffic/production departments. For more information, visit Concussion's Web site.

Intern without leaving campus

2009-04-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Here in the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication we take pride in the fact that each year we have JMC majors interning throughout the nation and even beyond. In my years as director of the internship program, we have had students intern in Europe and Asia as well as from coast to coast, from Los Angeles to Washington, D.C., in the United States. That's exciting.

Sometimes, however, some of the best opportunities don't require a passport or even an airline ticket. Two great paid internships are available now on the ACU campus. Both of these positions could be structured either as a part-time job or internship. Here are the details:

ACU Press is looking for a student publicist. This student will work about 15 hours per week writing news releases, interviewing and working on the Web site for ACU Press. Hours are flexible. Applicants need to have good writing skills. The position will start this summer, so applicants must be available in Abilene during the summer months. Interested students should send a resume and cover letter to Dr. Larry Fitzgerald, director of marketing, at lxf07a@acu.edu.

The Alumni Relations Office is seeking one (or two) students for a 12-month internship and part-time job beginning in May.

Duties may include:

1. Create and send out one electronic newsletter to ACU alumni each month. The newsletter would have one paragraph descriptions of news with a link to the full news story on the ACU Web site.

2. Create and send out a printed or electronic newsletter for the ACU choral reunion group. This newsletter is once per year.

3. Create and send out a printed newsletter for the Women for ACU. This newsletter goes out two times per year.

4. Update the ACU Alumni Association Web site as needed. This involves occasional news stories and information about upcoming events.

5. Help us launch and maintain a social media presence (in conjunction with ACU's social media planning committee).

6. Assist with the research and writing of select.

Interested students should contact Larry Musick, director of alumni relations, at larry.musick@acu.edu, or call 325-674-2622.

Guest column: Internships give students an edge

2009-04-30T11:56:00.000-07:00

By Luke Sims
Senior journalism major from Sweetwater, Texas

All students go through it at some point. That final senior semester begins to wind down and they realize “Oh no! I need a job!” Fear and anxiety take over and stress elevates tremendously.

As I watched my friends before me fall into this same trap, I noticed that a few of them did not. They were seemingly unconcerned by the stress. This was because they had thought ahead and got internships.

Not only do internships train you in the practical application of your field, they train you to get used to the real work environment, away from the laid back atmosphere of a college campus.
While interns are stereotypically depicted as fetching coffee for the higher ups, most interns work at low-level tasks and begin to learn the business hands-on.

Here are some tips for getting an internship:

• Speak with your teachers, no one can help you prepare and network like they can.
• Freshen your résumé.
• Improve your interviewing skills.
• Choose great references.
• Be willing to move.
• Don't pin your hopes on a single internship and stay on top of companies until the last minute.
• Make a list of your dream companies and apply for at least 10 internships. It never hurts you to send more.

Since 2007, a notable 74.5 percent of college graduates have been able to enter the work force per year. And while a degree certainly improves your odds, nothing can give you that boost ahead like an internship can.

A good friend of mine, for example, is my age and started college the same year I did. By his senior year, he had an internship lined up in Houston. After his summer passed, he returned for a final semester, with an invitation to return to work full time for the company in Houston upon graduation.

While many students will walk away from college wide-eyed with hope in their hearts but no experience beneath them, a student with an internship can sit before any prospective employer and say, “Nice to meet you. Now look at what I have done.”

DFW internships at Star-Telegram, Moroch agency

2009-04-13T20:20:00.000-07:00

Here are two more summer internship opportunities, both of them ideal for students from the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

The Star-Telegram newspaper in Fort Worth is looking for a multimedia marketing intern for the Star-Telegram, DFW.com, INDULGE magazine and Panache Magazine. The chosen intern will assist in research and development of existing and possible niche publications. The intern may also assist with event planning for community and promotional functions, work with the event and sales staff to help increase sponsorships and ad sales, assist photographer and stylist at photo shoots, and write or research stories for the publications. The internship begins June 2 and ends Aug. 7 and will involve 32 hours per week. The deadline to apply is THIS FRIDAY, April 17, but you are encouraged to apply as quickly as possible. To apply, e-mail a cover letter and resume to LeeAnn Polster at lpolster@indulgedfw.com.

The Moroch advertising agency in Dallas is seeking an advertising intern interested in account services. The internship is for this summer. You can learn more about Moroch on their Web site. To apply, send an e-mail cover letter and an attached resume to kgibbs@moroch.com. For a view of the agency and other job opportunities there, visit the agency's Web site.

DH

New internships in Austin, Washington, D.C. for PR and journalism majors

2009-04-12T19:45:00.000-07:00

Two new internships crossed the desk this week and may be of interest to public relations and journalism majors.

Humanities Texas, the state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities, is seeking public relations interns in Austin to support its programs in history, literature, philosophy and other humanities disciplines. Interns will write news releases, gain media relations experience and prepare other printed materials. For more details, visit the Humanities Texas Web site or call 512-440-1991, extension 120.

Students interested in political journalism may want to investigate the Capital Semester program in Washington, D.C., sponsored by The Fund for American Studies in partnership with Georgetown University. This annual program combines an internship with courses that provide academic credit. Students are placed in internships with top news and media organizations in Washington, D.C., and housing in the heart of the nation's capital. Applications are now being accepted for the Fall 2009 program and interested students are encouraged to apply by April 24. For more information, visit the Capital Semester's Web site or contact Haley Heieck, recruitment and admissions assistant, at admissions@tfas.org or 1-800-741-6964.

Guest column: The value of JMC student organizations

2009-04-12T19:40:00.000-07:00

By Sommerly Simser
Junior broadcast journalism major from Las Vegas

Internships are important and provide the training students need so that they can obtain a job after their graduation in their chosen career field. However, it is also important to get involved in organizations at school that in their own way also prepare you for the career field and can ultimately help you pay off school with scholarships and provide you with a network of individuals who could later be of help.

Campus organizations such as the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Broadcast Education Association (BEA), the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA) all offer multiple opportunities to advance your training and knowledge of the career you plan to pursue.

The Broadcast Education Association, which has recently chartered on the ACU campus, holds an annual convention for Broadcasters in Las Vegas. Student membership includes a reduced fee to the convention, which is a great opportunity for students to learn about the latest advancements in technology in the broadcast news, radio or electronic media fields. It also provides a place to network with hundreds of thousands of other across the nation involved in the same field. In addition to a reduced price to the convention student members will receive all of BEA’s publications and access to their members-only Web site, which has applications for the organization’s various scholarships.

The Society of Professional Journalists, which is also active at ACU, offers their members the chance to compete for awards, scholarships and internships. SPJ strives to represent and serve today’s journalists by taking on battles over the First Amendment and the Freedom of Information Act, which might otherwise be overlooked and therefore a journalist’s rights could continue to dwindle. Like BEA, SPJ also offers an annual convention as well as numerous regional conferences for students to attend and receive training, guidance and the opportunity to learn from some of the top professionals in the country.

Both the American Advertising Federation and the Public Relations Student Society of America are active on campus under the AD/PR club. Both organizations offer regional and national conventions. The AAF is the oldest national advertising industry trade group. The AAF hosts the ADDY awards, the world’s largest local, regional and national advertising competition. Both organizations offer scholarships specifically for members and provide access to members-only Web sites with internship and job lists.

Each one of the organizations that are present on the ACU campus not only provide scholarships and opportunities to attend conferences and conventions; students are also equipped with a better understanding of their field and they get the opportunity to work more closely with their peers and professors and advisers. And of course not to mention these organizations look great on a resume.

College grads fighting tough job market

2009-03-28T13:28:00.000-07:00

CBS News recently ran a feature story about Kelsy Nova, a recent communications graduate from New York University, about the tough time she was having finding a job. Kelsy isn't alone. College graduates this year are stepping into one of the worst job markets in decades. The segment on CBS News was part of a series called "the Job Squad" designed to help unemployed people find work. CBS recruited a team of coaches for Kelsy that included a public relations executive, a fashion model and a university career center official. Fortunately for Kelsy, her story had a happy ending; she found a job.

The tips these coaches gave Kelsy are tips all students can benefit from. The video is only about six minutes so I would encourage you to view it, especially if you are a senior or recent graduate.

Don't forget too that the ACU Career Center is here to help you. You can e-mail them at careers@acu.edu.

Membership has its privileges

2009-03-12T11:22:00.000-07:00

I gave a talk recently to the Ad/PR Club at ACU about some of the resources available to students for searching for internships and entry-level jobs. One suggestion worth repeating is that all JMC majors should belong to one or more of the pre-professional groups promoted by the department. This includes the Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ), the Public Relations Student Society of America (PRSSA), the American Advertising Federation (AAF) and the Broadcast Education Association (BEA). Most of these pre-professional organizations offer internship and job boards as well as more general career advice like how to write resumes and cover letters.

A recent scan of the PRSSA Web site (www.prssa.org) showed employers have posted 20 internship leads during the past 30 days. If you're a public relations student looking for a top internship, this should get your adrenalin pumping. Access this site and you've hit the mother lode of timely PR internship leads.

Surprisingly, few students at the recent Ad/PR Club had ever accessed the job info on the PRSSA or AAF Web sites, even though they were dues-paying members. What about you? If you are not in a pre-professional JMC organization, you need to join. Already a member? Take some time to get familiar with your organization's Web site and what it offers in terms of career advice and promising leads for internships and jobs. Membership really does have its privileges.

The latest JMC internship opportunities

2009-02-15T19:45:00.000-08:00

Here are more great internship opportunities for JMC majors. After reading the list below (also see the previous post) e-mail me if you need more information. Keep in mind that all internships require the department's advance approval to receive academic credit. Most internships are suitable for juniors and seniors who have completed at least the core of JMC skills courses.

1. The following announcement arrived recently from Hendrick Medical Center in Abilene:

The Marketing Department at Hendrick Medical Center is looking for interns in integrated marketing communication or related fields. Interns will have the opportunity to work in an in-house agency environment specializing in marketing, graphic design, public relations, advertising, event planning and web design. The Marketing Department aims to creatively project the image and mission of Hendrick Medical Center to both internal and external customers. For more information, contact Elizabeth Newman at enewman@ehendrick.org or 670-2431.

2. March 5th is the deadline to submit applications for the 2009 Institute on Political Journalism, sponsored by the Fund for American Studies in partnership with Georgetown University. This summer internship in Washington, D.C., includes a chance to attend briefings at the White House and Congress. For more information, visit dcinternships.org.

3. The Burleson Star newspaper in Burleson, Texas, just south of Fort Worth, is seeking summer journalism interns for its newsroom. For more information, contact Luke Harris (an ACU alumnus) who is editor. His phone number is 817-295-0486 ext. 22 and his e-mail address is burlesonstar@thestargroup.com.

4. Interested in a European summer internship? Read the following:

2009 CIVITAS SUMMER PROFESSIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM IN WARSAW, POLAND (June 1 - July 31, 2009) in ENGLISH. http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/

The summer internship program is organized by Collegium Civitas in Warsaw, Poland includes 25-30 hours of internship per week, academic and internship seminars and Polish language course.

INTERNSHIPS (IN ENGLISH)

The program offers a unique opportunity for a limited number of students to undertake full-time summer professional internships in various profit, public and non-profit organizations in Warsaw, Poland that focus, among others, on:

- Jewish history, arts, music & culture,

- Human Rights, Migration, Refugees,

- European Integration, International Politics, Diplomacy

- Legal and Constitutional Affairs

- Media, Media Advertising, Journalism

- Civil Society and Local Community Development, Civic Education,

- Public health,

- Economics, Business, Finance

- Transparency in public administration, anti-corruption policies

- Environment

A sample list of internship areas and organizations can be viewed at: http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/organizations/InternshipOrganizations.html

ACADEMIC PROGRAM and CREDITS

During the internship program students can take credited:

1) academic seminar (IN ENGLISH) on democratization, transition, the EU integration with a special focus on Central Europe;

2) internship seminar (IN ENGLISH) that provides an intellectual forum for the students to reflect upon their internship experience;

3) optional Polish language class.

Students can earn an equivalent of up to 6 American credits awarded by Collegium Civitas. For more information about the academic program visit:

http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/academic/AcademicProgram.html

APPLICATION

Graduate and Undergraduate students can apply. Civitas Summer Internship Program has a rolling admission and interested applicants are invited to submit their applications to the program anytime until March 16, 2009.

Application forms are available here: http://www.globaleducationleadership.org/apply/HowtoApply.html

CONTACT

Inquiries about the program can be directed to Olena Tregub, Executive Director, Global Educational Leadership, at contact@globaleducationleadership.org or tel. 646 670 6089.

For more information about the program, application form and costs visit: http://www.globaleducationleadership.org

Internship ideas for spring and summer 2009

2009-01-19T20:03:00.001-08:00

The spring semester is typically the busiest time of the year for students seeking internships. Now is a great time to apply for summer internships and there may still be a few opportunities available for the spring semester.

Before listing some recent internship announcements, don't forget to check the Web sites of JMC professional organizations (see list in left-hand column of this blog site). In addition to checking national Web sites, check the organizations' local chapters too. For instance, the Houston chapter of the Public Relations Society of America has internships posted on its online job board. The larger media chains, such as Gannett, are another good source of internship information, as are the larger public relations and advertising agencies. Check these companies' Web sites often for internship information, or send an e-mail to their internship director or human resources department.

As helpful as these Web sites may be, keep in mind that most internships are NOT posted online. You'll have to go find them. Once you have identified the target cities in which you are willing or able to do internships, contact the appropriate media, agencies or other JMC employers in those markets as early in the semester as possible. Be proactive and be early.

OK, here are some of the recent internship announcements to come to our attention:

Mission Lazarus is looking for photojournalism students to do internships this summer in Cholutaca, Honduras. The contact person is Jarrod Brown, an ACU alumnus. More information is available at the Mission Lazarus Web site or blog site. You can also e-mail Jarrod at jarrodbrown@missionlazarus.org or contact Dr. Gary Green, missions coordinator for Latin America, in the College of Biblical Studies.
The Christian Chronicle, the award-winning newspaper for Churches of Christ, is seeking journalism majors to serve as reporting interns for the spring semester or future semesters. Preference will be given to students with campus or professional newspaper or Web site writing experience and members of Churches of Christ. The Christian Chronicle has won more than 25 awards from the Associated Church Press and the Society of Professional Journalists since 2005. Interested students should send a letter of interest, clips and references to Bobby Ross Jr., managing editor, at bobby.ross@christianchronicle.org.
Manning, Selvage & Lee, a leading international public relations firm, is seeking summer interns for its Atlanta office. Applicants must have completed their junior or senior year with an overall GPA of 3.0 or higher and have prior work experience, internships and/or volunteer experience. For more information, visit MS&L Atlanta's Web site. Jenni McDonough is the contact person. The deadline for applications is March 6.
The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation has announced its 2009 Eric Breindel Collegiate Journalism Award competition. The winner will receive a cash prize of $10,000 plus a paid internship at either Fox News Channel, The Wall Street Journal or the New York Post. Housing in New York City will be provided. For more information and an application, visit www.ericbreindel.org or call Germaine Febles at 212-843-8031. The deadline to apply is April 24.
The Asian-American Journalist Association (AAJA) is accepting applications for its summer internships and scholarship programs through the end of January. For more information, visit http://www.aaja.org/programs/for_students/journalism_internship_grants/.
The National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) has a list of internship opportunities at newspapers around the country. You can access the list at http://www.nahj.org/educationalprograms/internships.shtml. Many of these programs have Feb. 1 deadlines.
Finally, for spring semester internships in Abilene, the best advice for journalism majors is to contact news directors or editors at the local media outlets (Abilene Reporter-News, KTXS-TV, KTAB and KRBC-TV and larger radio stations). For Ad/PR majors, try the marketing departments at Hendrick Medical Center and Abilene Regional Medical Center, or contact one of the larger non-profit agencies, such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Abilene. The City of Abilene (Public Information Office) also is a good source. Once again, be proactive and be early for the best results.

For more information on the JMC internship program, see the archive of previous posts on this blog or contact Dave Hogan, internship director, by e-mail or by phone at 325-674-2045.

Advertising, Newspaper and Broadcast Internships Available

2008-12-01T20:30:00.000-08:00

New information on internships is available in this post for a variety of JMC-related careers, including advertising, newspaper journalism and TV broadcast journalism.

Advertising internships for multicultural students

The deadline is this Friday, Dec. 5, for the American Association of Advertising Agencies' 2009 Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP). This internship program helps minority students earn 10-week, paid internships at advertising agencies. Since the program began in 1973, more than 2,000 students have served as MAIP interns. For more information and an application, visit http://www.aaaa-maip.org/apply.php. For questions, call 212-850-0732 or e-mail maip@aaaa.org.

KTAB and KRBC TV Internships

Two of Abilene's television stations, KTAB and KRBC, are jointly hosting an internship orientation meeting at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 13, at their studios at 4510 S. 14th Street. Internships are available at the stations for reporting, producing, writing, videography, Web writing and design, video editing, assignments, anchoring, sports and the news ticker.

To reserve a spot at the orientation meeting, e-mail Austin Kellerman, news director, at akellerman@ktab.tv, or call 691-2247.

Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation Awards

The Eric Breindel Memorial Foundation is accepting applications for its summer 2009 internship awards program. The student who wins this award will receive a cash prize of $10,000 plus a paid internship at his or her choice of the Fox News Channel, The Wall Street Journal or the New York Post. In addition, housing in New York City will be provided during the internship.

To learn more about the award or to secure an application, visit www.ericbreindel.org or call Germaine Febles at 212-843-8031.

Deadlines approaching for summer 2009 newspaper internships

2008-10-26T19:20:00.001-07:00

We just finished Homecoming weekend at ACU and Abilene is yet to have its first freeze of the season, but believe it or not it's time to apply now for some of next summer's best newspaper internships. Some of the larger daily newspapers have summer 2009 internship deadlines as early as Nov. 1. If you want to know more, two sources worth checking are the Associated Collegiate Press (ACP), which publishes an annual directory of newspaper internships, and the Texas Daily Newspaper Association (TDNA). E-mail me if you want to see a PDF version of ACP's directory. We have more information on the TDNA on the JMC bulletin board on the third floor of the Don Morris Center. You'll need to act quickly to compete for the best spots.

New internship opportunities

2008-10-01T15:11:00.000-07:00

It's not too early to start looking for an internship for next spring or summer. Here are some of the latest internship opportunities:

Leanne Baldwin at the Abilene Philharmonic needs an intern who can put together a blog, podcasting and other social media/multimedia projects. Her contact info is lbaldwin@abilenephilharmonic.org or by phone at 677-6710. One note of caution: This may or may not qualify for your JMC internship. We will need to learn more specifics about the program first. However, it would be great experience for the right student, regardless of whether it counts for your internship or not. Before starting this or any other internship, be sure to e-mail me (dah01a@acu.edu) with the specifics and get approval.
The Texas Daily Newspaper Association (www.tdna.org) will make information available by next week for its 2009 summer internship program at daily newspapers throughout Texas. Some of the larger newspapers have application deadlines as early as Nov. 1, so check this source quickly if interested.
Applications are now available for the American Association of Advertising Agencies' 2009 Multicultural Advertising Intern Program (MAIP). This program gives multicultural students the chance to gain valuable work experience through a 10-week summer internship at a real world advertising agency. Last year, MAIP had one of its largest classes of interns (147).

The MAIP Student Application package can be downloaded from the following link at the AAAA MAIP Web site: http://www.aaaa-maip.org/apply.php. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. EST on Dec. 5.
The Associated Press is seeking applications for its 12-week summer photojournalism internship program. The deadline to apply is Nov. 14. More information can be found at www.ap.org (see the "careers" tab). Here is a summary of the required steps:

• A 300-word autobiographical essay on this topic: “The Associated Press seeks to recruit and retain a workforce that embodies a wide range of talents, experiences, achievements and journalistic skills. Please describe the qualities and accomplishments you would bring to the company.”
• A resume and cover letter (please include your projected graduation date)
• A portfolio of your work. Submissions should be a collection of jpeg images with captions on a CD. You should forego programs that include music or special transitions. A link to a website may be offered as a substitute for a CD.
• Two letters of reference, at least one from a professor or faculty adviser on school letterhead
• An interview with an AP chief of bureau
• A completed employment application
The Association for Women in Sports Media awards scholarships and paid summer internships to female college students pursuing careers in sports writing, editing, broadcasting, Web production and public relations.

For complete details, please visit www.awsmonline.org.

All interns receive a $1,000 scholarship, plus $300 toward travel expenses to the annual AWSM convention, waived convention fees and free lodging at the host hotel. Copy editing interns receive an additional $1,000 scholarship from the Associated Press Sports Editors.

Organizations that have hosted interns in the past include Sports Illustrated, ESPN, USA Track & Field, MLB.com and the St. Petersburg Times.

Applications must be submitted via the online application system by Oct. 31.

Any questions? Please send an e-mail to AWSMintern@hotmail.com
Like horses? Please see the following news release for an internship that may be for you:

AMERICAN HORSE PUBLICATIONS
PRESS RELEASE
For more information, contact: Chris Brune
49 Spinnaker Circle Dr., South Daytona, FL 32119
(386) 760-7743 / Fax (386) 760-7728 / Email AHorsePubs@aol.com
www.americanhorsepubs.org

2009 AHP Internship Handbook and Applications Available Online

OCTOBER 3, 2008 - The 2009 Internship Handbook and applications are now available online to college students who have an interest in horses and seek a career in equine publishing. The AHP Internship Program is a great way to provide students with the resume-building experience that’s so critical to today’s job market. Interns gain valuable hands-on real life experience and AHP members acquire additional help when and where they need it most.

AHP is the nation’s only non-profit professional association of over 470 members dedicated to promoting better understanding and cooperation within the equine publishing industry. Membership consists primarily of equine-related magazines, newsletters, and tabloids/newspapers as well as individuals, businesses and organizations serving the equine publishing industry.

AHP serves as the umbrella organization for the internship program and is responsible for creating the application process, providing the forms, the mailing list, and a directory of the participating AHP member publications and businesses. The Internship Handbook includes program guidelines, expectations and responsibilities of the intern and the AHP participating member, and a directory of AHP participants. Each listing includes the publication or company name, a brief description, types of internships offered, availability/duration, requirements, information on compensation and housing, and contact information. Students apply directly to the AHP member, who will choose the applicants that best meet their needs. AHP members may hire more than one intern.

American Horse Publications also offers students wishing to become involved in the equine publishing industry an opportunity to join the association and participate in other student programs.

Student Membership is open to high school, college, and graduate students for an annual fee of $25. Student Members receive a certificate of membership, an opportunity to attend the AHP annual seminar at a reduced registration fee, a free listing in the online AHP Membership Directory, the AHP monthly newsletter, “AHP For the record,” and are eligible to enter the Student classes in the AHP annual Awards Contest.

Students who are pursuing a career in equine publishing are eligible to compete for American Horse Publications 2009 Student Award. A senior in high school or an undergraduate college student at the start of the 2008-2009 school year, with at least one semester before graduation, has a chance to win a cash award of $1,000 plus an all-expense paid trip to AHP's annual meeting and seminar to be held in New Orleans, Louisiana, on June 25-27, 2009.The Student Award Winner will have an opportunity to meet leading equine publishing professionals and discuss career possibilities. The AHP Student Award Contest is open to residents of the US and Canada only.

The AHP Student Mentoring Program is designed to provide students with insight into a career in the equine publishing industry through interaction with AHP professionals. The AHP Mentoring Program is open to all student AHP members.

The 2009 Internship Handbook and applications is available online at www.americanhorsepubs.org. Printed handbooksmay be obtained by contacting Christine W. Brune, Executive Director, American Horse Publications, 49 Spinnaker Circle, South Daytona, FL 32119, (386) 760-7743, Fax: (386) 760-7728, e-mail: AHorsePubs@aol.com.

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(More than) five big mistakes new grads make

2008-09-07T18:14:00.000-07:00

Anne Fisher, a senior writer for Fortune Magazine, wrote a column titled "Five big mistakes new grads make" about blunders college graduates make when searching for jobs. She has some great tips, such as keeping your parents out of the job-interview process. Employers don't want to hear from your mom or dad. Their phone calls or e-mails on your behalf may call into question your maturity and independence. You can read all five of her "big mistakes" by clicking here.

Here are a few more "mistakes" to avoid when looking for work or starting your first job, based on my own experience:

1. Send a resume with a typo or misspelled word. This mistake might not be unpardonable if you were a chemistry or pre-med major, but hey, we're journalists and communicators, right? JMC majors, of all graduates, should know how to spell and write. In competitive hiring situations (aren't they all?), one single mistake can result in your resume being tossed in the trash. Make sure to proofread your resume and cover letter carefully. Then, print them out and proof them again. Ask a friend to read them too. Do all this before sending the resume to the employer.

2. Dress like you're still in college. This isn't meant to be insulting to your intelligence, but "inappropriate dress" is one of the most common complaints I receive from employers about interns. When you start work (internships too), it's time to leave the flip flops, denim and spaghetti straps behind. One of your objectives during your senior year should be to accumulate a new wardrobe for job interviews and your first year on the job.

3. Talking to friends and sweethearts while at work. Most employers tolerate occasional short personal phone calls at work, but don't abuse the privilege. Stay focused on work while on the job and take care of personal business later. If you must take a personal phone call, keep your voice low and keep the call short, one or two minutes, no more. Let most personal phone calls go to voice mail and respond to them later.

4. Be a drama queen (or king) in the office. Everybody has a personal life, and we all experience emotional ups and downs. Trust me on this one, your boss doesn't really want to hear about it. When at work, keep problems with boyfriends, girlfriends, roommates and family to yourself. A moody, emotional or crying employee can be a huge distraction in the office. Don't let that person be you.

Anne Fisher's column appeared in Fortune Magazine May 16, 2007.

Survey shows job, salary trends for 2007 JMC graduates

2008-08-07T17:30:00.000-07:00

The 2007 annual survey of journalism and mass communication graduates, conducted by the Grady College of Journalism and Mass Communication at the University of Georgia, shows a steady job market for JMC graduates but not much progress on starting salaries.

The national survey found that nearly all (95.7 percent) of graduates had at least one face-to-face job interview in the first six to eight months after graduation. About 63 percent of the 2007 graduates had full-time jobs six months after graduation, though the survey said not all of those jobs were in JMC-related fields. The survey pointed out that, for a variety of reasons, not all students seek employment immediately after graduation. Reasons range from extended travel opportunities to weddings.

Employment success by the 2007 graduating class changed little from the previous year's results, which the survey's executive summary interpreted as good news, given the overall job losses in the national economy and the number of major layoffs at newspapers and other media outlets. Employment rates for JMC graduates are roughly the same as for the entire population of 20 to 24 year olds, the survey said.

Average starting salaries remained the same in 2007 as the year before. As a group, JMC graduates earned $30,000 in starting salaries. Those with master's degrees earned an average of $40,000. Starting salaries vary depending on one's major with journalism and mass communication. Graduates taking jobs in advertising, public relations, consumer magazines, specialized information publishing and online publishing fared the best. Broadcast graduates earned the least. In fact, broadcast television starting salaries dropped in 2007 by $440 from their 2006 level and radio salaries dropped by $2,000.

Average starting salaries by JMC specialty for 2007 JMC graduates:

Daily newspapers: $28,000
Weekly newspapers: $26,900
Radio: $25,000
Television: $24,000
Advertising: $32,000
Public relations: $32,000
Consumer magazines: $32,000
Web-related jobs: $32,000

Continuing a long-term trend, JMC graduates earned less than many other college graduates. According to the survey, liberal arts graduates as a group earned $36,419 and business administration/management graduates earned $45,915. Computer science graduates earned $60,418.

For more information, visit www.grady.uga.edu/annualsurveys/.

What is an internship portfolio?

2008-07-26T19:51:00.000-07:00

*** See updated information at the post "Important New Rules for JMC Interns" dated 9/8/2010 ***

The final step in completing your JMC internship is submitting an internship portfolio to the JMC department. The portfolio must carefully follow the guidelines in the syllabus for the internship class (JMC 495) or the internship packet. The portfolio should be professionally bound using plastic or wire spiral binding, a clear plastic front cover and a solid plastic back cover.

Be sure your portfolio includes the following:

a. Title page – The title page should include your name, where you did your internship (company and city) and the date of your internship. Many students choose to use color and graphic design to make an attractive title page but this is not required and will not result in a higher grade.
b.Introduction – A one-page description of the assigned work, an explanation of duties, identity of profession¬al supervisor, and a description of pre-internship expectations.
c. Daily log – A typed, double-spaced log of daily experiences with explanation and analysis. Include questions, concerns or observations about assigned tasks.
d. Work product – Work can be presented in any print form if clippings, tearsheets or finished work are not available. Samples of bylined news stories from Web sites are acceptable. You may include radio, TV and video projects in CD or DVD formats, but please include a plastic pocket designed to hold the disk so that it won’t get separated from your portfolio; include your name on the CD or DVD. Samples of photography may also be included, but must be included within the portfolio document or securely attached. IMC students may include samples of research, internal planning documents, or samples of finished public relations, media relations or creative work.
e. Intern’s Post-Fieldwork Response form – Type your answers to the list of questions in this form, included with this syllabus and available online. Most students add this to the portfolio just prior to the executive summary.
f. Executive summary – A one- to two-page narrative summary of the learning experience. This should be the final document in your portfolio.

Deadlines

It's also important to know the deadlines for submitting internship portfolios. For those who have completed their internship prior to the start of a new semester and plan to take JMC 495 during that semester, the deadline for submission of the portfolio is the final internship class meeting for the semester, which is typically prior to mid-term. In other words, if you complete your internship during the summer and then take JMC 495 in the fall, your portfolio is due prior to the final class meeting, typically in early October.

For all other students, portfolios must be submitted within four weeks of the final day of fieldwork as an intern. Please note that (1) You will NOT receive credit for this course and cannot graduate from the university with a JMC major until the portfolio is submitted and approved and (2) Late portfolios will result in a lower final grade.

The portfolios, once submitted, are property of the university and are kept on file for accreditation purposes. If you want to keep a portfolio for your own use, please make a personal copy. You are also encouraged to keep electronic copies in your computer of your introduction, daily log, responses to the “post fieldwork response form” and your executive summary until you have received a grade for this class on your transcript, in the event that your portfolio is lost after being submitted.

Step-by-step instructions for JMC students

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*** See updated information at the post titled "Important New Rules for JMC Interns" dated 9/8/2010 ***

If you feel unsure about what's involved in completing the JMC department's required internship, then relax. We get these questions all the time. So, here in an easy-to-follow format are the step-by-step instructions for starting and completing a for-credit internship that will satisfy our department's requirement:

1. Let's start with the basics. You must complete a 160-hour, JMC-appropriate internship in order to earn your degree from ACU with a major from the Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. You must also take the internship course, JMC 495, and complete the necessary paperwork (described below). Most students complete their internship during their junior or senior years. We require that you have completed 75 hours of university credits before starting your internship. You can do an internship in Abilene during the fall or spring semesters, typically working 12 to 15 hours per week, or you can complete an internship "back home" or anywhere in the world during the summer. The internship, and all supporting paperwork, must be completed before the end of your final semester of classes in order to graduate on time.

2. It's up to you to find an internship, but we're here to help. We recommend you take the internship course, JMC 495, prior to starting your internship. We discuss where to look for internships in that class. You can also browse the archive of previous posts on this blog for ideas and inspiration. In addition, this blog contains a listing of Web sites for JMC professional organizations and other sites that include internship and career information. Spend some time on those sites. Networking is probably the most common way of finding internships. Talk with professionals in your field and with JMC alumni. Attend conferences. The more people you know in your field, the better your chances of finding an internship.

3. Once you find an internship, you must e-mail me (click here) to get it approved. Do NOT start an internship without this approval. What we generally look for are: (a) Are you ready to start your internship? Have you earned at least 75 hours of credit? Have you completed your JMC core classes? (b) Is this an appropriate internship for your specific JMC major? In other words, the internship must be closely related to your chosen field of study, (c) Will you be working for an established organization and supervised (in person) by someone with training and/or responsibilities in your chosen JMC field of study? (d) Are you working for a close relative? Sorry, you can't do an internship with your spouse, mom, dad or sibling.

4. Next, you must submit to us the contract form we provide to you. You'll find a copy of this and other forms in the Internship Packet elsewhere on this blog. The contract form is due to use BEFORE your first day on the job. It must be signed by you and your supervisor. This form is largely for your protection, to ensure that the supervisor understands the nature of the commitment and agrees to submit the required mid-term and final evaluation forms.

5. Before starting your job, review the paperwork requirements for the internship portfolio, which you'll find in the Internship Packet on this blog. The requirements are also explained in the syllabus for the internship course, JMC 495.

6. From day one on the internship, be sure to keep a typed, daily log (journal) of your activities. This document will become an important part of your internship portfolio.

7. Explain to your supervisor about the mid-term and final evaluation forms. Then, follow up to be sure the supervisor mails the forms to us at the appropriate times. It's not uncommon for supervisors to forget, so don't be bashful about reminding them. By the way, we don't accept these forms from students. For obvious reasons, the evaluation forms must be mailed to us from the employer, in an envelope from the business.

8. Within four weeks of completing your internship, you must submit to us an internship portfolio, following the guidelines in the syllabus or packet. This portfolio should be in the form of a spiral notebook, with a clear plastic cover and a title page. Most copy stores or office supply stores can assemble this notebook for you at a nominal cost. If you are submitting a CD, DVD or other attachments, please include an appropriate sleeve that will securely hold your disk in place. Make sure your name is on any disks you include. In addition to the daily journal, the portfolio should include a one-page introduction, several work samples (photocopies are fine), an executive summary and your answers to the questions posed in the document titled "Post Fieldwork Response Form," which is included in the syllabus and packet. Please note that our accrediting body requires us to keep portfolios in the department, so the portfolios will not be returned to you. You may want to make a separate portfolio for your own purposes.

9. Once the portfolio is submitted and your mid-term and final evaluations are received by the JMC department, we can then assign you a letter grade, assuming you've completed the internship course.

10. That's it! You've now satisfied the requirements for the official JMC internship. However, many of you won't want to stop there. Internships are a great experience and look good on your resume. Some of you will want to pursue a second or third internship, but the good news is that you do not have to follow our paperwork and reporting process again. We only give credit for one internship.

Internship FAQ

2008-07-07T19:44:00.000-07:00

*** See updated information at the post titled "Important New Rules for JMC Interns" dated 9/8/2010 ***

Your internship can be one of the most exciting and valuable parts of your JMC education at ACU. To make sure you receive credit for your internship and to maximize your experience, please review the following questions and answers.

Q: Am I required to complete an internship?

A: Yes. All JMC majors must complete both an internship and the internship class (JMC 495) in order to graduate. There are no exceptions.

Q: When is the best time to complete my internship?

A: You should have completed 75 hours of college credits prior to starting your internship, including your core JMC classes. Many students complete their internship in the summer between their junior and senior years, or during the fall or spring semesters in Abilene during their junior or senior years. You must complete your internship and submit all necessary paperwork before the end of your senior year in order to graduate on time.

Q: What if I'm a sophomore but have a chance to do an internship?

A: The more JMC-related work experience you can get on your resume, the better. We encourage JMC students to complete more than one internship and many do so. You can complete as many internships as you wish, but only one counts for academic credit. If you're a sophomore and get a chance to do an internship, by all means go for it, but you may need to do another internship later for JMC credit. An exception to this rule is for students who are approved to participate in a JMC-related internship offered through the Council of Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU). Students may be approved to participate in these programs following the completion of their sophomore year. For more information on CCCU internships, click here.

Q: When should I take the internship class, JMC 495?

A: Students are strongly encouraged to take this class prior to starting their internship. In the class, we discuss the paperwork requirements for the JMC internship and talk about where to find suitable internships. We also offer practical training in resume writing and interviewing for jobs. Most semesters, one or more JMC employers will speak to the class and offer their perspective on what they look for when hiring interns or entry-level employees. If you are a sophomore or junior, talk with your JMC academic adviser, Cara Lee Cranford, about when is the best time for you to take JMC 495. Click here to e-mail Cara Lee Cranford.

Q: How many hours must I work at my internship?

A: The minimum number of hours is 160, but many students work more than this. The 160 hours may be divided up in a number of ways, to best meet the needs of the student and the employer. You can complete your internship in as few as four weeks by working 40 hours per week, or you can work 12 to 15 hours per week during the fall or spring semesters.

Q: How much do interns get paid?

A: We think all employers should pay students for the work they do, but that is often not the case. Many employers do not pay interns, but some offer educational stipends or discounted housing arrangements. If you get a paid internship, consider yourself fortunate.

Q: OK, I'm ready to start. What's my first step?

A: If doing an internship for credit, you must notify the JMC internship director in writing (click here to send an e-mail) in advance, outlining what you plan to do. Include where you plan to work, who you will be reporting to (name and title) and the nature of the internship. We will then reply with either approval or questions.

Q: Why wouldn't you approve my proposed internship?

A: Most internships are approved, but the most common reason for our rejecting a proposed internship is that it isn't consistent with the student's JMC major. If you are an Ad/PR major, for example, then you need to find an internship in the advertising, public relations or marketing fields. Another common reason is the lack of an on-the-site supervisor with specific training and/or responsibilities in your field. A small church or nonprofit organization, for example, may want you to work for them as an intern because they have no one on staff who can do the type work you can do. That might be a worthwhile volunteer project, but it's not an approved internship, because we want you to be in a position to be mentored or coached by experienced supervisors. A third reason for rejection is if the job involves working for a family member or close friend. Sorry, you can't do your internship with mom or dad.

Q: What is the first form I must submit to get started on my internship?

A: Once you have our approval (see above), the first form that needs completing is a contract form, which we will provide to you. This form needs to be signed by you and your internship supervisor, and returned to the JMC internship director prior to your first day on the job.

Q: What are the employer's requirements?

A: We try to keep the paperwork simple for employers. The internship supervisor must agree to the terms on the contract form and be willing to complete mid-term and final evaluation forms, which we provide to you when you take JMC 495 or start your internship. It is the student's responsibility to follow-up and make sure the supervisor mails the evaluation forms to us. Please note that we will not accept evaluation forms directly from students because the evaluation is supposed to be confidential between the employer and the JMC department.

Q: Are there other paperwork requirements?

A: Interns must submit an internship portfolio that includes a typed daily work journal, work samples, a one-page introduction, answers to the post-fieldwork response form (which we provide) and a one-to-two-page executive summary. The correct format is to bind these items in a spiral-bound booklet with a title page and a clear plastic cover. All information must be typed, with the exception of work samples where typing would not be practical.

Q: Where do I find JMC internships?

A: We discuss this topic in more detail in the internship course, JMC 495. However, this blog is an excellent start. Look at the list of JMC professional organizations, many of which include job and internship postings on their Web sites. Watch for new postings on this blog throughout the year as new internship opportunities come available. ACU's Career Center is another excellent resource; see their CareerLink Web site. Don't forget about networking as a way to find internship leads. Talk with people you know who work in your chosen field. Attend chapter meetings or conferences of JMC professional organizations. Send e-mails or letters to companies that interest you.