Texas internships for summer and fall

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

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

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

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

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.

The latest JMC internship opportunities

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

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:

1. 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.
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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.
5. 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/.
   
6. 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.
   
7. 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

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

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

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

1. 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.
   
   
   
2. 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.
   
3. 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.
   
4. 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
   
5. 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
   
   
6. 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.
   -30-
   
   

What is an internship portfolio?

*** 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

*** 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

*** 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.