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Internship Tips and Procedures for Academic Credit
Why should I participate in the internship program?
Students can receive academic credit for a variety of internship
experiences. Internships are critical components in a well-rounded
academic study of communication. In addition to providing opportunities
to apply concepts and theories outside of the classroom, internships
can also provide valuable opportunities to enhance a student's
marketability in the professional world. Students from universities
across the country are participating in multiple internship
opportunities during their academic career in order to make themselves
more attractive as job candidates. Students who want to be successful
in the competitive job market should view internships as a critical
part of their education.
Do I have to be paid for an internship?
Internships can be for pay or performed as a volunteer. Students should
decide what objectives they want to pursue when deciding to explore
internship options. Are you interested in exploring a new area of
interest? Are you interested in gaining particular skills for your
resume? Is networking a prime goal? Consider some of these questions
before actively seeking an internship. Most internship opportunities
are unadvertised and students have taken the initiative to reach out to
intern hosts and devised their own unique internship experiences. Don't
avoid internships that don't pay. Sometimes they offer the best
opportunities.
How can I find or create an internship?
In addition to the internship opportunities that are posted on the
School of Communication web pages, other university offices offer
resources in finding internships. The OSU Arts and Sciences Career
Services office in Townsend Hall provides multiple resources for
students in preparing resumes and learning about additional
opportunities. Web pages of various professional groups such as the
Public Relations Society of America and the American Society of
Newspaper Editors often provide postings of available internships.
Because
of the university's location in the state capital, there are countless
options to explore for internships. State and local government can be
excellent placements for students interested in observing or learning
about public affairs. Numerous professional organizations and trade
groups are located here, as well. Hundreds of nonprofits in Columbus
regularly welcome the contributions that Ohio State students can
provide. Dozens of area media outlets, healthcare establishments and
strategic communication firms are internship possibilities for our
students. And because Ohio State is involved in dynamic work and
research in every conceivable area, our own departments and
organizations provide rich opportunities for our students interested in
pursuing communication internships.
How do I get credit for my internship?
COMM 683 is our internship course number. Students generally receive up
to five hours a quarter for internship experiences. To receive five
hours of credit, a student should generally spend about 150 hours
during the quarter on the internship. Students can seek fewer hours of
credit based on the schedules and objectives developed with the
internship host. In addition to the experience in a real world setting,
students are also expected to produce an interim and final report
outlining their various learning experiences as well as complete an
assessment form at the end of the internship. A time sheet and a
feedback form from the internship host/employer are also
required. Everyone's internship experience is unique, and the
internship coordinator can provide coaching and suggestions on how to
maximize your opportunities and tailor your academic reports to best
reflect individual interests.
An Agreement form must be
completed prior to enrollment in COMM 683. Agreement forms are
available online, from the Internship Coordinator, or in the Advising
Office in Derby 3033. An internship host or supervisor must sign the
Agreement form and the arrangement must be approved by Ronda Baldwin,
the Internship Coordinator, prior to formal enrollment.
Students
can receive a maximum of 15 hours of credit for COMM 683, but only 5
hours can be used for credit within the major. Students receive a grade
of satisfactory or unsatisfactory. Failure to complete the required
reports and assessments will result in an unsatisfactory grade.
How can I get some more ideas about internships?
Communication plays a vital role in every enterprise.You may already be
working or volunteering in a setting that could provide a unique
internship experience. How do the communication patterns work in that
setting? What interpersonal communication theories are at work? How
could they be improved? Would a brochure or training for new employees
be helpful? Could you produce or enhance a newsletter or web page? Is
there a special event coming up? Could you devise a strategic
communication plan to help increase awareness in the community or
within special populations? Can you collect clippings or other
portfolio materials? Start with what you know first and think about all
of the possibilities for studying communication. Then start thinking
about your interests.
Who can I turn to for more information? Please Contact: Ronda Baldwin at baldwin.185@osu.edu
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