Communication Studies Internships
1. A way to learn outside of the classroom
2. An opportunity to work on a meaningful project
3. A way to apply your knowledge to real-world situations
4. A chance to build your network
FAQ’s:
What kinds of internships can I get?
Some internships do pay their interns or provided their interns with a stipend to cover some expenses. However, interns are generally responsible for covering the cost of their needs during their internship.
There are many different kinds of internships you can apply for. Internships can be with the school, the government, non-profits, and for-profits.
What do I need to know about applications for the internship program?
There are two separate application processes that must be completed to register for the internship program. First, apply for and secure an internship with some non-profit, for-profit, or government organization. Second, once an internship is secured, apply for admission into the internship seminar (CMST 392) to receive academic credit for the internship. Applications are due the first day of class the semester you plan to receive credit for your internship. Once you are accepted into the internship seminar, you will be registered for one to six credit hours, based on the average amount of time you will work at your internship per week. Please complete the application form, secure all necessary documents listed on the application. Application located at the bottom of this page.
How do I apply for a government internship?
The government offers a wide range of opportunities for internships focusing in a wide array of areas. They offer excellent opportunities to make contacts within government while working in a field that interests you. Internships offered by government agencies offer students an opportunity to serve the public while, in some cases, observing real-time policy-making. The following website contains a directory of many government organizations that may offer internship opportunities: www.pse-net.com
How do I apply for a Non-Profit internship?
A non-profit organization is one that is incorporated for educational, charitable, or scientific purposes. Such organizations focus on a broad range of issues and interests. Internships offered by non-profit organizations, generally, encourage students to participate and facilitate action-oriented activities within the community. The following website contains a directory of many non-profit organizations that may offer internship opportunities: www.nonprofitcareer.com
How do I apply for a For-Profit internship?
Businesses are generally formed to earn a profit and grow. For Profit, organizations include manufacturers, service businesses, and retailers. Internships offered by these organizations provide students with experiences including maintaining collective productivity to accomplish particular creative and productive goals.
The following website contains a directory of many for-profit organizations that may offer internship opportunities: www.careerbuilder.com
What makes me eligible for the internship program?
The student must be a junior or a senior at the time the internship begins to receive academic credit for an internship during the academic year (fall or spring semester). During the summer semester, however, freshman and sophomores are also eligible to participate in the internship program. The student’s academic and disciplinary records are considered in making participant selections. The student must be in good academic standing to participate in the internship program. Plan ahead during your first two years at the university to identify internship opportunities that you might pursue. You can then plan out your remaining course schedule to take advantage of an internship when you achieve junior or senior.
How do I receive credit for my internship?
The School’s internship program is a structured program supervised by the School’s director. The program provides the opportunity to combine work in community and (or) corporate settings with a weekly seminar (CMST 392). The internship program is offered every semester, including summer. Students may take up to three internship credits in one semester. Credits may also be spread over more than one semester but may not exceed a total of six during a student’s undergraduate career. Students completing an internship for course credit are required to register for CMST 392 the same semester as they take part in the internship. One internship credit equals six work hours per week.
1 credit = 6 hours per week
2 credits = 12 hours per week
3 credits = 18 hours per week
Students registered for one or more internship credits are required to participate in a weekly seminar the same semester as the internship. In addition to the work at the internship, students are expected to complete several assignments, including keeping a personal journal and submitting a final paper. When participating in an internship away from the Knoxville area, students are expected to complete all assignments, which will be submitted via email or the course’s Canvas website.
For more information regarding the internship program, view the list of frequently asked questions or contact John Haas, Director and Associate Professor at cmst@utk.edu