“It’s not just about building a resume. It’s about building yourself.” Christina Lenis ‘09, Organization: Arnold Worldwide
As interns you can expect to develop skills in goal setting, assertive communications, time management and presentation of work. You will identify you strengths and areas which need improvement. You will understand how your organization markets itself internally and externally and begin to identify effective work styles. You will have the opportunity to publish or produce work, design work for your portfolio, coordinate projects, write proposals, proofread and edit collateral or articles before publication, create media lists, attend press conferences, do research, attend meetings amongst other responsibilities. You create these opportunities by being professional, motivated and positive and taking initiative. Your success lies in your hands.
To Apply
Communications majors who want to enroll in the Communications Department Internship Program for the spring, summer, or fall sessions, use the following steps.
Application
Complete the application form and turn in to the Internship Program Director.
Orientation
Attend a required orientation meeting as soon as possible. Scheduled time will be posted around the Communications Department.
Placement Conference
At the orientation meeting, sign up for a placement conference where we will discuss your goals, interests and available opportunities. Student must prepare a cover letter and resume prior to the Placement Conference. If you need help preparing or updating your resume, please go to the Career Education Center. We’ll review your resume and tailor it to your internship interests.
Contacts!
You'll have a final resume critique, receive contact information, and prepare for your interviews. Bring your registration form for a consent signature. After this meeting, send out your letters and resumes to the list of potential sponsors. Follow-up your letter with a phone call within a week to set up an interview.
Interview
You will be required to go out on at least three interviews at three different potential sites.
Final Arrangements
Contact Sarah Borrows about your final placement decision and approval. Contact your sponsor for acceptance. Write to and/or telephone those potential sponsors who interviewed you to decline the internship at their site (if in fact it was offered to you) OR to thank the interviewer for his/her time. Protect your contacts and ours!
Meet with your sponsor to complete the internship contract prior to start of class. Make a copy of the contract for you; submit the original to Sarah Burrows.
Internship Responsibilities
- Begins the process of obtaining an internship by attending an orientation, completing an application, creating a resume, and meeting with the department's Internship Program Director during the semester prior to the internship.
- Receives information about the prospective internship placements from the Internship Program Director and Career Resources, conducts the internship search by contacting those suggested sponsors, and interviews for internship positions.
- Maintains contact with the Internship Program Director who approves internship placement at a sponsoring organization in the Greater Boston Area.
- Earns 4 semester hours from Simmons for 8–10 hours of work per week, 8 semester hours for a 16–20 hour work week and 35–40 hour work week during the fall, spring or summer terms.
- Develops a specific work plan with the field sponsor outlining the learning objectives, job duties, and growth of responsibility.
- Completes the written assignments on professional issues, a final paper and research project, and participates in weekly mandatory on-campus seminars.
- Makes an oral presentation of internship experience to students and faculty.
- Adheres to the rules and regulations of the sponsoring organization, performs assigned duties thoroughly and competently, and maintains professional conduct.
FAQ's from the Intern
Is there any cost to me as a student applying for an internship?
Yes, you do pay for the credits accrued.
When should I start looking for an internship?
For the fall semester, you should start in the April or May of the spring prior. For spring, you should start by October. For the summer semester, you should start by February of that year.
Where can I get leads on internships?
The Internship Program Director has a comprehensive database of possible sites. The Career Education Center lists internships and the web is a great search tool for possibilities.
After I send out my resume, what do I need to do?
Follow up with a phone call to confirm your resume was received and ask for an interview.
How many places should I apply to?
You need to go on three interviews as part of the process. You should apply to at least six sites, possibly as many as ten, to ensure that you are called in for three interviews.
What should I use as writing samples if they are required?
You can submit short papers from classes like intro to PR, writing for PR, Journalism, Modes of Writing, Feature Writing, etc.
What should I wear to an interview?
It depends on the environment of the organization. Day-to-day dress for the workplace is usually more casual than your interview attire. You may be given information about the company's dress code, if there is one, in your interview and/or orientation. Some companies have an informal dress code that is not written down, but is understood by practice. "Casual" work attire usually consists of clean and pressed clothing. Inappropriate attire includes: torn clothing, sleeveless tank tops, miniskirts, sports gear, hats, open toe shoes, or excessive jewelry. Also, some companies may prohibit jeans and sneakers.
What happens if I go to an interview and I don't hear anything afterwards?
When you leave an interview for an internship, be sure to determine the next step with the person who interviewed you. Ask the person when you will be contacted about the position. If you do not hear from the interviewer, it is appropriate for you to call that person back to inquire about the status of the internship.
How long does it take to get an internship placement?
This depends entirely on your availability and the availability of current openings. Placement is a process where we try to match up many factors: your time and skills the employer's need for the particular job; your transportation and the location of the company with an opening.
Will I get paid for the internship?
Some internships are paid positions. The hourly wage depends on your experience and skills. Some internships are not paid. However, gaining valuable work experience can lead to future employment. So an unpaid internship can be an investment which may pay off in a short time.
Once I am offered an internship position, what do I do?
Let the sponsor know you will accept the position and set up a time to start. You must fill out a contract and both the sponsor and the intern sign it and turn it into the Program Director.
What will my schedule be like day to day?
A set schedule should be established before you start working. Typically an 8 credit internship involves working 2.5--3 days. The following guidelines should be adhered to:
- Arrive for work a few minutes before your scheduled time. This gives you time to put your personal belongings away before you begin to work.
- Check in with your supervisor so he/she knows you have arrived for work. Ask about special instructions for the day. Before leaving your workplace to take a break or go to lunch, check in with your supervisor unless otherwise instructed. If he/she is not available, tell another staff member you are leaving and leave your supervisor a message. At the end of the workday, clean up your desk. Make notations on work in progress if someone else will be reviewing it or completing it in your absence. Leave it with the appropriate person. Do not assume someone will come to your desk looking for it.
- Do not leave before your scheduled time unless you have made prior arrangements to do so. Check out with your supervisor.
- Establish absence or tardiness reporting with your supervisor at the beginning of your trip.
What will my relationship be like with my sponsor and co-workers?
Always address your co-workers with respect, and call them by their full name, Mr. Brown or Ms. Smith, unless they direct you to do otherwise.
Most co-workers would prefer that you not interrupt a meeting to ask a question, unless you have been directed to do so.
Most co-workers would prefer not to be interrupted during a telephone call unless there is an emergency situation. Supervisors have different preferences which you should discuss with them at the beginning of your internship.
Take notes when given instructions or directions.
What if I dislike my Internship Sponsor or my tasks?
If you are having a problem at your work site, it is best to try to resolve it before it becomes a larger problem.
- Wait until you have had a chance to think things through and react calmly instead of reacting when you are emotional or upset.
- Try to keep work problems separate from personal ones. Everyone has problems at the work site from time to time; it is not a failing of your character. Usually it is a difference of perception or misunderstanding that leads to worksite problems, and these differences can be resolved when you analyze the situation and talk it through.
- A lot of problems that interns report in the work site have to do with their lack of experience; again, this is not a fault, it is just that you are learning a lot of new skills and about new situations. Naturally, you will make mistakes from time to time.
- Most people will work well with you if you admit to making a mistake and show willingness to work it out. Contact the Internship Program director for further guidance.
Can I expect a job offer from my internship?
There is no guarantee of a permanent position at your site; however, if you perform well and are enthusiastic about the work and there is a suitable opening--you have a foot in the door and an advantage over an "outsider."