Department of Communication

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Internships

Did you know that many internships lead to job offers? Did you know that the department of Communication has an internship program?

Have you considered taking advantage of the opportunity to gain college credit at the same time you gain experience in your chosen field and a nice hit on your resume? Internships (COM 490) provide just such an opportunity.

In addition to the available internships listed below, you may find your own internship. If you discuss the details with Dr. Scott Smithson (TECH 276) in advance of participating, he may be able to arrange for you to receive credit for the internship if you qualify. Download the Communication Internship Program Student Packet.

 

Internship Program Requirements

It is suggested that students interested in internships consult with the Career Services Office,
Library-Student-Faculty Building, Room 132, before proceeding. It is possible that you may
be eligible for an internship that is already available (communication internship must be
located by the student). Please note that most communication internships are located by the
student.

For the Communication Internship Program, you must:

• have completed 50% of your major classes (have at least a junior class standing),
• be in good academic standing, having and maintaining at least a 3.0 GPA, or have
  consent of the Internship Director, Dr. Scott Smithson
• AND have taken at least 3 Communication classes.

If you meet those requirements, and you have a tentative internship site, then you can
complete the STUDENT RECOMMENDATION form in its entirety. This form requires
that you:

• have the approval of your major advisor
• obtain one recommendation from a Purdue University North Central faculty or staff
  member (not necessarily from your major field), stating your fitness to participate in the
  internship program.

Pages 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the Internship Program Student Packet should be turned in, along with a copy of your current resume, to Dr. Scott Smithson, Chair, Department of Communication, Purdue University
North Central, 1401 S. US 421, Westville, IN 46391-9528, for final approval. You will be
contacted within two weeks to discuss your status.

Unless otherwise noted, internships are Pass/No Pass. Approximately 80 hours of employment equals one credit. Interns are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and follow the sponsoring company’s rules and regulations.
Internship evaluation will be based on the following:

• Student self-evaluation, a daily log, and a final report on the internship.
• The evaluation of the student's performance by the student's direct supervisor at the employing firm.
• The Faculty Internship Coordinator's evaluation of the student's performance.
  

A complete package of internship materials is available from Dr. Scott Smithson. Available internships will be posted outside of Dr. Smithson’s office, TECH 276.

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Current Internship Opportunities

Position: PR Management Internship/Reilly C. Bush Memorial Foundation
Responsibilities: Website Content Management: The Reilly Foundation will be launching an all new interactive website. Content management for this website is very important. Social Media Management: If you are familiar with Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and others, we need you to manage our daily updates and news! PR: Create Press Releases as needed, assist in presentations as needed. For more information or to send a resume, please contact Michelle Bush at (219) 746-3768 or contact@reillycbushfoundation.org.

Position: News Internship (one semester)/Lakeshore Public Television
Department: News Department
Responsibilities: This internship is designed for a student who is interested in a news position, especially with the evening news. Duties include, but are not limited to: greeting guests, writing tip sheets, escorting guests to and from interview site, researching and locating archive footage, shooting or logging video. Interns will communicate closely with News Director, Executive Producer, reporters, and the production staff. Intern may also be asked to write scripts for newscast, and so must possess strong writing skills. Student will be taught how to edit video using linear desktop editing system. Must be available to work from 8 - 40 hours per week. Available to juniors/seniors or recent graduates with degree or suitable course work in journalism. Mature and professional conduct expected. Previous interns have been hired by the News Department. For more information, or to send a resume, please contact Todd Hauer, News Director, Lakeshore Public Television 219.756.5656   (ext 313) or thauer@lakeshoreptv.com.

Position: News Writing Internship (one semester)/Lakeshore Public Television
Department: News Department
Responsibilities: Intern learns the duties of a TV news writer. Write scripts for newscast, edit video using linear desktop editing system, and communicate closely with reporters, producers and editors. Must possess strong writing skills. Must be available to work from 8 - 40 hours per week. Available to juniors/seniors or recent graduates with degree or suitable course work in journalism. Mature and professional conduct expected. Previous interns have been hired by the News Department. For more information, or to send a resume, please contact Todd Hauer, News Director, Lakeshore Public Television 219.756.5656   (ext 313) or thauer@lakeshoreptv.com.

Position: Sports Internship (one semester)/Lakeshore Public Television
Department: Under the supervision of the News Department
Responsibilities: This internship is designed for a student who is interested in a sports position, especially with the evening news. Duties include, but are not limited to: researching and locating local sports stories of interest, as well as archiving footage. May also include shooting or logging video. Interns will communicate closely with News and Sports Director, Executive Producer, reporters, and the production staff. Intern may also be asked to write scripts, and so must possess strong writing skills. Student will be taught how to edit video using linear desktop editing system. Must be available to work 8 - 40 hours per week. Available to juniors/seniors or recent graduates with degree or suitable course work in journalism. Mature and professional conduct expected. Previous interns have been hired by the News Department. For more information, or to send a resume, please contact Todd Hauer, News Director, Lakeshore Public Television 219.756.5656   (ext 313) or thauer@lakeshoreptv.com.

Television News-Writing and Production/Lakeshore Public Television
Interns with solid interest/motivation are sought for a variety of television news jobs. Especially interested in interns who would like to shoot sports videos.  They allow interns to write, shoot video, etc. For more information, or to send a resume, please contact Todd Hauer, News Director, Lakeshore Public Television 219.756.5656   (ext 313) or thauer@lakeshoreptv.com.

Promotions/ 94.7 Chicago's Classic Hits and True Oldies Channel: Promotions Internships
Oldies are back in Chicago and they're looking for top-notch promotions interns to help kick off their exciting third year as Chicago's one and only Oldies station! Interns may also have the opportunity to work with radio celebrities Greg Brown and Dick Biondi! Promotions interns will assist in the daily radio station activities including working at on-site events, managing the prize closet and assisting staff with other miscellaneous duties. Must be available to work 14-20 hours per week, including some nights and weekends. Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Matthew McNutt, Promotions Coordinator Matthew.McNutt@citcomm.com or mail to:
94.7 Chicago's Classic Hits and True Oldies
Attn: Matthew McNutt-Internship Coordinator
190 N. State, 8th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601

94.7 Chicago's Classic Hits and True Oldies Channel: Morning Show Internships
94.7 is looking for interns to help with the Morning Show “MacKay in the Morning”. Duties will include helping the producer with production items, screening calls, show logs, booking guests and sending out promotional items. Must be available to work a variable 10-15 hours per week.
Please e-mail cover letter and resume to Matthew McNutt, Promotions Coordinator Matthew.McNutt@citcomm.com or mail to:
94.7 Chicago's Classic Hits and True Oldies
Attn: Matthew McNutt-Internship Coordinator
190 N. State, 8 th Floor
Chicago, IL 60601

LaPorte County Agricultural Association a/k/a LaPorte County Fair
The LaPorte County Fair is a not-for-profit organization that is held for one week each year in July. The Fair's advertising committee needs someone to assist with marketing strategies for the fair. Tentative duties for the intern would include: devising a marketing plan, conducting market research, writing news releases and preparing media kits, media planning, developing customer relations surveys, exploring potential community involvement opportunities, and updating the Fair's website. Those interested in applying for the internship position should contact Sue Salach at (219) 325-9009 or leave a message at the LaPorte County Fair office at (219) 362-2647.

LaPorte County Habitat for Humanity Summer internships available. 
Open to college and high school students. LCHFH is looking for students to fill unpaid internship positions in the following areas: Construction Management, Design and Implementation, Public Relations and Mass Communication, Family Services and Programming. If you are interested, please contact (219) 324-7510 or send your resume' and class credit criteria to LCHFH. 

Dunebrook: Family Resource Intern, Community Partners for Child Safety Program
Dunebrook has been designated the coordinating agency to develop a child abuse prevention program model for Northwest Indiana. Basic responsibilities: screen client inquiries and maintain referral database and documentation of public education efforts, shadow caseworkers, participate in public education fairs and development activities, attend meetings to promote resource awareness. For additional information, please contact the Dunebrook office, (219) 874-0007.

Dunebrook: Public Education and Prevention Intern
Provide support to Dunebrook's public education, advocacy, training and prevention programs. Basic responsibilities: participate in public education, prevention program planning and event coordination including Child Abuse Awareness Month activities. Assist with marketing, public relations, and website development and provide administrative and clerical assistance to programs. For additional information please contact the Dunebrook office, (219) 874-0007.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts: Program Assistant
The program assistant will work under the direction of the program director and education director and create PowerPoint presentations and podcasts based on the exhibitions, and assist with educational curriculum development for outreach and auxiliary programs. Availability to work some evenings and weekends is required. For additional information, please contact the Education Director, Edwin Shelton at eshelton@lubeznikcenter.org.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts: Exhibition Preparator
The exhibition preparator works under the direction of the exhibitions curator to assist with exhibition production and gallery maintenance. This includes organizing the inventory of tools and supplies, assisting with installation and de-installation of exhibits, and performing general clerical duties. Availability to work some evenings and weekends is required. For additional information, please contact the Exhibitions Curator, CarolAnn Brown at cabrown@lubeznikcenter.org.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts: Guest Service Internship
The guest service intern works under the direction of the executive director and will be responsible for greeting gallery visitors, answering phones, database entry, mail handling, and performing general clerical duties. Availability to work some evenings and weekends is required. For additional information, please contact the Executive Director, Carolyn Saxton at csaxton@lubeznikcenter.org.

Lubeznik Center for the Arts: Marketing Assistant
The marketing assistant will assist the marketing director with developing marketing materials—postcards, banners, press releases, display and classified ads, annual report, event applications, etc. The marketing assistant will also help maintain the Lubeznik Center website. Availability to work some evenings and weekends is required. For additional information, please contact the Marketing Director, Amy Davis Navardauskas at adavis@lubeznikcenter.org.

Newcomb Marketing Solutions: Proofreading/PR Writer
This part-time position may turn into a full-time opportunity for someone who is personable, detail-oriented and wants to become part of an expanding marketing agency. The hours are flexible and the minimum GPA requirement is 3.50. Contact Information: Debra Handel, P.O. Box A, 605 E. Ninth Street, Michigan City, IN 46361. Phone: 219-874-3201 Fax: 219-874-8156. Apply online to creativeservices@newcombsolutions.com and include PROOFREADING POSITION in the subject line.

South Bend Tribune: Summer Internships
The Tribune offers full-time, paid, summer journalism internships. The internships are designed for college students who are considering a career in newspaper journalism. Interns work 40 hours a week and the salary is $400 per week. Experience with a college or community newspaper and classroom experience in journalism is helpful. To apply for a summer internship, please send a cover letter, resume and copies of your work and include a telephone number and an e-mail address to:
Margaret Fosmoe
Intern Coordinator
South Bend Tribune
225 W. Colfax Avenue
South Bend, IN 46626
Phone: 574-235-6329

South Bend Tribune: School-Year Internships
Academic interns work 10 to 15 hours per week. Duties are determined based on interests and the needs of the newspaper. Arrangements must be made with the Tribune and the student's academic advisor during the prior semester. For additional information or to submit a resume, please contact:
Margaret Fosmoe
Intern Coordinator
South Bend Tribune
225 W. Colfax Avenue
South Bend, IN 46626
Phone: 574-235-6329
mfosmoe@sbtinfo.com

The Times Newspaper: Summer Internship with Columnist, Philip Potempa
The summer intern will serve as editorial/production assistant. The position is paid on a per-published story basis, and the intern will assist with column and story research, marketing and promotional appearances, preparation and production for television and radio appearances, contests and giveaways, light writing and interviewing, and clerical duties. For additional information e-mail ppotempa@nwitimes.com.

Youth Service Bureau, Big Brothers Big Sisters of LaPorte County, A United Way Agency
The intern will report to the director of development and assist the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff with an annual fundraiser, Bowl for Kids Sake that raises over $25,000 to support the program. Responsibilities will include: developing marketing and advertising materials, soliciting donations, and participating in radio promotions for the event. The internship will begin in late January or early February and end within the first two weeks of May. For additional information call the Youth Service Bureau office, (219) 362-9587.

Michigan City Area Schools: Communications Internships
The communications interns will assist the director of communications with ongoing and new projects.  Specific duties may include: writing press releases and newsletter articles, assisting with marketing and PR campaigns, researching, creating training materials, and photographing school events.