IUPUI Department of Communication Studies

Internship Program

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IUPUI

Department of Communication Studies

425 University Blvd.

CA 309

Indianapolis, IN 46202

(317) 274-0566

What is an internship?

An internship gives you an opportunity to apply classroom learning related to your major in an on-the-job learning experience.   Alumni and employers both endorse the internship as a useful part of the academic experience.  You may do an internship for academic credit, or you may do it simply for the experience. 

What kinds of internships are appropriate for Communication Studies students?

A wide variety of internships could be appropriate for you as a Communication Studies major.  Here are just a few examples of the kinds of internships our majors have completed in the past:  event planning, television or radio production, sports reporting, human resources, corporate publications, marketing, promotions, training, theatre, video production, web site design, and working in theaters.  

How do I set up an internship?

All internships in Communication Studies are set up through the Department of Communication Studies Coordinator of Internships, Trevor Potts (trpotts@iupui.edu), and your adacemic advisor.  Because of the time involved in finding and setting up an internship, you should start this process a semester before you wish to begin the internship. 

Who can do an internship?

If you would like to receive academic credit for your internship in Communication Studies, you must be a 2nd semester junior or a senior with a 2.5 GPA overall and a 3.0 GPA in the major.

What do I need to do to receive academic credit for my internship?

Be sure you have followed all the steps provided on the checklist of procedures. If you're interested in receiving academic credit for an internship, talk with your academic advisor, and he/she will help you to find someone who can serve as your department internship advisor.  You may receive up to 6 hours of credit for your internship.  Credit hours are determined by the number of clock hours you will be spending at the internship, with 1 credit hour being granted for each 45 hours of work. 

You will work out the specific details for receiving academic credit with your Communication Department faculty internship advisor and Trevor Potts; each advisor has a different set of criteria for interns to follow.  You and your advisor will talk about and agree upon the required written elements needed to receive credit.  You may be asked to do any of the following:

1. Create three-five goals (with the help of your new employer) that you hope to accomplish during your internship

2. Keep a journal of your internship experiences

3. Keep a portfolio of any tangible items (i.e., memos, training materials, reports, etc.) you produce   in the course of your internship

4.  Write a paper evaluating your internship experience.