Establishing the Internship Experience

Step One: Applying To The Internship Program

When to Apply? Make an appointment with the Internship Coordinator, Jil Freeman. The most expedient way to do this is to email or call for an appointment. You will want to get started early in the process, so be sure to have your initial meeting with Jil prior to registering for the quarter in which you want to intern.

 

Step Two: Initial Meeting With Coordinator

At your first meeting with Jil Freeman, your eligibility to participate in the program will be determined. You will also be given further instructions on how to obtain an internship, paperwork requirements and, if you want to continue, you will be signed up for the program whether or not you have an internship lined up yet.(Please note: you do not have to have an internship lined up prior to registering for credits.)    See Credits = Hours

Step Three: Arranging Your Own Internship
  • Browse through Internship list in the main office (NH 23) and visit the internship bulletin board, where many internship sites are listed. We receive many requests for interns and we have a well-established relationship with our clients. To browse through the Internship list, go to the Department of Communication Office, NH 23, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Research an Internship Site on Your Own: If you know of opportunities (Media?  PR?  Marketing?  Education? Politics?  Promotions? Technical writing? Sports?) contact the site on your own and ask about the possibilities.
  • Browse through the internship listings at the PSU   Career Center :     Online at The PSU Career Center     Or go to 402 University Services Building , 617 SW Montgomery .
  • Consult with faculty, including Jil Freeman and Dr. Poulsen.

Step Four: Preparing To Contact An Internship Site
  • Preparing to contact prospective internship sites is essential! You are going be interviewed as you would for any job. Since you are representing the Department of Communication and yourself, you need to be professional
  • Dress professionally
  • You must present your resume and two letters of recommendation at your interviews.
  • Your resume: If you do not have a resume, you will need to create one. The PSU Career Center has many online and in-person resources designed to help you. The Career Center is an valuable resource and will help you with resume writing, interview skills, and provide tips on contacting employers. The Career Center maintains a job bank of internships and part-time and full-time jobs for students and graduates. Go to The PSU Career Center or stop by the University Services Building, 402, or schedule an appointment by calling 503.725.4613.
  • Two letters of recommendation: These can be from faculty who know you well or from professional contacts.

Step Five: Interview At The Internship Site

Once you have your resume and two letters of recommendation, you are ready to contact the appropriate person at the internship site to arrange an interview.

  • Your interviewer may or may not be the person who will act as your Internship Site Supervisor.
  • If the organization does not have an established relationship with our Internship Program, you will either need to provide them with information about the Supervisor's responsibilities or refer them to Jil Freeman.
  • The Student Internship Agreement Form must be completed during the interview.
  • Provide the interviewer with the Internship FAQ Sheet (information for the potential Intership Site supervisor)