Internship FAQs
On- and Off-Campus JMC Internships for Credit
Q: How do I apply for an internship through JMC?
A: Apply directly on the website. Or, download the application form and deliver it to JMC office, Room 117.
Q: Who decides whether students will be approved for a JMC for-credit internship?
A: An internship committee comprised of JMC faculty and staff review applications and make sure that internship applicants meet the requirements as defined by the JMC department.
Q: Are there certain requirements and classes I must take before I can apply and be approved for an internship for credit?
A: Yes. Depending upon your sub-major, you will have to have taken certain classes, as well as be a JMC declared major, and have a cumulative GPA 2.7 or above. See the main internship page for more details.
Q: When and how will I be notified if I have been accepted for the JMC internship for credit?
A: All applicants will be notified by email telling them if their application is approved or denied. In the fall, it usually takes the committee around 2 – 3 weeks to organize and evaluate all the applications we receive (Sometimes there are 40 to 50 and we have to give each one our careful attention). In the spring, because of Spring Break sometimes it takes a bit longer. If you haven’t heard from the committee 3 – 4 weeks after the application deadline, please contact the internship coordinator
Q: May I take more than one on- and off-campus internship for credit through JMC?
A: You may take one on-campus internship and one off-campus internship for JMC credit.
Q: If I currently have an off-campus internship, can I apply for internship credit through the JMC committee?
A: Sometimes, yes. It will depend somewhat on how long you have been at your current internship and what your job duties are at the internship. For instance, if this is a relatively new internship (6 months or less), you will usually be approved to continue for credit. If you have been at this internship for 6 months or more, we may ask you to consider finding a new internship to broaden your experience, to earn credit.
Q: If I am approved for a JMC internship, does JMC find an internship position for me and place me with a company?
A: No. Just as with any job experience, you will have to apply to companies and organizations for internship positions. The companies and organizations decide whom they wish to hire as interns. We will give you leads for companies and organizations that are in search of interns, or who have hired JMC internship students in the past. Of course, you may also search for internship opportunities beyond our list of options. You will have to contact, apply for, interview for and be offered the internship, as we cannot actually place students in jobs.
Q: Are all internships paid opportunities?
A: No. Some are paid and some are not. It depends on the organization. However, some unpaid internships are wonderful opportunities, providing students with lots of work to fill their portfolios or that eventually lead to a paid position. Others are paid, and we do encourage sites to pay our interns some type of compensation, even if it is an “end-ofinternship” stipend. But, not all sites offer or are able to provide paid compensation.
Q: If I apply for internship credit and am accepted, but cannot find an one or decide to wait a semester must I reapply for an internship?
A: It depends. Please contact the internship coordinator.
Q: When should I start looking for an internship position?
A: As soon as you are notified by email that you have been accepted into the JMC internship program.
Q: How do I know for sure that the internship that I have will meet the JMC internship requirements? (This question is especially relevant if you find a "new" internship site, or one that is unfamiliar to the JMC internship committee.)
A: If there is any question as to whether a site meets JMC internship experience requirements (enough hours, career related duties, reporting to a communications professional, etc.), your internship supervisor will need to provide the JMC internship coordinator with a job description. This should be done as early as possible. If a site cannot meet our minimum requirements, then we can either work with the site to get the requirements up to standard, or, as is sometimes the case, the intern may need to look for a new site to fulfill his/her internship. We want interns to get a great experience, learn a lot and get items for their portfolios.
Q: What types of letter and forms will I need to obtain once I am offered an internship?
A: Before the internship begins you will need to secure the following documentation:
- Proof you were offered the internship.
- An internship (job) description, or detailed explanation of anticipated duties. This letter should also include the number of hours of expected service each week.
- Proper title and contact information for your internship supervisor.
Q: What information will I need from my supervisor during the internship?
A: Your supervisor will be required to complete a mid-term and end-of-semester evaluation form on your performance. It's your responsibility to make sure they complete the forms and that the forms are received by the JMC Internship Coordinator by the due date.
Q: Is there anything, in addition to the actual internship, that I will need to do to receive a grade?
A: Yes. In addition to completing your internship and submitting your supervisor evaluations, you will need to submit journal entries to the course D2L site. You are also required to participate in discussions posted by you and your fellow classmates. Details on the discussion and journal requirement are explained when you are allowed access into the course.
Q: Once I’ve completed the requirements for the internship, must I stop working for the place at which I held my internship?
A: Not at all. Not if you and the site decide mutually that the position will remain yours. This could be an extended internship or, as has happened after good interns complete their internships, you could be offered a job. However, you may only receive credit for one semester in an off-campus internship and for one semester in an on-campus internship. (Six credits total if you do both.)
Q: What do I do if I’m experiencing complications at my place of internship employment?
A: First, try to work it out with your supervisor. If you’ve done that and you are still having problems, contact the JMC internship coordinator or someone on the JMC internship committee for advice. If needed, we will also act as a mediator, although that is rarely required. Don’t wait until things are unmanageable. Come see us as soon as problems arise.
Q: What do I do if I have more questions after reading this information sheet and reading the application?
A: Stop in and see Rachael Jurek, JMC Internship Coordinator in Johnston Hall, Room 132 during her office hours or email her to make an appointment.