Internship Resources

Professional internships play a key role in the education of each student in Kent State's School of Media and Journalism. 

A professionally supervised internship in a student's chosen field of study is essential to academic and professional development.

An internship is one of the most important experiences you will have. It should give you an opportunity to prove to yourself, to an employer and to faculty members that the education you received has prepared you to handle the responsibilities of a job in your chosen field successfully. The process of getting a job is an important part of the educational experience. Therefore, the primary responsibility for securing an internship rest with the student.

To complete an undergraduate internship for academic credit, review the steps and submit the application on the Undergraduate Internship Process & Application webpage. 

Internships completed for academic credit must meet these criteria: 

  • The internship is in the student's major area of study.
  • The student will be supervised by a professional in the student's field of study.
    • Public Relations majors must report to someone who has a communications or public relations degree/ background.
  • All internship work experience must be off campus with the exception of Digital Media Production internship. 
    • DMP allows on-campus internships under certain circumstances.

For more information and resources, find your Major Resource Course on Canvas.

If you have additional questions about the MDJ internship program, please contact the appropriate internship coordinator below.

Internship Coordinators

Advertising

Contact: Associate Professor Evan Bailey (ebailey@kent.edu, 301D Franklin Hall, 330-672-7361)

Digital Media Production

Contact: Professor Jacqueline Marino (jmarino7@kent.edu, 301G Franklin Hall, 330-672-8285) or Assistant Professor Becky Rolnick (rrolnick@kent.edu, 101B Franklin Hall, 330-672-2356)

Journalism

Contact: Adjunct Professor John Kroll (jkroll3@kent.edu)

Public Relations

Contact: Professor Stefanie Moore (smoore1@kent.edu, 301H Franklin Hall, 330-672-2463)

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an internship?

It is an opportunity to apply the knowledge you’ve gained in your classes in a professional setting. You also can gain valuable knowledge about working in the profession, professional work experience for your resumé and begin networking and developing references for future job searches. Internships also may provide mentoring or future employment opportunities.

Do I have to intern only with local companies?

No. Internships can be completed with non-local companies.

I've found a business/organization at which I'd like to do an internship. Now what?

Search the company’s website for career, employment or job opportunities. You can also call the business/organization and ask if it takes interns. Complete their online application or follow any instructions received by the business/organization on how to apply for the internship.

If it's been awhile since you submitted your application, follow up with the hiring manager or business/organization and ask for a status update on your application.

How do I prepare for an interview?

You should have a resumé and cover letter prepared. Send them to a potential employer, and make sure you bring copies to the interview. If applicable, consider taking a portfolio or work samples. Assignments from key classes or work published in student organizations are very appropriate. It is wise to have a faculty member review your portfolio before you present it to a potential intern employer.

Show your interest in the organization. Research the organization, understand what they are known for, who their clients are and typically how interns are utilized. Consult with classmates who may have interned there before.

Prepare a list of questions to ask the interviewer. Many times, an interviewer will ask you if you have any questions, so make sure you do. Ask about primary intern responsibilities, employer expectations, challenges and opportunities.

Arrive at least 15 minutes early. Check out the location of the internship before your interview, so you know how long it takes to get there and where to park. There is nothing more stressful and damaging than arriving late for an interview.

What should I expect during the interview?

Try very hard to think on your feet, so you can answer the interviewer’s questions quickly. If you really don’t know something, say so. But remember, the interviewer is trying to find out what you do know. Stay relaxed and conversational. If you think of a question, ask it. If you don’t understand something, say you aren’t sure what the interviewer means.

Think about possible questions before the interview and think about your answers to those questions. Research potential interview questions for your area of study and practice.

You will want to ask about working hours, to learn if the internship will meet your credit requirements. Avoid asking about the salary until you are offered the internship. Asking before you are offered the internship can leave the wrong impression.

What should I expect after the interview?

Try to get some idea of the next steps. If the interviewer doesn't provide next steps, ask. If there are further steps, make sure you understand clearly what they are. Whatever the interviewer tells you, make sure you note it and put the date in your calendar.

Whether you are offered the internship or not, you should follow up immediately with a written and mailed thank-you note and/or email.

Once I have been offered the internship, what next?

Promptly write a thank-you note and/or email to the hiring manager. Confirm your start/end date, hours and general expectation of duties.