Did you know that every student who earns an undergraduate degree from the School of Media and Journalism is required to complete at least one professional internship for credit? It’s not just a box to check. This requirement reflects our commitment to ensuring students are truly prepared for the “real world.” The 1-credit internship requires that students work at least 150 hours in a professional setting with qualified supervision over the course of a semester. The internship offers an opportunity for students to gain valuable professional experience by actively contributing to the work of the organization at which they’re placed.
Internships serve as an essential bridge between the classroom and the professional world. In the classroom, students learn theory, develop technical skills, and practice storytelling in a supportive environment. But in an internship, students’ skills are tested against real-world expectations. Once they step into a newsroom, agency, or production studio, those skills are tested against professional expectations. Deadlines are real. Audiences give feedback with clicks, views, and comments. Workplaces demand adaptability and collaboration. It’s in that environment that students see what they’re capable of.
For many students, the internship is the first time they see themselves not just as students, but as professionals-in-training. That shift in mindset can be transformative, helping them realize they belong in the newsroom, studio, or agency where they’ve been placed. Of course, students don’t walk into these opportunities unprepared. By the time they start an internship, our faculty and staff have worked with them on writing, critical thinking, and technical skills. We also emphasize habits that matter in the workplace -- preparing for interviews, asking good questions, seeking feedback, and finding ways to make meaningful contributions, even on small tasks.
There are challenges. Not every internship is paid, which creates barriers for students who must work to support themselves. Geography and logistics also make some opportunities hard to access. Happily, the growth of remote internships has expanded options in recent years, giving students access to organizations and mentors they might not have reached otherwise.
One way our students find meaningful internships is through our alumni and friends. Many of you already host our students at your organizations, recommend them for positions, or simply offer advice as they navigate their first steps into the profession. Thank you! Your support on this front makes a big difference to our students.
As MDJ continues preparing students for careers in a world that’s changing at a dizzying pace, I remain convinced that internships are one of the most important steps in helping students transition from learners to professionals. If your organization is interested in hosting a young, ambitious MDJ student, please reach out – we’d love to chat. Thank you for helping us make these opportunities possible and for cheering on our students as they learn to bridge the gap between campus and career.