Internships
The Department of Communication has developed internship relationships with a wide range of businesses and organizations representing all of our areas of study. A well-chosen and successful internship is one of the most important elements of a communication degree program. While an internship will not guarantee that you get the job of your choice, not completing an internship can hinder your prospects in the job market.
Through the communication internship program (MMC 4975) you will have the opportunity to add to the knowledge base you build in your other major through experiential learning under the supervision of communication professionals. In addition to the experience you will gain, you will have the opportunity to build your professional network while you also build a professional portfolio.
It is important to understand that an internship is not only an invaluable experience for our students; it is at the same time an important tool used by the Communication Department to assess its curriculum. How our students fare in professional settings, as evaluated by professional inter supervisors, tells us a lot about how well we are preparing our majors. We continually use the knowledge we gain to strengthen the program.
As you plan and prepare for your internship be mindful of the fact that when you intern you will represent UNF and the Department of Communication in the professional setting you select. It is imperative that you work to distinguish yourself in the most positive ways in your internship. This will definitely advance your career prospects and at the same time enhance our program’s image in the professional community.
MMC 4975 - Senior Project (Internship)
Prerequisites: Senior Standing; MMC 3614, MMC 3105 and MMC 3200 plus at least three of the upper-level Major Electives courses for the student’s concentration. This capstone course is an opportunity for students to demonstrate that they have achieved the goals of learning established by the university, the college and the department. The course integrates course work, knowledge, skill and experience to demonstrate a broad mastery of learning across the curriculum.
Academic credit for this course is limited to one three-hour course.
The Mass Communication faculty recognize that there may be exceptional cases that prevent a student from participating in a professional internship. It is assumed, however, that exceptions to the internship will be extremely rare and only after the student has submitted his or her request and justification in writing. Options include, Option 1: A substantial research paper, and Option 2: A major project in the student’s field that allows the faculty to fully evaluate the student’s skills.
Internship Requirements
You are required to work a minimum of 210 hours during the semester at your internship. (Approximately 15 hours per week)
During you internship you must submit (via Blackboard) weekly progress reports to the Communication office. These list and explain your tasks and accomplishments for the prior week.
Your supervisor will be asked to submit mid-term evaluation form by fax or mail when you reach 100 hours. Your supervisor will complete another evaluation at the end of the internship for submission with your portfolio.
At the end of your internship (no later than the last day of classes for the term during which you intern) you must submit a portfolio reflecting your accomplishments and new knowledge.