Communication Studies Internships

Internships give students the opportunity to gain professional, hands-on experience before they earn their degree. Students will gain insight on their future career path while earning academic credit. 

Many students choose to intern in the summer between junior and senior year. You also have the option to intern during fall and spring semesters. 

To complete an internship, you must have a GPA of 2.5 in the major. In addition, you must have completed 60 total credits prior to the first day of your internship. 

If you register for an internship that is 30+ miles from campus, then you are eligible for reduced fees. Contact the WSU Registrar’s Office for the appropriate forms. 

The Communications Studies Department hosts mass internship meetings each fall and spring semester. Contact Dr. Tammy Swenson-Lepper to learn more. 

Find an Internship

The internship search process can be a learning experience that will provide insights into your future job searches.

It is your responsibility to find an internship, but Communication Studies internship supervisors will assist you with your search process. 

There are many ways to find internships opportunities. Here are just a few:

  • Talk to friends and family
  • Talk to recent graduates or other alumni, especially in your field
  • Attend events where we host alumni 
  • Check career-related sites, such as Handshake, for job postings in your area of interest 
  • Check out the internship board outside of PAC 213

Use Career Services

WSU Career Services offers free services for students looking for jobs and internships including 

  • resume and cover letter critiques
  • interviewing advice
  • additional resources to help connect you with internship opportunities

They also sponsor career fairs, which are great opportunities to talk with employers about internships.

Meet with Your Supervisor

After putting together a list of internships that interest you, you may want to meet with your Communication Studies internship supervisor to discuss them. 

It is important to keep in touch with your supervisor throughout the search process. They may have information about potential internship opportunities, along with advice on cover letters, resumes, interviews, and more. 

Apply for an Internship

Internship applications will usually proceed in one of two ways. If time permits, a cover letter and resume should be sent to the potential internship sites. This may then be followed up with a phone contact. 

If time is limited, direct telephoning may be your initial contact with the internship site. A resume and cover letter may be requested at this time. During the entire search process, it is important to present yourself professionally. 

Meet Requirements

Internships for credit require a focus on communication, professional in nature, new learning experiences, and on-site supervisor availability. 

Discuss Objectives

If your internship site meets the Communication Studies qualifications, discuss internship objectives and projects with the internship site supervisor. 

Complete an Internship

To complete an internship, you must take the following steps: 

  1. Contact a site supervisor and arrange for the internship. Get an email (or letter) from your site supervisor confirming the internship and describing your duties.
  2. Complete an internship proposal form, which Dr. Lepper will provide information about. Once your internship is approved, Dr. Lepper will let you into the course.
  3. Complete assignments, which are laid out in the Internship Packet, available in the hallway across from PAC 215, or from Dr. Lepper. Generally, these include, but are not limited to journals, a final paper, and an internship meet and greet. You will also be able to access all the assignments in D2L once you are registered.
Contact the Communication Studies Department
Dr. Tammy Swenson-Lepper
Internship Director

DuFresne Performing Arts Center 204

507.457.5246

Email Dr. Tammy Swenson-Lepper