Communication & Media Internships
Looking for a job can feel intimidating. That’s why the Communication & Media Department recommends all students complete an internship—and requires it for certain majors.
Internships are a great way to gain insight on your future career path while earning academic credit at the same time.
As an intern, you could help shape a non-profit organization’s communications strategy, coordinate production schedules for a publishing company, create unique content to promote local performances and festivals, and more.
Meet Internship Requirements
If you pursue an internship, it must focus on communication and/or media, be professional in nature, offer new learning experiences, and have on-site supervisor availability.
Most Winona State students intern in the summer between their final 2 years at Winona State. You can also intern during the Fall and Spring semesters.
To arrange an internship, you must have a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or higher on a 4.0 scale. You also need to have at least 60 total credits completed before the first day of your internship.
To earn academic credit for an internship, you must complete 120 internships hours, which is equivalent to 3 credits.
If you register for an internship that is 30+ miles from campus, you’re eligible for reduced fees. Contact the Registrar’s Office for the appropriate forms.
The Communication & Media Department hosts internship meetings each semester. Contact Dr. Tammy Swenson-Lepper at tswensonlepper@winona.edu to learn more.
Find an Internship
Although it’s your responsibility to find an internship, the Communication & Media internship supervisors can help you with your search process.
There are many ways to find internship opportunities. Here are just a few:
- Talk to friends and family
- Talk to recent graduates or other alumni, especially in your field
- Attend events when we host alumni
- Check career-related sites, such as Handshake, for job postings in your area of interest
- Check out the announcement board outside of PAC 215
Use Career Services
Winona State’s 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 & Media internship supervisor to discuss them.
It’s important to keep in touch with your supervisor throughout the search process. They may have information about potential internship openings, along with advice on cover letters, resumes, interviews, and more.
Apply for an Internship
You can apply for an internship in one of 2 ways.
If time permits, you should send a cover letter and resume to potential internship sites. You may then follow up with a phone call.
If you have limited time, directly calling or emailing internship sites may be the best first contact. You may then be requested to provide a resume and cover letter.
During the entire search process, it’s important to present yourself professionally.
Discuss Objectives
If your internship site meets the Communication & Media qualifications, chat with your internship site supervisor about your goals and projects.
Complete an Internship
To complete an internship, you must take the following steps:
- Contact a site supervisor and arrange for the internship. Get an email from your site supervisor confirming the internship and describing your duties.
- Complete an internship proposal form. Once your internship is approved, Dr. Tammy Swenson Lepper will let you into the right course on D2L.
- Complete assignments, which are laid out in your Internship Packet, available in D2L once you’re registered. These assignments may include journals, a final paper, and an internship meet-and-greet.
Contact the Communication & Media Department
Phelps Hall 126
507.457.5474
Office Hours
Tuesday–Thursday: 1-4pm
DuFresne PAC 204
507.457.2362