Internship Program & FAQs

The School of Communication’s internship program enables students to seek communication-related positions for academic credit or experience in the South Florida area during the academic year. It is also possible for students to intern in other cities during the summer. This program is designed to provide students with quality career-related work experience prior to graduation. They can arrange the work hours to accommodate their academic schedule.

For internship guidance, contact the SoC Career Programs Manager, Audrey Carballo.

As students pursue an academic program in their chosen discipline, practical experience is an invaluable part of their education. Internships allow students to gain “real-world” experience and exposure to a specific industry. An internship also adds to a student’s resume and portfolio. Most importantly, internships lead to jobs, directly or indirectly.

Internships are widely available through a variety of resources. You can search the School of Communication’s exclusive Job & Internships Board or find thousands more opportunities on Handshake. Other routes can be found under our Useful Links tab.

Internships may be paid or unpaid. Students who wish to receive academic credit for the internships must seek approval and meet the requirements from the academic program in which they are enrolled.

There is no guarantee that students who are seeking internships will be hired. A student’s major, GPA, skills, resume, and other factors will influence their candidacy.

To take an internship for academic credit, students must be at least a sophomore standing (30+ hours completed) and must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 in their major. Students must also have completed one course in the area of the proposed internship. The internship coordinator of the student’s academic program will make determination of these qualifications.

Students are responsible for identifying and securing their internships. For assistance regarding the process and additional information, an appointment should be made with your internship coordinator or the director of student services. A typical internship lasts one semester with a requirement of 10-20 hours per week.

To receive credit for an internship, please see the following professors:

Schedule a meeting with your corresponding faculty internship coordinator to fill out the necessary paperwork for your employer, as well as internship class.

The 8-Step Job Search Toolkit is a self-paced workbook full of strategies, advice, and resources created by the Toppel Career Center to help students and recent alumni prepare and execute their individualized job search plan.

1. Experience and learn. Expose yourself to different career options before graduation.
2. Learn about yourself. Choose the career path that will best fit your professional goals and personal values.
3. When submitting a resume, cover letter, or any application information to an employer, follow-up. Whoever shows they want the internship the most, is usually the one that gets it.
4. Remember that you will be judged by your actions during the search. Be focused and professional in all written, oral, and in-person contact with employers.
5. Do not be afraid to ask if a company will accept an intern, even if they have never had one before.
6. Ask questions, answer questions honestly, and always be yourself. An internship is a mutual learning experience for both the intern and the employer.
7. When you have the internship, rise above expectations. Maximize your learning experience as an intern and maybe you will get a job with the organization in the future.
8. Keep your resume updated. You never know when opportunities will knock on your door.