Texas Tech University :: College of Mass Communications

Search the MassComm Internships Database

Students are asked to locate their own internships, and many do so without difficulty. The College of Mass Communications maintains a database of internships that are routinely offered for those who would like its help. You can search internships by major or by the internship name. Search here.

Internship FAQs

1. What if I'm not required to do an internship, why should I?

An internship can be one of the most interesting, career-enhancing activities you complete in college. While not required of all majors, the internship can provide practical, hands-on knowledge. Plus, if you don't know exactly which area of mass communications you'd like to pursue, an internship may show you the areas you like or dislike. Working will also give you the opportunity to build or add to a portfolio.

To complement your portfolio, you will have a resume filled with real world examples--giving you the edge in future internship and, ultimately, job interviews.

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2. So how do I get credit for an internship and will it count toward my degree?

Students are strongly encouraged to do an internship for credit. In order to register for an internship class, students must first attend a mandatory internship orientation meeting the semester prior to the internship.

For example, if you plan to intern Summer 2005, you must come to the Spring 2005 meeting. At the meeting, the internship director will explain the weekly, interview and final internship assignments and the supervisor's evaluation form. In addition to the preceding assignments, students are required to work a minimum of 160 hours over the course of an internship.

There are also certain prerequisite courses for each major that must be met prior to enrollment in the class.

You will take the class Pass/Fail and yes, if all class requirements are fulfilled, the class will count as a mass comm elective.

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3. What are the prerequisites?

Advertising

JOUR 2310 News Writing
ADV 2310 Intro to Advertising and
ADV 3351 Media Planning
Or, the three courses above plus ADV 3312 Advertising Writing and ADV 3361 Creative Strategy

Broadcast Journalism

JOUR 2310 News Writing and
EM&C 3335 Digital Imaging/Editing or
JOUR 3314 Broadcast Journalism

Online & Print Journalism

JOUR 2310 News Writing
JOUR 3310 News Presentation I and
JOUR 3312 Reporting

Photocommunciations

JOUR 2310 News Writing
PHOT 3310 Photography I and
PHOT 3330 Digital I

Public Relations

JOUR 2310 News Writing
PR 2310 Intro to PR and
PR 3312 PR Writing

Electronic Media & Communications

JOUR 2310 News Writing
EM&C 3300 Electronic Media and Society

and one of the following:

EM&C 3315 Principles of Digital Media Prod.
EM&C 3340 Programming and Promotion
EM&C 3380 Advertising for Electronic Media

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4. I'll be required to work 160 hours. Will I have time to work or take classes?

The 160-hour requirement is very workable. If you choose to do an internship during the Spring or Fall semester, you will have approximately 15 weeks to complete the hourly requirement. That's only 11 hours per week. If you choose to complete an internship during the summer, you can complete it in one or two summer sessions combined. Still, the 160 hours can be done. Simply work out a schedule in advance with your supervisor so you can fulfill the requirement.

Many students take a regular load of classes, work part-time and complete an internship.

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5. Okay, I'm convinced the internship is important. How do I find one and are there enough for everyone?

Internships are everywhere; you just have to look! As you venture out to find one, think about the things you enjoy, locations you would like to be, the kind of experience you have and the kind of experience you would like to attain. Ask yourself if you know people in the industry. Consult professors. They're excellent sources of information and can help you find something you'll learn from and enjoy. Keep in mind, you can do an internship in Lubbock or anywhere in the world!

Professional Organizations
Professional organizations are an excellent source for internships. Check out the Helpful Links page on this Web site to find professional organizations' Web sites geared toward your major. Once at national and international sites, look for links to specific local chapters for more specific internships.

Print Materials
Other sources of information can be located in the library. Industry books, journals and magazines can provide helpful contact information.

Internet Sources
Of course, the Internet is a great source for internships. Simply do a search for internships and the search will provide great results. Be specific to locations, companies or time frames and see what your search produces. See the Helpful Links area of this Web site for an extensive list of Web sites helpful to all mass comm majors.

Internship Postings
The Career Center posts new internships weekly on the board next to MCOM 107. The College of Mass Communications has also created a list of internship possibilities. A complete listing can be found in the Career Center in MCOM 107.

Other Opportunities
Keep in mind, not all internship opportunities are advertised. It may be up to you to call or e-mail specific businesses to see if they hire or would like to hire an intern. Take the initiative. Don't be shy or you may miss a wonderful opportunity!

Just so you know, there are generally more internships to fill than students looking to learn!

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6. So if I have more internship questions or questions about my resume, portfolio or other career related stuff, who can I talk to?

As the director of The Career Center, Marijane is happy to set up individual appointments to discuss internship and job placement, resumes, career counseling and a variety of other subjects related to career development.

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7. I have some other questions, how do I contact The Career Center?

If you have other questions about an internship, set up an appointment with Marijane Wernsman, director of The Career Center.

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The Career Center
Marijane Wernsman, director
Office: MCOM 107
Phone: 742-3385 ext. 266
Fax: 742-1086

Mass Communications