Internships

In keeping with the belief that hands-on experiences afford the greatest opportunities for learning, we require almost all students within VCU’s School of Mass Communications to participate in internships and student projects that provide real-world skills and practice.

Visit the Mass Comm Internships Blog

In partnership with communications companies and government agencies throughout the metropolitan Richmond area, the school offers extensive internships in advertising, public relations, television, newspapers, magazines and new media.

Internships are offered for academic credit through MASC 493 Fieldwork Internship.  The course is designed to provide undergraduate mass communications students with practical, real-world work experience in mass media, nonprofit, government or private sector organizations.  Mass Comm students doing an internship should be completing their final three semesters.

For VCU students

The internship is one of the most valuable experiences you’ll have as a Mass Comm student. The internship will present you with opportunities to gain experience, develop your portfolio and network with professionals as you get an up-close look at a particular segment of the communications industry.

It is your responsibility to select the internship that is best for your career interests.  Approved internships are listed online on our Mass Comm Internships Blog. Your faculty adviser can provide guidance as well.   There are more opportunities listed than there are students to fill these positions. If you desire to participate in an internship that is not posted by the school or by the university, you must receive approval first by having the business submit a description of the internship responsibilities.  (See below.)

Please download the MASC Student Internship Registration Instructions and read carefully. This document details all course requirements (including a mid-semester report and a final report due), qualifications and grading policies. It also contains information on ways to find an appropriate internship and contains evaluation and contract forms necessary for registration. Internship applications are also available in Temple 2208.

There is no need to schedule an appointment with a School representative to register for MASC 493. Just

1. Complete the required paperwork;
2. Attach the required letter of confirmation from your internship supervisor; and
3. Submit this information to the School’s student services assistant in Temple 2216.

You will receive an email explaining how to obtain an registration override to enroll for credit.

Students participating in internships must submit a mid-term and final report on or before the posted due dates via email to the Ashley Shoval, who oversees the School’s Internship Program.  It is the student’s responsibility to remind their supervisors to complete an on-line evaluation of the intern’s performance. The School will email a link to this survey to supervisors.

Ashley Shoval directs the School’s internship program. If you have any questions contact her at 827-3725 or amshoval@vcu.edu.

Deadlines for Internships – Fall 2011
Internship begins: Aug. 25, 2011
Last day to register: Sept. 2, 2011
Mid semester report: Oct. 19, 2011
Final report: Dec. 1, 2011
Internship supervisor eval: December 1, 2011

Deadlines for Internships – Spring 2012
Internship begins: Jan. 17
Last day to register: Jan. 23
Mid-semester report: March 7
Final report: April 25
Internship supervisor eval: April 25

Deadlines for Internships – Summer 2012
Internship begins: May 21
Last day to register: June 6
Mid-semester report: July 11
Final report: Aug. 1
Internship supervisor eval: Aug. 1

Deadlines for Internships – Fall 2012
Internship begins: Aug. 23
Last day to register: Aug. 29
Mid-semester report: Oct. 17
Final report: Dec. 5
Internship supervisor eval: Dec. 5