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.

Advertising internships
Journalism internships
Public relations internships

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 blogs. 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.)

Download the MASC Student Internship Registration Instructions (PDF) 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.

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 are responsible for submitting required materials (i.e., assignments) on or before the posted due dates via email to the internship director. The School will email a link to this survey to supervisors. It is also the student’s responsibility to remind their supervisors to complete an on-line evaluation of the intern’s performance.

Natasha J. Long, Coordinator of Student Services, currently directs the School’s internship program:
Phone: (804) 828-2660
Email: longnj@vcu.edu

Deadlines for Internships – Spring 2013
Internship begins: January 14
Last day to register: January 20
Mid-semester report: March 1
Final report: April 26
Internship supervisor evaluation due: May 3

Deadlines for Internships – Summer 2013
Internship begins: May 20
Last day to register: June 28
Mid-semester report: June 28
Final report: August 2
Internship supervisor evaluation due: August 9