COMMUNICATION & THEATRE
DEPARTMENT
INTERNSHIP MANUAL
www.mansfield.edu/depts/commthea
Revised: 5/07
Table of Contents
Preface................................................................................................................................................................... 3
Forms Included in your Manual ....................................................................................................................... 3
Internship Supervisor ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Internship Interview Checklist ......................................................................................................................... 4
COM/THT 4410, Internship ............................................................................................................................ 5
On the Job Information ..................................................................................................................................... 6
Your Academic Responsibility while on Internship .................................................................................... 7
Academic Assignment Checklist ..................................................................................................................... 7
Sample Cover Letter for Internship Application ......................................................................................... 8
Sample Résumé ................................................................................................................................................... 9
Midterm Internship Report .............................................................................................................................. 10
Final Report ......................................................................................................................................................... 11
Internship Evaluation.......................................................................................................................................... 12
PREFACE
Everything needed to complete an internship in the Communication and Theatre Department is
included in this manual. In addition to advice, examples, and explanations, all the important forms
necessary for your internship are in this manual. DO NOT loose this booklet. Keep it with you
before and during your internship experience.
FORMS INCLUDED IN YOUR MANUAL
*Communication and Theatre Department Forms
“Mid-Term Report”
“Final Project”
“Evaluation”
*The Communication and Theatre Department forms for the internship are adapted from The
Internship Experience. Gross, Waveland Press, 1987, pages 89, 97, 98, 103, 104.
INTERNSHIP SUPERVISOR
It is very important to work closely with Dr. Wright to seek, plan, and implement your internship. We
meet to discuss issues like professionalism, potential problems, liability, etc. We will be communicating
throughout your experience so it is important to begin before you actually start working.
Important Phone Numbers:
Dr. Wright at the University
Dr. Wright at Home (emergency only)
Communication/Theatre Department
FAX
E-Mail Dr. Wright
570-662-4787
570-724-7314
570-662-4780
570-662-4112
lwright@mansfield.edu
INTERNSHIP INTERVIEW CHECKLIST
Many agencies will ask that you come for an interview. Some may be just to see who you are, some
may be to show you around, and some may actually be to decide if they should actually offer you a
position. Our advice is to go to any and all interviews because it is an invaluable experience. No
matter what the situation is, treat the interview with the highest degree of professionalism.
THINGS TO REMEMBER:
1. Dress Up! Dress conservatively for both men and women. Dress exactly the same way you
would if you were going for a job interview instead of an internship.
2. Show up 10-15 minutes early. You might have to wait but you won’t get lost.
3. Bring any writing samples, videos, etc. with you. Have them in a professional Portfolio (ask for one
for your birthday or Christmas). Offer to show them if you aren’t asked.
4. Being nervous is ok. Try to relax.
5. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Don’t be shy. Be prepared to answer why you want to do an
internship with the agency. Make sure you find out how many hours a week you will be working.
This is very important for the amount of credits you will receive
6. Within 24 hours and no more after the interview, mail a handwritten thank you note to the person
who interviewed you. Thank them for taking the time to interview you and that you will look
forward to hearing from them.
COM/THT 4110, INTERNSHIP
Since you have this information you have met the requirements for completing an internship in the
Communication and Theatre Department. It is very important to maintain your grade average overall
and in your major so you can begin your internship as planned. Communication and theatre majors
have interned all over the country. Do not ever be intimidated by the location or company you want
to intern with. MU interns in our Department have interned at every major network, at important PR
agencies, big city Television stations, and major newspapers. Our interns have beaten out interns from
schools like Harvard, Penn State, and Syracuse for top-notch experiences.
This material is basic information about internships as well as answers to some of the frequently asked
questions.
PRE-INTERNSHIP INFORMATION
1. The forms for registering for your internship are located on the table in front of the Registrar’s
Office in Doane Center. That’s how you register for the course. Make sure all your University
bills are paid or you won’t be enrolled. Until you have paid, the Registrar’s Office will not
enroll you in COM 4110.
2. Internships in the Fall/Spring term are for a maximum of 15 credits. This corresponds to a fifteen
week experience with a 5-day work week. If you wish to start earlier or finish later, it is up to you
and your site supervisor. Arrangements can be made for internships for 6, 9, or 12 credits.
3. Internships in the summer are for a maximum of 12 credits. This corresponds to a 12 week
project. We can also arrange 6 and 9 credit experiences in the Summer. It is possible to arrange a
15 credit summer internship—See Dr. Wright.
4. It is never too early to start making your internship contacts. Now is your chance to dream. If you
could do an internship anywhere, where would you go? The worst they can do is say no.
REMEMBER, if you send out anything in writing, it must be approved by Dr. Wright.
5. Most students find their own internships. We can also make suggestions for places to contact.
Don’t worry if you can’t think of a project immediately, all internships do not need to be in a major
metropolis like New York City to be a valuable experience. We have had people finish successful
internships in places like Elmira, Danville, Binghamton, Corning, etc.
6. It is very important to develop some sort of portfolio especially if you are in public relations or
journalism. Many places will ask you to send some writing/video/audio samples. Writing for the
Flashlight, Crossroads, etc. is absolutely vital as is working for WNTE, the TV Club, and the student
Public Relations organization.
7. Some agencies will ask for a résumé. Dr. Wright or any of the Communication and Theatre
professors will help you put one together. Never send out one unless it has been reviewed. Most
agencies will want you to show up for an interview. Treat it exactly like you would a job interview.
Dress and act accordingly.
8. Dr. Wright will send out any necessary letters to your agency explaining the internship program
and how it works at Mansfield.
9. Don’t panic if you don’t have an internship immediately. We can register and set plans until nearly
the end of the semester. Many agencies cannot make decisions as far in advance as we would like
them to for registration purposes.
ON THE JOB INFORMATION
1. Check with your site supervisor (your boss) to see if you are covered by any liability insurance.
You could ask during the interview.
2. Be sure to keep up with all the departmental paperwork. Don’t forget to send them back by the
dates requested. Being on time with your paperwork could affect your grade.
3. REMEMBER, NO MATTER HOW DUMB THE PEOPLE YOU ARE WORKING WITH MIGHT
SEEM TO BE, YOU ARE THE STUDENT. You are there to learn. Go out of your way to avoid
“teaching” them. Be diplomatic and humble.
4. Ask lots of questions.
5. Never avoid doing anything extra. If it means staying late or going in early, do it. This is a job not
really school anymore. Miss work only if you are on death’s doorstep. Never miss unless you
have cleared it with your boss.
6. If your agency is large enough, ask permission to visit the other departments or offices to see
what’s going on. You might not be able to actually do anything in those places but just observe.
7. Don’t be upset if you don’t get invited to sit in on all the meetings. You might even be excluded
from meetings where they are discussing your projects. It is probably company policy and not you
personally.
8. If there are any problems with personalities, people you work with, what you are doing or not
doing, talk with your immediate boss first. They will be very upset if you don’t. If problems still
exist, then call Dr. Wright.
9. You are representing the Communication and Theatre Department, Mansfield University and
yourself, act accordingly. Remember—you are a professional now.
10. Don’t be concerned if you don’t get public credit for what you are working on. It might be
company policy. Save a copy of everything you have done.
11. This will be one of the best experiences you have ever had. Enjoy it and learn all you can.
YOUR ACADEMIC RESPONSIBILITIES WHILE AT THE INTERNSHIP
1. Keep a daily log of what you have done that day. You will turn in this log when you turn in your final
report.
2. You are expected to maintain weekly email contact with Dr. Wright. Each week describe what you did on
the job that week. You can either submit the information describing what you did each individual day or
you can describe a broader view of what you did through the week. Each message should be at least a
couple of paragraphs in length. This also gives me the opportunity to make sure you are having a true
professional experience. If your daily activities are dominated by fetching coffee or standing in front of a
photocopier then there is an issue that needs to be addressed right away. You can send your weekly
message any day of the week but whatever day you choose stick with that day for the remainder of the
semester.
3. By midterm (October 5 for fall interns, March 1st for spring interns, and June 30th for summer interns) you
are to submit a brief midterm report to Dr. Wright. The report summarizes what you have been doing and
your thoughts about the internship thus far. See page 10 for a description of the report and the form or
you can make your own form in Microsoft Word using the same format. You may send this report as an
attachment to an email or you may submit hardcopy.
4. You are also required to submit a final project. The nature of the final project will depend on the type of
internship you have experienced. If your internship enabled you to create various tangible artifacts such as
press releases, articles, or edited video or audio material then you can submit those materials in a portfolio
format along with a 4-5 page final report. If you were unable to create tangible work during the internship
then your final report will need to be 8-10 pages in length.
5. The final project should be primarily a reflective work. The central theme should not be what you did, but
rather, your reaction to the internship experience. On page 11 there is a list of questions for you to
respond to. On separate paper please respond to each question or statement. The final report is due
November 25 for fall interns, April 20 for spring interns, and August 1 for summer interns.
6. Your supervisor is expected to submit an evaluation of your performance during the internship. The evaluation form is on the last page of the Internship Manual. It is your responsibility to make sure this gets done.
The due dates are the same as the final project.
ACADEMIC ASSIGNMENT CHECKLIST
TASK
DUE DATE
DAILY LOG
Daily
WEEKLY EMAIL
Once per week
MIDTERM REPORT
10/5 or 3/1 or 6/30
FINAL PROJECT
11/25 or 4/20 or 8/1
SUPERVISOR’S EVALUATION
11/25 or 4/20 or 8/1
CHECK OFF WHEN COMPLETE
SAMPLE COVER LETTER FOR INTERNSHIP APPLICATION
[CURRENT DATE]
NAME
TITLE
ADDRESS
CITY STATE ZIP
Dear
:
I would like to apply for an internship with [name of organization]. I am currently a
senior [major] at my university and would like to pursue an internship beginning on
[date]. I would like to intern in the area of [a specialty].
I will receive [#] of credits and a grade from Mansfield University. My internship
director at Mansfield is Dr. Lee Wright (570-662-4787), and he can answer any
further questions about me or about my school’s internship program. The
Communication and Theatre Department requires me to have completed all my
major courses, have senior status, a 2.50 (out of 4.00), and a 3.00 in my major
course.
[Personal information about your areas of interest, experience, and/or skills you
have.]
My resume is attached and I will be calling you regarding an internship possibility
during the next ten days. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
NAME
ADDRESS
PHONE
SAMPLE RÉSUMÉ
Jane L. Swift
75 South Academy Street
Mansfield PA 16933
(570) 555-1212
OBJECTIVE
To secure an internship experience in the field of communication and journalism.
EDUCATION
Undergraduate work at
Mansfield University
Mansfield, PA 16933
Expected graduate May 2007
Degree in Mass Communication
Areas of concentration:
Journalism and Philosophy:
Journalism, Media Design, Interpretative Journalism, Press
Performance, Creative Journalism, Ethics, Communication Theory
Mansfield High School
Mansfield, PA 16933
College Preparatory Graduate
June 2001
WORK EXPERIENCE
Editor-in Chief 2004-2005
Associate Editor 2003
Layout Editor 2002
Of the FLASHLIGHT Mansfield University’s student Newspaper
Grocery Clerk
Wal-Mart
Mansfield, PA 16933
2002-present: Work with business, people, office machines, responsibility with money, stocking
shelves, handling groceries, delicatessen items, produce.
Majority Clerk of Elections
Mansfield Boro 2002-2003
HONORS, ACTIVITIES, INTEREST AREAS
Member Who’s Who Among American College Students, 2000
1998 Pennsylvania Business & Professional Women’s “Young Careerist” Annual Award
DeeJay on WNTE
Campus radio station
Member Mansfield’s Philosophy Club
Stand-up comedy, apple Computers, Layout and design, Art, Word Processing, Page Maker,
Word Perfect, Microsoft Word, Publish It, Super Paint, Printshop, Paintworks Plus,
Compuserve, Cricket Draw
MIDTERM INTERNSHIP REPORT
(Send to Dr. Wright by October 5 [Fall], March 1 [Spring], or August 1 [Summer].
STUDENT’S NAME
_____________________________________________
SUPERVISOR’S NAME
_____________________________________________
INTERNSHIP SITE
_____________________________________________
HOURS OR DAYS WORKED TO DATE__________________________________
Summarize your thoughts regarding your internship to date. This report is not designed to be a
recitation of your weekly reports where you have described your tasks. Instead, this is intended to be
a reaction paper where you will express your personal thoughts about your internship experience at
this point. What have you learned thus far about the profession related to your internship? What
have you liked/disliked about your internship thus far? What impact has your internship experience
had on your future plans related to your career path? BE SURE THIS EVALUATION REPORT
REACHES DR. WRIGHT BEFORE THE HALFWAY POINT OF YOUR INTERNSHIP
HAS PASSED. Every effort will be made to observe you personally as well as meet and talk with
your supervisor.
FINAL PROJECT
Send to Dr. Wright no later than November 25 [Fall], April 20 [Spring], or August 1
[Summer]
1. Did your supervisor(s) provide you with learning opportunities or make an effort to train you? Be
honest. Explain.
2. What did you like most about the internship? What did you like least? Explain why?
3. Do you feel satisfied with the variety and nature of experiences of your internship? Explain why.
4. In what ways did the internship enhance your professional development?
5. Describe what you learned about your field as a result of the internship experience.
6. Would you recommend that this company be retained as a participant in our internship program?
Explain why?
7. Summarize any additional thoughts you have regarding the internship.
INTERNSHIP EVALUATION
Please mail this evaluation to:
Dr. Lee Wright
Communication & Theatre Department
Mansfield University
Mansfield PA 16933
Please be sure this form reaches us by November 25 [Fall], April 20 [Spring], or August 1
[Summer] so we may turn in a grade for this student. If you have any questions concerning this
form, please call Dr. Wright at 570-662-4787.
Name of Student Intern
__________________________________________________________
Firm
__________________________________________________________
Evaluator
__________________________________________________________
(Please check the appropriate evaluation.)
Characteristic
Promptness
Resourcefulness
Maturity
Interest in Job
Ability to Learn
Ability to Communicate
Ability to Organize
Ability to Work with Others
Ability to Work Independently
Ability to Work Under Pressure or
Deadline
Acceptance and Constructive Use of
Criticism
Promise of Success in the Profession
Superior
Good
Average
Below
Average
Don’t
Know
INTERNSHIP EVALUATION—Page 2
1.
What do you consider the intern’s most significant strengths?
2.
How could the intern improve?
3.
Hypothetically, if your firm had an opening for a person with the background of this intern, would
you hire him/her?
Yes ______
4.
No ______
Why?
What letter grade do you feel this intern should receive? You may give plus and minus grades.
A ______
B ______
C _______
D ______
F ______
5. Would you be interested in having another intern from Mansfield University?
6. Do you have any suggestions for the improvement of the intern program at Mansfield?