Department of Communication Studies - St. Cloud State University

Internship Information for Employers

Internship Purpose

The primary purpose of an internship in the CMST department is to provide a student with real-life work experiences related to the communication discipline.  An internship is part of the student’s total academic experience and is not a job per se.  It is a learning opportunity  having direct relationships to a student’s chosen pathway of study and career interests. 

Students may complete an internship to enhance their education associated with any of the following areas of emphasis in the Department of Communication Studies

• Leadership and Organizational Communication
• Relational Communication
• Intercultural Communication
• Rhetoric and Performance Studies
• Communication Studies Comprehensive

General Information About Internships

Internships for CMST students should:

• Provide meaningful work experience.
• Go beyond clerical work to include research, writing, creative, technical, and other hands-on tasks related to the student’s field of interest.
• There should be one primary supervisor to whom the intern should report (ideally this person will be experienced in the field). 
• 1 credit equals 40 hours of work in an internship.  Students do internships for 8-16 credit hours, which can take place in the fall, spring, or summer. 
• Pay is not required, but paid internships do draw more students. 
• Credit for the internship is assigned by the Saint Cloud State University faculty, not the employer. However, employers will be asked to fill out a short form evaluating the intern at the end of the internship period.

The Process of Getting an Intern

We believe the internship should simulate a real job as much as possible, including the interviewing and hiring experience.  That’s why we encourage employers to submit an internship opportunity or job description, encouraging students to apply. 

Your internship opportunity announcements should include:

• Name of your organization
• Title/type of internship
• Qualifications expected of student and duties required
• Time frame, duration of internship
• Payment, if any
• To whom students should apply with contact information.

It is expected that employers will provide a safe environment in which students can work and the materials that students need to complete their assignments (a desk, computer, etc.).  Once the internship begins, employers should meet with the intern once a week for no more than 15 minutes to discuss the intern’s strengths and areas for growth.  The supervisor must also complete the site supervisor’s satisfaction survey due on the last day of the semester.  

For information on how to contact the Department of Communication Studies about participating in our internship program, contact Dr. Matthew S. Vorell at msvorell@stcloudstate.edu or 320.308.1257 or the Career Services Center at careerservices@stcloudstate.edu or 320.308.2151.