There is a variety of internship opportunities available for students majoring in Communication. Throughout this month, different internship opportunities have been presented, and the Communication Department is making significant efforts to make these opportunities well-known among students. These internships are crucial for students who are deciding what field within communication is best suited for their interests and future career desires.
A major in Communication at Villanova gives students the ability to not only excel in the classes required for the major, but to be able to center their focus on a specific concentration that best fits their interests. The Communication program aims to give students the room and flexibility to choose courses within a variety of concentrations.
“Personally, I have always had a deep appreciation for the arts, especially theater and music,” Villanova alumnus and Communication major Sabrina Carter said. “From studying performance abroad in Greece to framing final projects around iconic RnB and Hip-Hop albums, I was able to weave my passions into my studies in ways that felt very personal and meaningful.”
Some of these concentrations include Interpersonal and Intercultural Communication, Journalism, Media Production, Media Studies, Organizational Communication, Performance Studies, PR and Advertising and Rhetorical Studies. All concentrations require certain courses to be taken, while some other concentrations have required internships.
Journalism, Media Production and Public Relations and Advertising are some examples of the concentrations that require internships. These specializations require certain hands-on experiences that can only be achieved through an internship and because they allow students an opportunity to understand and obtain a clearer vision of that field.
This past month, there have been multiple internship postings and information made available by the Communication Department, specifically by faculty member Juanita Weaver. Weaver’s role as the Department Internship Coordinator in this internship process has been to guide and educate students on the many opportunities available through the Communication Department.
“My role is to meet with students to inform them of the various info sessions and locations for securing internship experiences,” Weaver said. “Also, I give them information on how to apply for an internship for academic credit, as well as the requirement for an internship for academic credit.”
Two recent internship postings have been made known to students and offer significant experiences. One of them is a Community Engagement Internship opportunity for students interested in social media content creation and gaining broad experience in non-profit advocacy. This internship is held through the St. Francis Inn of Philadelphia.
The second internship posting allows the opportunity to serve as a Public Relations apprentice during the Summer of 2024 for the Prosek Partners. This opportunity is reserved for students who have completed their degree in communication and are fully capable in their research skills and knowledge of media.
Once students have secured their spot in any of these internships, Weaver can aid them in the following steps within the process. There are other aspects of the process such as research proposals and papers. Weaver expanded on how her job is to benefit and guide students throughout this journey.
“Letting students know about the opportunities, as well as our Department requirements, is another aspect of my role,” Weaver said. “Once students have secured an internship for credit, I work with the interns on the research proposal and final paper. Often students I speak with have incorrect or incomplete information regarding these internships.”
Not only is it extremely helpful for students to gain the experience of an internship, but they are also able to gain academic credits through this opportunity as well. It is important for students to gain the correct knowledge and understanding of how beneficial and possible these internships can be in their academic careers.
