Finding an internship - Where do I start?
DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATION & THEATRE ARTS
Fall 2021 PRSSA Internship Fair Student Panel with Prof. Lietzenmayer
​
Preparing to Apply
-
Read thoroughly the Student Eligibility page for an internship in Communication.
-
Once you find an internship that appeals to you, contact the company and identify yourself as a Communication, Theatre, Film, or Dance major from Old Dominion University.
-
Ask the contact person how to apply for their internship and proceed accordingly.
-
Apply for the internship just as you would any other job.
-
Once you've secured your internship, have your internship supervisor complete their internship agreement form (above) and complete your application form (above).
-
To earn academic credit for internships, students must take the Internship class (COMM/THEA/DANCE 368) during the semester they complete their internships.
​
How Applications are Processed
-
Our process involves screening for GPA and class standing, approval of the job description for the internship, and demonstration of the student’s preparedness for the internship (this includes professionalism, so be sure to use proper email etiquette, thoroughly proofread application, and demonstrate you are ready to act as an ambassador for ODU and the Department of Communication & Theatre Arts).
-
The entire application process for Internship (COMM/THEA/DANC) 368 is completed electronically—no hard copy applications will be accepted, nor will incomplete applications be approved. Once the application is approved, the Internship Director will assist you with enrolling in the course. Approval of the internship as eligible for academic credit is at the sole discretion of the Director of Senior Experience & Internships.
-
Note: Some companies require a signature indicating you will receive academic credit before they will hire you. In this case, the signature is conditional—you must enroll in the course and satisfactorily complete all requirements to pass. Any student who submits to an employer a signature by the Internship Director and does not enroll in the Internship class will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct and Academic Integrity, and will be ineligible to take an Internship in the future.
-
Students are strongly encouraged to obtain departmental approval and complete the necessary enrollment paperwork before the last day of classes in the term prior to the semester the internship will be completed (e.g., approval in the fall for a spring internship). Only in rare circumstances may internships be added as late as the drop/add period.
-
Once your internship has been approved, the Internship Director will lift your registration hold. You must then enroll in the appropriate 368 yourself.
-
Note: In the event that Leo allows you to enroll on your own, if you enroll without approval of the Internship Director, you will be dropped from the course and must go through the regular application process.
​​
Highlighting student experiences
During my time with Reelist, I was able to put the stuff that learned in-class and apply them into the an actual setting. For example, I spearheaded the ideation of internal marketing content by writing scripts.
After the approval process with my supervisors, I was able to film those scripts. After filming them, I got to edit the footage that was captured in Adobe Premiere Pro. As seen to the left (must be seen on desktop), is a video of my work that I scripted, filmed, and edited of Reelist's founder, Sean Worden, announcing a job that most people don't know about—a concrete specialist—to help drive applicants to its client, Hâpax.
Every task performed gave me insight on the innerworkings of the sports world and just how much communication is valued in the industry.
With sports and communication colliding for me, I was able to gain a positive experience filled with an uplifting work atmosphere.
The feedback I received from my supervisor/ sports director and sports coordinator granted me the opportunity to move forward professionally.