Research the company before you apply to make sure it will provide the opportunities you are seeking, has a record for hiring interns, and will provide a good environment for interns to enhance their skills.  Understand what the position requires, and if it meets the requirements of the Journalism and Mass Communication Department.

Choose an internship site wisely.  Select an internship which will be a step in reaching your career goal.  An internship is more than just getting a grade, it is an opportunity for you to grow and to continue to build your portfolio and resume' tape.

Complete all required paperwork for the internship site and your department within one week after accepting internship position.

Set up a workable schedule with your site supervisor.   This must be a work schedule you can adhere to for the entire semester and provides at least a four hour work block on designated days.

Demonstrate initiative, hard work, perseverance, ethics and an eagerness to learn.  Always keep yourself busy writing copy for the professionals to critique, looking over the shoulders of tape editors, asking questions.   

Go beyond what is required; and arrive earlier, stay longer than expected.

Network with professionals to learn about their careers, job responsibilities, media contacts and advice for your career.

Attend regularly scheduled meetings with faculty supervisor to present update, time sheets and work materials from internship.

Discuss mid-term evaluation with faculty supervisor and determine your strengths and weaknesses.

Provide a formal letter to site supervisor two weeks prior to end of internship thanking organization for the opportunity and about last working date

Request an exit interview with site supervisor to discuss strengths, weaknesses and opportunities for employment.

Turn in final time sheets to faculty supervisor and schedule exit interview with panel of faculty.