Why should I participate in an internship?
Internships are a critical component of a well-rounded academic study of communication and journalism. Apply what you learn in the classroom to a professional setting, gain an understanding of a specific company or industry and make yourself a more marketable job candidate. Students who intern have higher graduation rates and receive more full-time job offers.
Students can receive academic credit for a variety of internship experiences. If you want to be competitive in the job market, internships are a critical part of your education.
Do I have to be paid for an internship?
Internships can be paid or unpaid. Both are eligible to receive academic credit through COMM 4191.
Students should decide what they want to pursue before exploring internship options. Do you want to learn about a new area or industry? Are you interested in gaining specific skills for your resume? Is networking one of your top goals? Consider some of these questions before seeking an internship.
If you are considering an unpaid internship, familiarize yourself with Fair Labor Standards Act guidelines.
How can I find or create an internship?
Some of the most common ways students search for internships are through:
- Career fairs, hosted by the university multiple times throughout the year
- Handshake, Ohio State's internship portal and database
- Pre-professional student organization groups, such as the Public Relations Society of America
- Employer websites
- Informational interviews
The Arts and Sciences Center for Career and Professional Success provides immense resources to students. Meet one-on-one with a career coach to develop your goals, polish your resume, review cover letters, practice interviewing and much more. Career Success also hosts employers for networking events on campus.
Because the university is location in the state capital, there are countless internship opportunities. Columbus is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S. and is continuing to grow. It is home to 15 Fortune 1000 headquarters and also has been named the No. 1 city for startups.
State and local government are excellent for students interested in learning about public affairs. Hundreds of nonprofits in Columbus welcome the Ohio State students as intern. Dozens of area media outlets, healthcare establishments, corporations and strategic communication agencies partner with our students. Because Ohio State is involved in dynamic work and research in every conceivable area, our own departments and organizations provide rich opportunities for students pursuing internships.
How do I get credit for my internship?
Communication and journalism students can receive academic credit for internships though the course COMM 4191.
Students must enroll in COMM 4191 and apply by the first Friday of the semester in which they are interning. Credit is not available after an internship is complete. Read more about the COMM 4191 application process.
Where do our students intern?
MEDIA OUTLETS: Columbus Dispatch, Big Ten Network, TODAY Show, NBC4, Sinclair Broadcast Group, WBNS 10TV, local radio stations
CORPORATIONS: Nationwide Insurance, L Brands, JPMorgan Chase & Co., Disney, Coca-Cola, Kate Spade, Southwest, Unilever, Ernst & Young
GOVERNMENT: Ohio House of Representatives, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, Ohio Senate, Canadian Parliament
NON-PROFIT: American Red Cross, COSI, Make-A-Wish, Ronald McDonald House, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society
HEALTHCARE: The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Cardinal Health
MARKETING/PR: Fahlgren Mortine, Geben Communication, Edelman, Inspire PR, Lippe Taylor, Belle Communication
SPORTS: Cleveland Browns, ESPN, Columbus Crew, NFL, Columbus Blue Jackets
EVENT PLANNING AND HOSPITALITY: Embassy Suites, PromoWest Productions, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
As an employer, how can I post an internship opportunity?
The School of Communication is fortunate to have a strong relationship with some of Central Ohio's biggest and best businesses, which provide amazing internship opportunities for our students. We are grateful to the professionals and participating organizations who supervise and host interns for helping shape our students' education.
Read employer-specific information and submit your open positions to the Arts and Sciences Center for Professional and Career Success. Upon staff review and approval, you will receive a confirmation email and your opportunity will become available to students. You can also send communication-specific opportunities to ohiostateprssa@gmail.com.