The “CM421 Communication Internship” course is designed to companion your internship. It is meant to set guidelines for your on-site experience, and the course is designed to bridge the distance between the academic world and the professional world.
The internship coordinator, Prof. Gunnerson, will serve as an advisor to all students taking this course. In some cases students experience difficulties with their internships, if this is the situation you find yourself in, Prof. Gunnerson will be able to help resolve the problem. If problems do arise, tell your course instructor immediately, do not wait three or four weeks to address the problem. You can reach Prof. Belz via e-mail dbelz@loyola.edu.
Q: Communication internships are not required. Should I do one anyway?
Yes. Internships are a great way to learn about careers, to get experience, and to make job contacts. Internships allow you to sample different kinds of work; sometimes finding out that a given job is not for you can be extremely valuable to you.
Q: What requirement(s) do CM421 and fulfill in the Communication major or minor?
CM421 counts as an Intermediate Course or a Free Elective Course for the Communication Major or the Communication Minor.
Q: When can I do a Communication internship for credit?
During Sophomore, Junior or Senior years or summers as rising Juniors or Seniors years via CM421.
Q: Which courses count as internships?
CM421 Communication Internship (and the CM423 one credit internship) in addition to internship courses in other Loyola majors.
Q: May I do more than one internship for credit?
Yes. The first TWO internships may count toward degree credit and subsequent internships are taken for non-degree credit; that is, only the first two counts toward completion of your graduation/degree requirements.
Q: How can I fit an extra internship for credit into my program of courses if only one counts toward my undergraduate degree?
If you take more than the minimum number of courses (40) or credits (120) for undergraduate degree completion. Students with transfer credits, sixth courses during the Fall or Spring Semesters, and summer courses might accrue on their transcripts more than the minimum courses required for graduation.
Q: Why would I do more than two internships for credit if they won’t count toward my graduation requirements?
Some employers give internships only if the students receive course credit; you might want one of those internships. Plus, the more experience the better.
Q: Can I do an internship without taking CM421?
A: Yes, but it won’t count as a course, and it won’t end up on your transcript. Some internships (most TV stations, the Baltimore Sun) require that you receive academic credit while interning.
Q: To get credit for an internship, do I have to pay for it?
A: Yes. After all, it counts as an elective, so you must pay for the 3-credit CM421 just as you would any other class. If you are required by your internship to receive internship credit, but don’t want to register for the 3-credit course, you can register for CM423 for one credit (this won’t fulfill any degree or graduation requirement). Check with the Records Office for current fees. The course may be included in your tuition depending on the number of credits you’re currently taking. If taking the course over the summer, you must pay for the course.
Q: If I do a summer internship, when do I take the internship course?
A: You register for it as a summer class. If your internship is in another region (NY, LA, etc), you will communicate with the coordinator regularly via Blackboard or e-mail, and meet with the coordinator upon return to the College in the fall.
Q: Can I get paid for an internship and also receive course credit?
YES! The university allows paid internships to count for credit.
Q: How many professional internships should I do?
As many as you can manage. Most students should do two with different employers to get a variety of experience. It is not uncommon for Communication students to do three internships. Some internships might be for
pay instead of credit.
Q: Does Loyola assign an internship to me, or do I arrange for my own internship?
You must arrange your own internship. You are more likely to be suited to an internship that you research and apply for. We have contacts for internships in the Baltimore area.
Q: How can I find out what communication internships are available?
For Baltimore area internships, browse this site, which is maintained by the Communication Department Internship Coordinators. For a summer internship, check with media employers in your home city.
Q: How much time must I commit to the internship?
A: You must complete at least 120-150 hours during the course of your internship. This is roughly 8-10 hours per week.
Q: Are there any restrictions as to where I take an internship?
A: No. If it’s during Spring or Fall semester, the internship needs to be within commuting distance. Students have commuted to Washington, Alexandria, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, Annapolis and other regional locales. By choosing a summer internship, you open yourself to other markets such as New York, Los Angeles, even abroad! Many on-campus departments/offices offer communication internships, as well.
Q: Do I have to choose an internship in the Baltimore area?
A: No. You can intern just about anywhere as long as you work out your schedule (classes, internship, jobs, etc) and don’t over-extend yourself.
Q: Can I intern anywhere I want?
A: An internship must pertain to your study — somewhere within the field of communication. Interning as a clerk in a law firm doesn’t cut it unless you’re researching communications law. Working for McDonald’s won’t fly unless you’re working in their advertising or public relations branches. Interning at Bank of America makes no sense unless you’re in their in-house graphics department. Of course, these are just examples. It’s best if you think outside of the box when internship hunting: everyone applies for internships at the big media outlets (the Baltimore Sun, WBAL-TV, etc). Think creatively and you’ll score a unique, quality internship!