Internships
EMU public relations students are required to do an internship before they graduate, and they have dozens of opportunities to work at public relations agencies, corporations and nonprofit education and government agencies throughout the Detroit metropolitan area. Students can develop their professional experiences and portfolios through these internships. Common questions and answers about public relations internships are provided below.
What are some of the benefits of an internship? Today, employers demand valid work experience from college graduates. Work experience helps students not only to hone their writing and communication skills, but also to develop an understanding of the demands and expectations of the professional work world. We believe in helping our students gain the work experience they need to distinguish themselves from millions of graduates each year. While an internship may seem demanding, you’ll be grateful for the experience upon graduation. Completing an internship before graduation will put you miles ahead of the competition when searching for a full-time job. Your portfolio will be bursting with samples from actual work experiences, you’ll have professional references to vouch for your abilities, and you may even get an offer for a full-time position from your internship site. The benefits are endless!
How do I register for an internship? Students are eligible to register for an internship after completing JRNL 314 -- Writing for Public Relations. For many students, that’s during their junior or senior year at the University. Just see a public relations professor when you’re ready to take on the challenge. We’ll then walk you through the registration process. (See
Interdisciplinary Major in Public Relations Internship Guidelines for additional information.)
Who will I work for? At Eastern, public relations students can work with any number of offices inside or outside of the University. There are numerous on-campus, as well as off-campus, positions available for student interns. However, if you prefer to secure your own position, just bring a copy of the job description to a public relations faculty member for approval. We want to ensure you’ll receive the most from your “real-world” experience. Good starting places are
http://internships.wetfeet.com,
http://PRSADetroit.org, the bulletin boards outside the PR faculty office, EMU Chapter of the PRSSA, and your classmates who have had internships.
