Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis

Department of Communication Studies

Internships

Communication Studies majors are encouraged to make the most of their undergraduate careers by enhancing their learning with real-world work experience in the form of internships. Internships may be paid or unpaid, and credit may be earned for student experiences. In order to qualify for credit, a student must have completed at least 12 hours of Communication Studies courses prior to the term of their internship, be of Junior. or Senior. status, and have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.0 in the major, and a cumulative 2.5 GPA overall at IUPUI.  Additional Note:Capstone credit may not be earned with an internship.

To secure an internship, there are many recommended avenues. One of the most useful tips is to regularly check the university’s Jag Jobs database, which is continually updated with full-time, part-time and internship opportunities. Students are also encouraged to contact potential employers directly (as in a local television or radio station), explain who they are, offer a summary of their qualifications and experiences, and request an in-person meeting with the Internship Director at said employer.

Once an internship is secured, students meeting the above qualifications for credit should complete the following:

  • Send an email to Trevor Potts (trpotts@iupui.edu), Internship Coordinator for the Department of Communication Studies, explaining the position and anticipated hours you will be working over the course of the semester. A student may earn up to 6 credit hours for the experience at the C491 level, with one credit being earned for every 45 hours completed in the position.
  • Professor Potts will then provide you with the documentation to be completed by the employer and yourself. This is a form of “contract” between student and employer, detailing your assigned responsibilities and anticipated work hours.
  • The next step is for the student to contact a Communication Studies faculty member with whom s/he has established a strong relationship and whose area of expertise connects with the tasks you will be completing in your internship. This faculty member will agree to oversee your internship, provide instruction, and issue you a grade for your internship.

The following forms will be needed:

  • Guidelines Form 
  • Internship Goals and Evaluation Form.  Note: Your Goals and Evaluation form must be signed by your advisor and supervisor.

Questions about Internships? Contact Trevor Potts  trpotts@iupui.edu or  317-278-3145 Trevor Potts