Cronkite School Internship Program Information

Ask just about any media professional who is working in the business today how they got their start and most, if not all will say, “It started with an internship.” Employers place a high value on experience gained in internships, and they often become mentors and provide important recommendations for students.

Cronkite students are required to do at least one internship for credit (JMC 484), but they are encouraged to do as many internships as they can manage. The most successful students do three or four internships before they graduate.

The school helps students find internships through internship interview events held each semester as well as weekly e-mails that list internship opportunities. Listings also are posted on the second floor of the Cronkite School and can be found in the Career Services section of the school’s Web site.

Where does the internship process start?
Each semester you must complete an internship application. Applications are in the Student Resource Center and also are on the Cronkite School Web site in the section labeled “related links.” Please note all application deadlines. Your application will not be considered if you miss the deadline. Please return your completed application to Alicia Tang-Mills on the second floor of the Cronkite Building in Room 222.

Why is it important to complete an internship application?
The application is important because it gives Career Services contact information and completed course information. This helps us determine your eligibility for a particular level of internship. Students who complete internship applications will be sent additional information about scheduled internship interview days.

What is an internship interview day?
Each semester, we invite local companies to campus to interview our students. It is formatted in such a way that you can interview with several companies in a short period of time. Students rank the companies, and the companies rank each student they interview. From there, we use the rankings to match a student to a company. You must complete an application by the deadline in order to participate.

Do I just show up for the interview day after I complete an application?
No, you are required to attend at least one meeting before the actual interview day. This mandatory meeting will focus on preparing for the interview and signing up with companies. It stresses the importance of researching the companies with which you will interview.

Do I need to prepare a resume?
Yes, you will need to prepare a professional-looking resume. If you would like Cronkite Career Services to review your resume, please send it electronically as a Word document attachment to cronkitecareerservices@asu.edu.

Please send your resume at least two weeks before the internship interview day. Any resumes received after that will not be reviewed.

Is an internship required for graduation?
You are required to complete a JMC 484 internship before you graduate. Please check with your academic adviser to see if you are eligible for JMC 484 credit.

Does the MCO 294 credit count towards graduation?
No, it does not. The only internship credit that counts toward graduation is the JMC 484 credit. You must register for your internship within the first five days of the semester; otherwise, you will need to go through the university's drop/add process.

Do I have to register for the internship?
Yes, you are required to register for the internship even if you do not need the credit. The companies and the Cronkite School require that any student who works an internship receive course credit for it. If you obtain an internship through the Cronkite School, you are required to register for it.

May I find my own internship?
Yes, you may find your own internship. However, once you secure an internship, please contact Cronkite Career Services to register for it.

What else can I do?
Check your ASU e-mail account regularly for important information. Check the Career Services boards on the second floor in the First Amendment Forum for other internship opportunities.