Rationale and Benefits
Participation in an internship offers the following potential benefits for students in Communication Studies:
- Opportunity for hands-on experience. While students may learn a great deal of information in their courses, there is no substitute for direct experience in a professional environment. Internships allow students to gain direct experience.
- Opportunity to determine best fit in a professional environment. Experiential learning can aid students in assessing various career areas.
- Preparation for job searches. Students prepare resumes, write cover letters, and interview as if they were applying for a job. This gives students valuable experience in preparation for seeking employment.
- Compilation of a portfolio. Certain internships allow students to compile their work in a portfolio which can later be shown to potential employers.
- Opportunity to demonstrate professionalism. This enhances the reputation of the Department and Samford University and increases the credibility of a student's degree.
- Provision of an incentive for academic achievement. Since only students with strong academic records and supporting letters from faculty members are accepted into the program, students should view the internship program as an incentive to perform well academically in all their coursework.
- Enhancement of the maturation process. Since internships require a great deal of personal responsibility, the experience provides an important step in an individual's personal and professional maturation process.
- Confidence building. Successful completion of an internship often provides a student with the professional confidence necessary to begin the job search.
- Professional learning experience. Internships allow students opportunities to develop practical skills in realistic contexts where professional criticism is both immediate and constructive. Students also have opportunities to observe and understand connections between coursework and the world of work. Finally, internships aid in the identification of knowledge and skills essential to success in a particular profession.
- Potential employment opportunities/contacts. Occasionally internships lead directly into employment opportunities. Although this is more the exception than the rule, internships certainly do provide students entry into a professional network. Contacts made through internships are valuable sources of information for securing future employment.
