Internships in Communication Studies at SUNY Plattsburgh

PIC — Professional Internship in Communication

What's an internship?

An internship is a supervised work experience at a pre-approved agency that relates to your specific field of study. Internships take place on location and are available locally (in the Plattsburgh/Burlington area), regionally (in the Albany, NYC area), or nationally (come in, we'll talk). In addition to the academic credit you earn, by taking an internship you gain experience, establish networking opportunities, and may even land yourself a job!

Internships give you a chance to work with industry professionals who serve as your mentor and monitor your progress. You get to actually practice what you've learned by completing tasks assigned to you. And, you get a chance to expose your new knowledge through written reflections.

Why is it called a professional internship?

Our professional internship course differs from other internships in two basic ways:

1. It can only be completed in the later stages of your college experience if you've successfully completed the prerequisite courses for the type of internship you'd like.
2. It is a monitored learning experience whereby the internship agency agrees to put you to work completing assignments for which you've been academically prepared.

Is it full-time or part-time?

You can choose either a full-time internship (12 credits) or a part-time internship (6 credits). Here are the qualifications for full- or part-time internship opportunities.

1. Full-Time Internship (Residency) — You spend 36 hours per week at an internship site for one semester earning 12 credits* for your experience.
2. Part-Time Internship — You spend 18 hours per week at an internship site for one semester earning 6 credits* for your experience.

*Internship credits are general education elective credits and do not count towards your major.

Where can I intern?

Professional internship opportunities** are available in all of the major study areas in the communication program. For a full listing, see our Agency Information Listing.

TV-Video and Broadcast Journalism Internship Opportunities...

Some of the internship agencies in broadcast journalism include: WCAX-TV, WNCE-TV, WNYT-TV, WPTZ-TV, WRGB-TV, and WRNN-TV.

Some of the internship agencies in TV production include: Cablevision, CBS News, HBO, KIEM, Lake Champlain Productions, Montel Williams Show, MTV News, New York Network, WABC-TV, Mountain Lake PBS, WNET PBS, WNYT-TV, WPTZ-TV, WRNN-TV, WTVH-TV, and WXXA-TV.

Audio-Radio Production Internship Opportunities...

Some of the internship agencies in audio production include: WBAB Radio, WPTZ-TV, and Egan Media Productions.

Some of the internship agencies in radio broadcasting and Production include: WBAB Radio, WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, WEQX Radio, WFAN sports radio, WNEW, WRCN, WXXX, and Sirius/XM Satellite radio.

**Additional internship opportunities are available in other areas.

How do I apply?

Applying for a PIC involves the following:

1. Declare your major in communication.
2. Early in your college career, attend a PIC course information meeting.
3. Take the courses in the internship area you wish maintaining a "B" or better in the courses. For a full listing of the requirements for each major, checkout the PIC Student Handbook.
4. Complete your Advanced Writing Course (earning a "C" or better).
5. Earn 75 credits by the time you apply for your internship (15 of these credits must be upper level credits from the Department of Communication at SUNY Plattsburgh).
6. Maintain a 2.75 overall GPA.
7. Maintain a 3.0 major GPA.
8. Review & select an available agency (or see the area supervisor for new agencies).
9. Submit an application, resume, and letter of intent by the due date (due dates are normally by week 5 of the semester PRIOR to the semester you wish to complete your internship (This gives you enough time to complete the selection process).

An Internship is a Smart Decision

A View from the Field

Communication Alum, Becky Rock, shares her experiences in the communication department's internship program.

"My internship at MTV2 was one of the most important decisions I made in my college career, and one of the smartest. I interned under Kelly Faber, who was herself an intern at one time, which made my experience even more enlightening. I think that because she had once interned, she knew what activities would be more beneficial.

"Kelly made sure we all had a variety of experience in each area. We were sent on field shoots, to the edit (room), and sometimes on shoots at concerts. We were able to meet and deal with talent (i.e. bands, actors, and VJ's). Also, we worked side-by-side with camera crews and producers."

Interns Get Hands-On Experience

"I was lucky enough to have an internship where there was a lot of hands on work, where I could learn what everyone's jobs were and how the different departments ran together. I also impressed them with my knowledge and skills from college. A lot of people were surprised to know that I've used equipment before and that I actually knew what they were doing. Because of that, they let me have more hands on and I was able to show them what I could do. Basically, the more you helped them out, the more they would give you the opportunity to be a part of.

"This internship was a huge step for me in my life and career. It got me into New York City. It led to me getting my first job. [Through it] I've made great friendships and great connections, as well as having many great experiences in the work field."

Contact Information

To find out more about internships in communication studies, please contact:

Internship Director and Area Supervisor for Audio-Radio Production and Digital Media Production

Tim Clukey
Office: 136E Yokum Hall
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-4290
Email: clukeytj@plattsburgh.edu

Area Supervisor for Communication Studies

Dr. Kirsten Isgro
Office: 202S Yokum Hall
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-2111
Email: Kirsten.Isgro@plattsburgh.edu

Area Supervisor for Broadcast Journalism and TV/Video Production

Peter Ensel
Office: 103B Yokum Hall
Plattsburgh, NY 12901
Phone: (518) 564-4287
Email: Enselpj@plattsburgh.edu