IWU’s Department of Communication and Theatre requires its students to complete at least one internship before graduation to gain experience. In this article, four IWU students share about their internship experience.
Student: Abby Hergert, media communication major
Internship: KSBJ and NGEN radio stations, Christian sister stations broadcasting to the city of Houston, Texas
Q: What were some of the main things you did during your internship?
A: I produced various audio pieces that aired on both stations. These pieces included sweepers, testimonies and devotionals. I also attended many planning and promotional meetings.
Q: What was the best thing you took away from your experience?
A: From this internship, I learned a lot about teamwork and communication. Had either of these things been lacking in an environment like this, it would not have run smoothly. There were over 80 full-time staff members for both stations combined, and it was important that everyone worked together and was on the same page.
Q: What advice would you give a student seeking an internship?
A: Apply all over, even to places you might not think will accept you. You shouldn’t just go for the easy internship that you know you can get. You shouldn’t be afraid to apply to places that might have a lot of competition to get in. Don’t take the easy route. Try to challenge yourself, and you might be surprised with the outcome.
Student: Heather Cox, convergent journalism major
Internship: Indianapolis Monthly, a magazine published in Indianapolis
Q: What were some of the main things you did during your internship?
A: For the most part, I did a lot of fact checking. I went through articles before they were published, made phone calls and dug through the internet to make sure that every last thing in the magazine’s articles were correct. I also wrote a few short articles and question and answers whether it was for the website or the magazine itself.
Q: What was the best thing you took away from your experience?
A: I have always been interested in writing for a magazine, so one of the best things about the internship was seeing the behind-the-scenes work. I got to see the making of a few issues from start to finish. I sat in meetings, listening to editors bounce ideas around and slowly watched those ideas come to fruition as I fact-checked them and then saw them in a print copy of the magazine. It’s a fun process to witness and be a part of!
Q: What advice would you give a student seeking an internship?
A: Start looking for internship opportunities early on in your college career. I would also advise students to look at their internship as a huge learning opportunity, rather than something they have to do. Evaluate what you could see yourself doing in the future and then look for an internship related to that area. Test the water to make sure that’s something you’re actually interested in before committing to it long-term!
Student: Alyssa Benson, strategic communication
Internship: Billy Graham Library, part of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association
Q: What were some of the main things you did during your internship?
A: I mainly handled the promotions and event planning for the library. I managed and created all of their social media, and prepped and facilitated events at the library. I also sent out various press releases, web content and contacted individuals associated with the events.
Q: What was the best thing you took away from your experience?
A: I gained confidence with what I was learning in school was being put into practice. I had professionals that who were continually affirming my work and decisions, and really made me feel that I was in the right field. I loved what I did every day and felt like I’m doing what I am supposed to be.
Q: What advice would you give a student seeking an internship?
A: Look for internships in your career field but don’t be afraid to try something a little different. I am a strategic communication major, but in my internship, I did a lot of things that fell outside of that realm. Also, don’t be afraid to go further from home! I went all the way to North Carolina, and it was honestly one of the best summers of my life.
Student: Elizabeth Minor, theatre major
Internship: Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts, Warsaw, Indiana
Q: What were some of the main things you did during your internship?
A: I interned as the assistant stage manager for their summer stock season under the stage manager. My tasks included making copies and making paperwork to track set pieces, people, props and shifts during shows. I also ran backstage each show night. I would pick up actors and help out in any other capacity needed.
Q: What was the best thing you took away from your experience?
A: The most important thing that I took away was being able to learn from a director who has worked for 25 years and a stage manager who has experience all over the country. I came away with some really great connections and some great friends.
Q: What advice would you give a student seeking an internship?
A: Look early. Do not be afraid to use any connection you have. Know your strengths and weaknesses and be willing to learn. Always have a good attitude. You don’t know who is watching.
