Internship Programs @ The School of Communication

The University of Akron

School of Communication

internship program

Information for Students
Intern Request Form

The School of Communication internship program is designed to be the capstone to a student’s academic career. Internships can provide students with an opportunity to obtain hands-on experience, to network and to obtain references and valuable items for their portfolios. In addition, internships can offer assistance to organizations that are willing to provide students with an opportunity to perform professional quality responsibilities in the communication field.

            Dr. Nancy Somerick, a professor in the School of Communication, directs the internship program. A four-person internship board approves applicants who meet eligibility requirements for the internship program. Board members are Professors Richard Caplan, Gabe Giralt, Bill Harpine and Andy Rancer.

            In addition to her other teaching responsibilities, Professor Somerick works with each applicant who has been approved by the internship board to help find appropriate internship placement. Her goal is to match each student’s career aspiration and academic preparation with a real-world, professional quality internship experience.

            The internship program is comprised of an undergraduate internship course and a graduate internship course, which students take for academic credit and a letter grade.

Students must be approved for an internship opportunity, be accepted as an intern by an organization, and register for internship academic credit before they can represent themselves as School of Communication interns.

Although most interns wish to be placed within driving distance of the UA campus, so that they can take additional courses while interning, they are not limited to the northeastern Ohio area. Placement opportunities are available throughout Ohio and the United States.

            The internship course is offered during the 15-week spring semester, the 15-week fall semester, the 10-week summer session II and III, and the five-week summer session II or summer session III.

            Students may obtain applications from the School of Communication, 108 Kolbe Hall. Organizations interested in obtaining an intern are asked to complete and return an Intern Request Form. Additional information about the internship program is available by contacting Professor Somerick at 330-972-6686.