Just wondering if anyone has participated in the Communication Studies Internship program? If so, how was your experience with it? Where were you placed? Did you find it to be a valuable means of learning information that actually relates to your future career goals?

Any previous experience/insight would be great!

Hi!

I took the Communications (3B03 I believe) internship class and thought it was definitely useful. I was kind of lucky though because I was able to find my own paid placement. The profs, however, have a giant list of places that they have contact with and can help you find something in the area of your choosing. I'd say almost all of the ones that the profs can offer are unpaid though.

The internship is also great because it'll allow you to not only see if you enjoy working in Communications, but whether you like working in the specific company/agency you're put in. I realized through my placement/workplace experience that government Communications is VERY slow paced and not overly creative or demanding. I prefer a more fast-paced, creative environment, and therefore do not want to remain with the government. I wouldn't have known this otherwise.

In this day and age, I would ABSOLUTELY suggest attempting to gain some sort of workplace experience. When you're done university, you need something that will help you stand out. Experience is defintiely key in distinguishing yourself from your peers. Also, it will show that you've had the opportunity to apply what you've learned in a real-life setting.

The breakdown was extremely easy too. You had to write a short weekly journal on what you did at your placement (worth 33%), craft a presentation at the very end of the term based on what you learned (worth 33%) and write a short essay (around 5-6 pages) on what you've learned. The last two assignments are essentially the same.