Communication, Media and Theatre Department Internships

What are the requirements for an internship?

You must be a junior or senior with cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or above and CMT GPA of 3.0 or above. You also must have completed two 300-level classes, earning an A or B in both, by the first day of your internship. You must also have a third 300-level course either graded or in-progress by the first day of your internship. For three class credit hours, you will work 10 hours a week at your internship.

How do I find an internship?

Many organizations list internship opportunities under the “About Us” or “Career” sections of their websites. A popular website for communication and media-related internships is the Society of Professional Journalist’s Chicago Headline Club. You can find some great theatre internships at Chicago Artists Resource, and the Northeastern offices of Student Counseling Services and Career Development have listings as well. Your faculty advisor and our Internship Coordinator, Edie Rubinowitz, are both helpful resources.

How do I apply?

Download and print an application form or pick one up from your faculty advisor or the CMT Department. We will request a current resume, a statement of purpose, and a sample of your work that can demonstrate your ability to succeed in this internship.

CMT Internship Application

What is the deadline for applying?

The application deadline for fall internships is Sept. 1. The application deadline for spring internships is Dec. 1. For summer internships, contact Edie Rubinowitz at e-rubinowitz@neiu.edu during the spring semester.

Is it a competitive process?

Receiving course credit for internships is competitive and not guaranteed — it is contingent upon your GPA, previous coursework, how well you articulate the purpose of/desire for an internship, and how relevant the internship is to the CMT curriculum. Limited spots are available as faculty members who are assigned intern supervision may only work with up to two interns per semester.

How am I graded?

You will be required to keep a weekly journal of your experiences, reporting on your challenges and successes. In addition, your site supervisor is required to provide a midterm and final evaluation of your work. You will also hand in a final written report (and examples, if applicable) to your faculty supervisor.

Can an internship lead to a job?

Yes. You may not finish with your internship with a job offer, but internships often provide valuable connections and have opened doors for some students. Internships demonstrate experience and ability to work in a professional environment to potential employers. A reference or letter of recommendation from an internship supervisor is impressive. Your internship experience may also help you decide what type of specific work interests you (or doesn’t). For example, a CMT student with a summer internship at NBC-Chicago was hired as a freelance producer within a few weeks of the end of her internship.

Where have students interned in the past?

Students have interned at a great variety of places in Chicago. Here are a few examples:

Do you have any specific tips for applying for an internship?

Start early. Figure out what you are interested in and what you might like to try. Talk to friends, family and professors. Scan the “About Us” page on websites of places you may be interested in and visit the Office of Student Counseling and Career Services (Room B 119.) Polish your resume and tailor it to the internship you want.

Will it pay?

Generally, no – at least not in the short term. Think of an internship as an investment – it can lead to a job that pays. Often, professional workplaces won’t hire someone without experience – an internship can get you out of this “Catch-22” situation (“I can’t get experience because they won’t hire anyone without experience!”). You may want to investigate the Minority Internship Program, which funds selected student interns. For more information, contact Suleyma Perez at (773) 442-5415 or in Room C 210.

What are the expectations of me at the workplace?

Expectations will vary from organization to organization. Generally, there is a range of responsibilities at any given internship from hands-on creative work like writing to office tasks like making copies. We hope the majority of your time will develop your skill set, but mundane tasks are often part of a job, and certainly part of paying your dues at the beginning of your career. All workplaces will expect you to behave professionally; be on time and dress appropriately. Learn the culture of your workplace.

What if I am a transfer student and already have 300-level CMT transfer courses?

Transfer students with 300-level CMT courses on their transcript must still take one 300-level CMT course here in the Department before being eligible for a CMT internship. Internships will not be granted in the first semester of your transfer.