J-MC School focuses on internships
To encourage students to gain professional experience, the School of Journalism and Mass Communication is hiring a half-time staff person to focus on internships and placement. The School is currently reviewing applications for a program associate to find and publicize opportunities and to help build alumni and employer networks.
"It is our initial thought to develop the [J-MC School] Resource Center into a full-fledged career planning and placement suite," Dr. David Perlmutter, director of the J-MC School, said. "I think this is the best arrangement we can hope for considering the severe budget constraints the University and the College face."
Advising students Amy A’Hearn discusses career options with a student. Photo by Justin Hoehn
In the meantime, Amy A’Hearn, a staff member in the Pomerantz Career Center, will be holding office hours in the Adler Journalism Building. A’Hearn will advise students on resumes, cover letters, internships and job searches. A’Hearn said the partnership between the Career Center and J-MC School will benefit the J-MC School.
"I’m currently helping [the J-MC School] with some projects as we anticipate this partnership," she said. "The [J-MC School] faculty had a recent meeting in our Career Center to see our space and learn more about what we do."
A’Hearn is contributing to an internship and job search manual, as well. A’Hearn and Society of Professional Journalists (SPJ) are teaming up with Publication Design instructor Ronald McClellen and a couple of J-MC students experienced in publication design to create a career and internship magazine for J-MC students. Topics in the magazine will include non-traditional journalism jobs, higher education and resume tips. The magazine will be completed by the end of spring 2010.