An internship for credit is a great way to transition from campus life to one of a working professional. It offers a practical way to integrate the classroom experience into the complex world of the professional and it enables you to:
- Develop good working habits and learn the realities of the workplace.
- Gain practical experience.
- Develop your own network of professional contacts.
- Build a portfolio and enhance your resume.
- Successfully compete in today's job market.
Begin your search in ComArtSci. The ComArtSci Center Career Center can help with everything from career exploration, resume and cover letter writing, mock interviews, job search strategy and even connect students with alumni and professionals that work in your field of interest. For more information stop by room 181 in ComArtSci, or schedule an appointment with a ComArtSci Career Advisor through your Handshake account.
Once you consider or receive an offer for an internship, you may apply to earn credit for you experience by applying for the PR 493 class. A good internship agreement will require dialogue between the student and the employer/organization. The educational value of an internship depends most on your exposure to the practice of public relations. The majority of work performed by interns must be professional in nature. Internships will vary in length, but it is recommended that they be at least seven weeks long and ideally run every week of your enrolled academic semester. You may earn PR 493 credit for both paid and unpaid internships.
Eligibility Requirements
Students looking to complete an internship for credit must:
- Be a Public Relations Major
- Have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA
If you meet the eligibility requirements, begin the application process by completing the following steps:
- Meet with your academic advisor to review your academics status, and determine if your internship placement meets the criteria to qualify for credit. Your advisor will also help you determine the proper number of credits you are eligible to earn. You may also stop in for Express Advising (Drop-In) on Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Credits
Hours/Week
Hours/Semester
1
2.67
40
2
5.33
80
3
8
120
4
10.67
160
5
13.33
200
6
16
240
7
18.67
280
8
21.33
320
9
24
360
10
26.73
401
11
29.4
441
12
32.07
481
13
34.73
521
14
37.4
561
15
40
600
- Apply for PR 493
- Review the sample syllabus for PR 493. Though you will not report to an actual course, you will be required to complete and submit assignments to the PR Internship Director, Amanda Vasas, throughout duration of your internship.
If approved, you will be enrolled in PR 493 and notified via email that the course has been added to your schedule.* You will also receive an email from the PR Internship Director with the PR 493 syllabus and instructions for accessing course information on D2L. Grades are not awarded for completion of PR 493; you will receive a Pass or Fail based on the merit of your experience, and successful completion of all assignments during the course of your internship.
*Please note PR 493 is billed per credit hour, similar to any other course at MSU.
Contacts
Amanda Vasas
Professor of Practice and PR Field Experience Program Director
Department of Advertising + Public Relations
avasas@msu.edu
517-432-8377
Michigan State University
Communication Arts and Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824
Jennifer Chesney
Academic Advisor
chesne24@msu.edu
Michigan State University
Communication Arts and Sciences Building
East Lansing, MI 48824