Welcome to the Communications Department at Palomar College

Certificate Requirements | RTV Home page |  Directory | Course Descriptions

Internship Program

WHAT IS AN INTERNSHIP?

An internship is a directed, practical learning experience, outside of the normal classroom setting, in which students sharpen skills, gain experience through work on advanced productions, apply classroom learning to professional settings or projects, and learn first hand how professional companies or organizations operate. You should realize that most internships are an opportunity for you to learn and observe, therefore you may be assigned to do what appear to be somewhat menial tasks. The main point is that you are in a situation that will allow you to observe and become acquainted with this industry in a more specific way.

WHERE ARE MOST INTERNSHIPS?

Internships fall into several categories:

  1. Area broadcast/cable companies
  2. Production houses
  3. Community agencies/companies which desire production work
  4. Palomar College Educational Television
  5. Palomar College Communications Department

Where you intern will depend on your particular interest, the opportunities that are available, and the relationships that the College will be able to establish with the professional community.

WHY PARTICIPATE IN AN INTERNSHIP?

There are many good reasons for participating in internships:
bulletTo learn more about the entire career field, or particular aspects of it
bulletTo apply theory learned in class to an actual working situation
bulletTo give you an edge in applying for a job. An internship listed on a resume shows yuo have takewn the initiative to obtain working experience. You will be able to get a letter of recommendation that can be included in a job application (assuming you do a good job)
bulletYou will begin to build a "network" of contacts in the industry that can lead to information about available jobs
bulletSome internships lead to jobs within the company itself (although this is the exception rather than the rule.)

WHAT IS EXPECTED OF ME AS AN INTERN?

Remember! Those providing you with the internship are doing you a favor. You may be asked to do things that are menial or seem unimportant. But you will be able to observe first hand the operation of a professional organization. Even though you are doing what seems to be a menial task, you are in a position to be given greater opportunities if they arise, and you will be given a recommendation at the close of the internship. This is invaluable!

If you will be offended by doing menial tasks, and working beneath what you believe are your full abilities, DON'T TAKE AN INTERNSHIP!

HOW DO I BECOME INVOLVED IN AN INTERNSHIP?

  1. Fill out the Application for Internship form and return to Dana Hawkes immediately. This will be your statement of intent to participate in an internship. Internships will be arranged on the basis of applications received prior to the beginning of the Semester. We will be contacting employers in the area and other agencies to attempt to set up internships for those applying. Appointments will be arranged for interviews of potential applicants. A listing of available internships will be presented at the Experimental Topics/Coop-Ed meetings, or posted on the internship board outside the Dept. Office, U-9.
  2. Enroll in at least one unit of RTV 194b/294b and the special RTV Coop. Ed. Section. (The one with Dana Hawkes as instructor) NOTE!!!! You must be enrolled in this class by the end of the second week of the semester to participate in an internship. New requirements by the college will prohibit enrolling after the second week. The safest thing is to enroll. If you do not obtain an internship, you will have time to drop without penalty.
  3. Prepare a resume that can be given to a potential internship provider.
  4. Interview with the instructor to get internship recommendations.
  5. Interview with potential internship employers.
  6. Complete learning contracts or Statement of Cooperation with employer.

Return to the Communications Department Home Page