Tips for Success
After you have registered for COM 488, talk with the faculty contact for your professional area. In most cases, you will be given the names and contacts for several internship possibilities. The department tries to match student interests with the needs of the companies and organizations seeking interns. Students also may suggest other internship possibilities that they are aware of, perhaps through personal or family connections.
Each internship possibility will involve an interview. This is a serious undertaking, and students should approach it very professionally.
1. Initiate meeting. Students should initiate the meeting, telephoning the potential intern supervisor for an interview. Let the supervisor know that you have been referred by the Buffalo State Communication Department. Negotiate a mutually convenient time to meet.
2. Prepare resume. Ask what you should bring to the meeting. Minimally you should have copies of your professional resume and a separate typed list of references. Additionally you should have some samples of your work (writing samples for journalists and public relation students; CDs or tapes for broadcasting students; brochures and ads for advertising and graphics students).
3. Research. Do some research on the company or organization so you can ask intelligent questions and participate in a good discussion. Watch the TV station; listen to the radio station; read the newspaper or magazine. Check out the organization on the Internet. Be familiar with its Web site.
4. Arrive early. Make sure you have directions to the interview site. Arrive early. Plan for likely delays in transportation, parking, and so on.
5. Dress professionally. Dress and groom yourself professionally and appropriately for the type of job you will be doing. An office position would have different dress expectations than a production assistant, but in every case dress "up" for the occasion, and make sure your clothing is neat and clean. Check your appearance right before the interview.
6. First impressions. Greet the person interviewing you with a warm smile and a firm handshake. First impressions mean a lot.
7. Remember names. Make a particular effort to remember the names of people you meet during the interview. It is not unusual that several people will have a voice in the decision about offering the internship.
8. Job information. Discuss the job description and expectations for this internship position. Also discuss your relevant courses and professional work experience.
9. Personal impression. Realize that you may not be the only person being interviewed for this position. Discuss your strengths with confidence. Be enthusiastic and positive. Remember that you are coming from a college and a department with an excellent track record in every area of communication.
10. Final notes. Leave with an understanding about when a decision might be made. Try to find out how many others are being interviewed. If appropriate, let the internship supervisor know if you are considering any other internship possibilities as well. End with some idea of when both of you will reach a decision.
11. Thank you. Send a thank-you card or note (not an e-mail) immediately. Use this note to reaffirm your interest and restate your strengths.