Maximizing Your Potential: A Guide to Communication Intern Jobs and Responsibilities

Choosing to study communications opens doors to a multitude of career paths, making internships a crucial step in exploring the field. A communications internship offers invaluable experience, allowing students to apply their academic knowledge in real-world scenarios, develop essential skills, and build professional networks.

Why Pursue a Communications Internship?

The communications field is constantly evolving and seeking capable individuals. Internships provide a unique opportunity to gain a taste of what it’s like to work in communications, connect with potential mentors, learn industry secrets, and build relationships with coworkers possessing diverse expertise. Landing a paid communications internship is a significant bonus.

Moreover, the best communications internship programs significantly strengthen resumes, offer avenues to secure valuable letters of recommendation, and can even lead to full-time job offers. The benefits of exploring different facets of the communications field make it a worthwhile endeavor.

Essential Skills Gained

During a communications internship, you'll cultivate various skills crucial for future career success. These include:

Writing: Crafting compelling content for diverse audiences and platforms.
Teamwork: Collaborating effectively with colleagues to achieve shared goals.
Organization: Managing tasks, deadlines, and projects efficiently.
Accountability: Taking responsibility for your work and its impact.
Problem-solving: Identifying and resolving challenges creatively and strategically.
Time management: Prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Communication Skills: Honing both written and verbal communication abilities to convey information effectively.
Project Management: Learning how to plan and execute concrete goals.

Furthermore, immersion in the communications world enhances your understanding of quantitative aptitude, effective communication project management, and the company's supply chain.

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How to Secure a Communications Internship

Securing a communications internship requires preparation and strategic action. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Resume and Profile Optimization: Ensure your resume is up-to-date and your Handshake profile is complete. Recruiters are more likely to engage with students who demonstrate a clear interest in communications through a well-filled profile.
Interview Preparation: When you secure an interview, whether virtual or in-person, dress professionally and come prepared. Review your resume and cover letter, and be ready to provide specific examples from your coursework or extracurricular activities. Consider scheduling a mock interview with your university's career center or a trusted friend.
Networking: Once you've landed the internship, engage with your coworkers, treating both industry professionals and fellow interns with respect. You never know who might offer valuable insights or become a valuable connection in the future. Initiate coffee chats or informational interviews to learn about their career paths.
Utilize Online Platforms: When searching for communications internships, utilize location filters on platforms like Handshake to pinpoint opportunities in your desired city. You can also research potential job roles and top employers in the communications field through Handshake's search features.

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Attend Virtual Events: Enhance your career path growth by attending virtual events. These events provide opportunities to learn more about your field, network with employers and industry specialists, and connect with other students.

What to Include on Your Resume

When constructing your resume, highlight your skills, relevant coursework, and accomplishments. Indicating your preferred job role and location on your Handshake profile can also attract recruiters.

For communications interns, essential skills to showcase include:

Technical Skills: Specific software or platform proficiencies relevant to the role.
Time Management: Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines.
Execution: Demonstrated ability to follow through on projects and deliver results.
Teamwork: Experience contributing and collaborating effectively within a team.

Types of Communication Intern Roles

Internships in communications can span various roles across different industries. Here are some common examples:

Editor

Editors revise and prepare materials for publication in print and digital media. They often work for newspapers, magazines, book publishers, and media networks.

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Potential Employers: Quibbl, Hearst Magazines, Paravane Ventures
Average Pay: \$33,280

Copywriter

Copywriters create compelling content for a company's internal and external communications. Their responsibilities may include writing, editing, and graphic design.

Potential Employers: Riddle & Bloom, Dauntless Marketing Group, N3
Average Pay: \$56,770

Marketing Manager

Marketing managers oversee a company's promotional efforts through marketing and advertising campaigns. They manage research, planning, strategy, and execution of marketing initiatives aimed at increasing sales or brand awareness.

Potential Employers: KPMG LLP, Apple, Microsoft
Average Pay: \$42,000

Public Relations Manager

Public relations managers and specialists communicate with journalists and media outlets to promote news and create a specific public image for an individual, group, or organization. Their responsibilities may include managing social media accounts, writing press releases, and planning press events.

Potential Employers: MGR Strategic Communications, Nestle USA, Amazon Robotics
Average Pay: \$38,000

Finding Internship Opportunities

Communications internships for college students are available across various industries and locations. Even companies not primarily focused on communications often seek interns to help develop their brand voice.

Some companies that offer excellent opportunities for communications majors include:

Microsoft
Nestle USA
Quibbl
JMS Marketing
Red Bull

Paid vs. Unpaid Internships

While unpaid internships exist, many paid communications internships are available. Platforms like Handshake allow you to filter your search to specifically find paid opportunities.

The average annual pay for full-time communications jobs ranges from \$33,280 to \$63,000.

Are Internships Necessary?

While not always mandatory, internships are highly recommended for communications majors. They provide invaluable opportunities for growth, experience, and networking. From undergraduate internships to seasonal positions, you'll develop both hard and soft skills.

What Does a Communications Intern Do?

Beyond networking and mentorship, communications interns develop skills essential for their future careers. They learn to plan and execute goals, communicate effectively, manage projects, and collaborate within a team.

Opportunities Beyond Traditional Roles

Internships can also be found in unique settings, such as:

Marketing and Communications Teams: Supporting brand promotion through design solutions for print, digital, web, and environmental platforms.
Non-profit Organizations: Assisting with fundraising, event planning, and community outreach.
Government Agencies: Contributing to public relations, social media management, and policy planning.

Examples of Internship Opportunities

Here are some examples of potential internship responsibilities, demonstrating the diverse experiences available:

Creating publications and graphics for marketing campaigns.
Managing social media accounts and creating engaging content.
Assisting with event planning and execution.
Conducting research and gathering data for reports.
Writing press releases and other media materials.
Supporting internal employee communications.
Developing and implementing marketing strategies.

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