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Internships

All Communication Studies majors are required to complete three credit hours of COMM 491: Internships.  An internship is one of the most valuable learning experiences a student can have. Internships afford students opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom, make important networking and reference contacts, affirm career plans and enhance resumes and portfolios—all things that are essential for future success.  Before proceeding with anything regarding your internship and COMM 491, please contact John.cole@mail.wvu.edu.

How do I register for Professional Field Experience (COMM 491)?

  • Find and secure a Communication-related internship that provides an opportunity to use and expand your understanding of communication beyond minimal, routine tasks.
  • Submit your official job description and proof of internship (e.g., offer letter/email) to John Cole at john.cole@mail.wvu.edu.
  • Once approved, you will receive an email with instructions on how to register for the course, completing your PFE agreement form, and submitting your coursework.

What types of internships are available?  

Students are responsible for finding, applying, and securing an internship that appeals to them. While some internship opportunities will be posted on this page (see the sidebar on the right), you can also find others available by searching Handshake, LinkedIn, and Google.

Communication Studies students have completed internships with advertising agencies, public relations firms, insurance companies, hospitals, non-profit organizations, pharmaceutical companies, event management firms, radio and television stations, chambers of commerce, human resource departments, consulting firms and more.  During the 2023-24 academic year, our students completed internships at:

Summer 2024

  • Fresh Start
  • DEI Consulting
  • Appalachia Service Project

Spring 2024

  • WVU Athletics Communication
  • Morgantown Dance Studio
  • IZEA

We also recommend that you:

  • Visit the WVU Career Services Center website  for Career & Internship Fair updates;
  • Update your resume and refine your cover letter;
  • Prepare your elevator pitch;
  • Schedule a practice interview with a career development specialist;
  • Participate in informational interviews with professionals who are doing what you’re interested in doing in 5 to 10 years;
  • Make connections with professionals in your field of interest by joining professional associations and utilizing online resources such as CareerShift (access code: wvsenior) and Linkedin;
  • Talk to alumni, professors, family, and friends to learn about potential opportunities. Ask them questions about how they got to where they are now;
  • Ask professionals in your area of interest for industry feedback and tips for breaking into the industry; and
  • Network through professional communication associations (e.g., the National Communication Association) and volunteer opportunities.

For more information on internships, contact John Cole.