An Internship Program for Your Organization: What It Takes to Get the Job Done!
From Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg’s Lean In internship snafu – to the former intern suing P. Diddy – internships are a hot topic these days. Despite these and other high-profile cases, internships are still a valuable investment for employers and students alike – as long as they are executed effectively.
At this month’s IABC St. Louis luncheon, you’ll learn how to maximize an existing internship program or start one from scratch in your organization. Our panel represents all perspectives on this topic – from an employer, to a student, to a university internship director.
Key takeaways include:
- How can an internship program be beneficial to your organization – particularly in communications?
- Why should your nonprofit, corporation or small business invest in an internship program?
- What pitfalls should employers be aware of when employing paid or unpaid interns?
- What tips do the experts recommend for establishing or improving an internship program?
Mindy Berkowitz is Director of the School of Communications Center for Portfolio Development & Internships at Webster University. She has more than 20 years in the corporate community, nonprofit and educational organizations. As Director, she has taken a small internship program in scope and size and has created a program with a defined mission, learning outcomes, and assessment plan that is fully integrated into the culture of the School of Communications. The Center assists more than 150 students within 16 different majors each year in securing credit bearing internships across the country and globe. Mindy also serves as Midwest Region Co-chair of the National Association of Experiential Education.
Ellen Flesch is the Senior Graphic Designer at the Missouri Botanical Garden, where she’s been designing and producing books, posters, signage, advertising, and more for 13 years. She started the Garden Publications intern program in 2002. With four interns each semester, she has now mentored over 80 former interns. The internship program has grown over 11 years to a defined curriculum and project assignments that teach students what is like to work in the real world before they start their first professional job. She has also formed an alumni program to help former interns network and find out about job opportunities.
Amanda Karas is a senior at Webster University seeking a bachelor's degree in public relations. Amanda gained practical experience during her internship this past summer at the City of St. Peters. Her internship experience helped her improve her writing, event planning and more. She has always been interested in communications and has held several on-campus positions related to public relations and special events.
