Massey's Communication Internship 219311 enables students to integrate practical experience with the theory they have already gained studying towards their degree. It provides an opportunity for students to learn from organisations and industry professionals and to share latest theories and ideas with their hosts.
As each internship is different, the assignments you complete will be tailored to you and your placement. Before you start and throughout your internship, you will need to stay in contact with your academic advisor, who will oversee what assignments you complete. You will be expected to stay in contact with your academic advisor at least weekly.
Your assignments are submitted directly to your academic advisor. A range of potential academic assignments for the communication internship is listed in the 219311 Stream site.
While you will not be given an academic grade by the professionals at your workplace, your workplace supervisor will be asked for feedback. It is important you behave appropriately for the industry setting and show up regularly and punctually, just as you would as an employee. Your host enterprise is informed that they have the right to terminate your placement if your behaviour is unprofessional
The communication internship was developed after studying models and guidelines from institutions including the Annenberg School for Communication, Pennsylvania State University, ACT Department of Education and Training, Bond University, Northwestern University and Stanford University. Public Relations Institute of New Zealand (PRINZ) Executive Director Paul Dryden told us an internship was a 'must do' item on his list of preferred graduate qualities.
“I valued the opportunity to work for a newspaper and to discover exactly what qualities they preferred in an employee. The journalists provided constant encouragement and I continue to have a positive working relationship with them.”
“This internship gave me first-hand experience in a real-world setting, enhancing my personal growth as a communication management major, and adding to the credibility of my CV.”
Communication internship prerequisites
- Completion of at least 45 credits at 200-level with at least 15 credits from a 2192xx subject.
- GPA (grade point average) of at least B- (4). Exemptions can be made on a case-by-case basis. Discuss your options with the 219311 Campus Offering Coordinator.
- Ask an appropriate academic staff member if they will mentor you. If you have difficulty finding a supervisor, contact the 219311 Campus Offering Coordinator for help.
- Develop your CV and approach possible host organisations. If you have difficulty finding an internship host organisation, contact the 219311 Campus Offering Coordinator for help.
- After reaching an agreement with a host organisation on the internship dates and tasks and (or) project, arrange for the Internship Agreement to be signed off by the organisation and yourself. Send the signed contract to the 219311 Campus Offering Coordinator.
- Apply to 219311 via the student portal, using the Special Permission box, indicating when you sent the signed contract. Pay attention to the correct offering to enrol: Semester 1 (S1FS), Semester 2 (S2FS) or Summer School (SSHL), and the correct campuses: Auckland (AKLI), Manawatū (MTUI), Wellington (WLGI), or Distance (DISD).
- After confirmation of your enrolment, access the 219311 Stream site to find the course Study Guide and other relevant information.
- By the end of your internship period, ask your supervisor at your host organisation to fill out the Internship Host Feedback Survey.
- Complete the Communication Internship Student Feedback Form.
Getting started
Start early! We recommend beginning the process at least 6 weeks before the start of the semester in which you wish to undertake a placement. The process of finding an academic supervisor and placement could take longer than you expect.
As you prepare for your internship, you must develop a CV or resumé. You may also need to write multiple emails to enquire about a possible internship position. Many hosts also require a cover letter.
These documents not only help highlight your professional abilities but are also a chance for you to demonstrate your communication skills. They should be tailored to your personal experiences and the organisation you are approaching. Once you have drafted your CV, contact your Campus Offering Coordinator for further advice.
Useful links
General resources
Letters of introduction/inquiry
Internship specific cover letters for applications
Fastweb Career Planning
Career Addict
Generic cover letters
Resumés and CVs
Personal conduct during your placement
An internship is a privilege. Not only are you responsible for your own reputation, but you will also have an impact on the reputation of Massey University and its past and future students.
Presenting yourself as a well-informed, hardworking, eager and responsible person is essential for the future well-being of the internship programme. We rely upon you to ensure that the reputation of the Communication programme and the university is strengthened rather than undermined.
Confidentiality is crucial, both within and outside the workplace. You should be discreet at all times and not repeat gossip. You may form opinions about your workplace, but do not be publicly negative.
If you have problems, please discuss them with your academic supervisor immediately. They will assist you in working out how you should handle these problems.
Everything you observe in the workplace is strictly confidential, except the information you provide to your academic supervisor (who will also keep it confidential) or any feedback you may supply to the workplace as part of an assignment. Anything you write concerning your host organisation must be written in a way that is presented generically and cannot be identified.
Internship contract
The internship contract is a standard legal document for your work placement. It must be signed by you, your host and a representative of Massey, and it is your responsibility to ensure both you and your host have signed and returned the document prior to starting your placement.
The contract sets out the duties and protections around internships, including liability and confidentiality. It also ensures that you are properly insured and protected, and that staff at your host placement understand your role and obligations as an internship student, and their obligations as an internship student host. As it is a legal document, it is important you read it closely.
Hosting an intern
Throughout each year, we will have a group of potential interns looking to approach organisations such as yours to discuss possible placements that align with their own career goals.
Past hosts have said they found hosting an intern a rewarding experience.
Our students will start seeking placements towards the end of a year for the January/February intake, with subsequent study periods beginning in June/July and a smaller summer intake at the end of the year.
Interns often either work on a specific project for the duration of their placement, or they can shadow an industry professional or team to experience work in their chosen field.
Internships usually last between 12 to 15 days, either in a short intensive block placement or as 1 day a week on site throughout semester. The details, tasks and timing of the placement are usually decided by negotiation between student and workplace before the internship commences.
Contact us
Communication internship
If during your placement you feel you are not getting valuable professional experience or something else happens that makes you uncomfortable, please immediately contact your academic advisor or your campus offering coordinator.